FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18
 

The Saints are receiving different results from their two highest picks in the 2003 draft. Offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb has blossomed in the offseason conditioning program and now ranks among the strongest players on the roster. A lack of strength, particularly in the lower body, was one of Stinchcomb's biggest drawbacks when the Saints drafted him in the second round. It's also a major reason why he has played sparingly since then. However, his progress and positive attitude have created optimism among club officials. His progress gives the club confidence that he could fill in at either tackle spot if starters Wayne Gandy or Jermane Mayberry are injured. In fact, it's not out of the question that Stinchcomb could challenge for the starting right tackle spot if Mayberry struggles to make the switch from right guard. . . .
By contrast, Johnathan Sullivan has disappointed team officials with his lack of progress. Entering his third season, the former first-round pick has yet to show the drive and commitment it takes to be a productive starter. His conditioning again ranks among the worst on the team, and his attitude continues to be inconsistent. As a result, the Saints almost certainly will select a defensive tackle at some point in the draft as insurance. The club has little depth at nose tackle behind Howard Green.
SCOUTING REPORT: Safety/special teams ace Steve Gleason is in tremendous shape after a strong offseason of strength and conditioning work in Arizona. Gleason is a Steve Tasker-like force on special teams. He's a sure tackler who plays with great intensity. As a safety, Gleason is a bit of a 'tweener. He's somewhat undersized at strong safety and not quite fast enough and athletic enough to man the free safety spot. Gleason dedicated himself after an injury-filled 2004 season in which he missed time because of a broken hand, concussion and pulled hamstring. The hand injury prevented Gleason from weight-training his upper body, and his weight dropped below 200 pounds. This season he's already at 215 and all of the new weight is muscle.

FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18
 

it would certainly be refreshing to have some hope come to fruition with stinchy. i am tiring of the effort of eve mentioning sullivan if he doesn\'t show signs of life soon.

FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18
 

That may be the best news I\'ve heard in a while.
Among the strongest on the team?

Oh, and from now on, I will not even acknowledge Sullivan is on this team until he actually PROVES something. We now have a 52 man roster in my book.

No AB talk, No Sullivan talk.


And... How many current Saints have ever had this said about them...

Smith\'s (Will) biggest drawback might be his aggressiveness.

FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18
 

I am going to proceed with caution here. It seems every year at about this time the Saints tell us about how some former draft pick who hasn\'t panned out yet is \"really impressing team officials,\" \"is in great shape,\" and \"may even challenge for a starting spot.\" I\'m not really buying anything from the organization anymore. I want to see players prove it on the field.


That said, if this report is true, it only strengthens my belief that the Saints should draft LB, OT, and DT in the first 3 rounds, not questions asked. Whichever player is the BPA at those three positions when the Saints are on the board should be selected.

Can you imagine is Stinchcomb can start at RT? Holland, Bentley, and Mayberry inside is filthy. There\'s no way that Stinchcomb can be nastier than those guys, but if he\'s just as strong (and supposedly headier), then he would be a great RT. A first or second round LT might challenge Gandy for a starting spot this year. Even if not, our line would be set for years to come.


On D, if they can draft a run stuffing DT who actually pans out and a LB, this team will have all of the young talent in place to be good for as long as they can keep then together. Grant, Draft Pick, Young, Smith, Watson, Draft Pick, Buckwoldt/Allen/Whomever, McKenzie, Brown, Bellamy, and Smith. They would still be wise in future offseasons to address WLB, CB, and SS - but this is a heck of a lot better than what we\'ve had.

FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18
 

Although cautious, like Who, I also liked the new on Stinchy. Very, very good to hear if true.

Who was it that said Sullivan was talented again? What a waste. 52 man roster, I like that Danno. Don\'t acknowledge him like they did to Cartman on South Park. ;)

Very much like the attitude on Will Smith. Darren who? See ya bud. Happy trails.