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PFF: Saints Team Needs

I'm officially fixated on Erin Henderson.

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Team Needs 2012…New Orleans Saints
February 28th, 2012 | Author: Ben Stockwell

Primary Need: Outside Linebacker

The Saints have a new defensive regime on board this offseason with Gregg Williams having departed for St. Louis. Saints fans should be praying for old loyalties to depart with Williams as well to allow a desperately needed upgrade at outside linebacker to take effect. The likes of Scott Shanle (-15.1), JoLonn Dunbar (-26.3), and Jonathan Casillas (-11.2) were found wanting last season, and most seasons before then, combining for an overall PFF Grade of -52.6.

Dunbar and Casillas have shown some promise in the past, but is promise enough on a team ready to win it all?

There isn’t a deep pool of free agents at outside linebacker this offseason, but depending upon how they budget for an upgrade at outside linebacker, they can make a positive stride. The Vikings have seemingly been reluctant to re-sign Erin Henderson (+21.7) and the former Maryland Terrapin would be an immediate upgrade for the Saints as a three-down linebacker. He would bring ferocious downhill run defense with more than competent coverage skills which he showcased in limited action as a three-down player when his brother was ailing earlier this season.

On a smaller budget, both LeRoy Hill (+5.7) and Philip Wheeler (+9.3) have the potential to contribute positively to the Saints if they shake loose from their current squads.

Secondary Need: Defensive Tackle

... If they want big run-stuffers again, then they can’t go far wrong with Sione Pouha (+30.0) and Broderick Bunkley (+24.1). Yes, both have played a lot over the nose, but both also have extensive experience playing in a four-man line, unlike Franklin did. If they feel like rolling the dice via two interesting and potentially shrewd signings then they could look at Jason Jones (-9.3) of the Titans and Derek Landri (+22.0) of the Eagles. Jones’ move to defensive end was an unmitigated failure for Tennessee this offseason, but he has been a disruptive force at defensive tackle. The Saints are in dire need of upgrading their base pass rush to lighten the load on their linebackers during games. Landri, on the other hand, is a proven sub-defender and had a spectacular season in Philadelphia in 2011.

Rest of article: Team Needs 2012...New Orleans Saints | ProFootballFocus.com

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Originally Posted by Danno (Post 380796)

I'm officially fixated on Erin Henderson.

Yeah, I was very impressed with his progression through the year playing next to his older brother. But, I doubt that the Vikes are going to let him go, because he'll be worth the salary he'll be asking for.

Jones and Henderson should be on the radar, that still leaves 1 more DT and a MLB or another OLB.

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Originally Posted by halloween 65 (Post 380804)

Jones and Henderson should be on the radar, that still leaves 1 more DT and a MLB or another OLB.

Most of which we'll address in free agency.

I had no idea Dubar graded so badly. I wonder if it was just a couple early games that skewed the overall grade?

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Originally Posted by Danno (Post 380825)

Most of which we'll address in free agency.

I had no idea Dubar graded so badly. I wonder if it was just a couple early games that skewed the overall grade?

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

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Originally Posted by Budsdrinker (Post 380828)

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

Good observation, I forgot about that. He wasn't so hot at SLB. Too short.

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Originally Posted by Budsdrinker (Post 380828)

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

I agree!! I wonder how he graded at MLB, he looked good there.

I could be mistaken but I think it was between -5 and 0... which is a whole lot better than -26.

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Originally Posted by Budsdrinker (Post 380828)

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

"Much" is a relative term, but better for sure - still not at a perennial starter level.

Hill just got busted for pot, so i doubt we look his way....

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Originally Posted by saintsfan1313 (Post 380866)

Hill just got busted for pot, so i doubt we look his way....

You say that like it's a bad thing! :-D