hennr

Haralson played very good against the run an if cleared on the medical side to me should be the next vet that needs to be resigned.Yes Saints have roster needs such as depth at Tackle if charles Brown is not resigned.Lack of cap space will limit how much can be done in free agency.I think the top 4 draft picks will have to be used to provide the depth which is bad as the Saints could be in a position where the top rds 1 thru 4 will have to be need picks an not the best player on the draft board as is best for the long term.Also it will be inexperienced depth.

saintsfan1976

Without cap room our options aside from Center (Lolito) are draft picks.

triman

Don Banks has us picking CJ Mosley in his mock. Not the biggest need ,but I would love that pick. He is a stud that would be a upgrade and possible pro bowler. Walter football claims that he is falling . WR in my mind is the biggest need. IMHO 1st rd WR s are the biggest gamble in the draft .I am thinking king we wait till later in the draft that has tons of depth at WR. CB is an obvious need and must be addressed in the first 3rds .Pass rushers ar e at a premiu .Mm and no way do we pass up one that falls to us .OL will be addressed probably in later rds. It is just how we do. We might pick a center in rd 3 . After saying all this the FO will likely do anything and I trust them.

Jack Vegas

According to Holder the Saints have $3,089,000 of cap room after the Strief/PT/Morgan/Lorig deals and Lewis restructure. That should be more than enough to keep De la Puente or sign any other veteran center they like. And maybe add one more player (Haralson?) on top of that. Or they could sign Graham long-term and put that money toward a big upfront signing bonus. Rookie pool is already accounted for in the cap figure so no reason to worry about that.

The Dude

I agree with your overall assessment but I have to move WR to number 1. The addition of Byrd will help make White look better. Like you said we really only have 2 receivers we can trust. There is a lot of talent at WR in the draft but rookies rarely come out at that position and fit right in. I wish we would pick up one vet in FA that could immedietly help. I'm afraid our offense could be in trouble here. Loomis will figure it out I'm sure.

saintfan

Draftnics, I'm speaking to YOU people:

Is there not a Center in the draft, a mauler-type, potentially skilled at run AND pass blocking, that we might focus on, rather than pay an average guy a lot of money when we're not truly satisfied with his play?

Danno

Marcus Martin, C, USC, 6-3, 320

STRENGTHS: Only a third-year collegiate player but already boasts the frame of an NFL interior lineman, possessing the naturally thick build conducive to playing in the trenches. Good quickness off the snap, showing the ability to get to the second level as well as seal defenders to create running lanes.

Possesses good core flexibility and natural knee bend to help him anchor against bull rushes. Slides well laterally to mirror pass rushers and keeps his head on a swivel to help teammates.

Plays with some nastiness. Plays to the whistle and isn't opposed to getting an extra shot in as the whistle blows. A good athlete whose flaws are coachable, suggesting that his best football is still ahead of him.

WEAKNESSES: Only has one year of starting experience at center and is likely to remain at this position in the NFL due to his less than ideal height. Plays very low, which gives him a natural leverage advantage but also makes him prone to effective swim moves from taller defenders. Relies on his punch too much, over-extending and getting himself off-balance.

Spends too much time on the ground because he attempts to knock defenders over rather than simply mirroring them or working to sustain his blocks. Can be a step late in reacting to surprise blitzes. Good quickness to the second level but doesn't redirect well.

COMPARES TO: Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns -- Mack was among the more polished and talented centers in recent history when he left Cal and was selected by the Browns with the 21st overall pick of the 2009 draft. Martin isn't yet at this stage but his upside is clear, as is his grit and physicality. With dedication to his craft, Martin could emerge as a quality starter in the NFL.

--Rob Rang (2/2/14)

Jack Vegas

Counting on a draft pick to start is maybe not the wisest move. Matt Tennant was one of the better center prospects his year, but he couldn't hack it. Andy Alleman was very well-regarded as a center/guard and he couldn't play either. Even Carl Nicks was not ready to play his rookie year. You just never know.

Having said that, we still have Lelito. The way he played last year, we're pretty certain he's at least going to be decent. So maybe you draft a center and let those two guys fight it out. Saintfan I am definitely with you there, I just think DLP will probably come cheaper than we expect and if so it might be a good idea to keep him.