Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

New Orleans Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson was on the Chicago Bears staff when receiver Cameron Meredith had his breakout season.

The 25-year-old caught 66 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns in 2016, and Johnson had a first-hand look at what made the new Saints receiver so successful that season.

"He's a versatile guy," Johnson said. "Very smart, plays a variety of different positions and for a tall guy he can get in and out of breaks. He's fast but he can really cut. He can really stop and start."

Johnson touted Meredith's intelligence and experience playing quarterback in college at Illinois State and in high school as part of his versatility.

"The biggest thing is getting over this injury and I think he's doing fine," Johnson said.

Meredith missed the 2017 season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. He signed a two-year deal with the Saints in April, and the Chicago area native said he is hoping to be healthy for training camp. Johnson said the receiver is excited about getting to work.

"He's been around. He's been doing everything with the quarterback so hopefully he has a full recovery and he can get out there for us this year and make some plays," Johnson said.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound pass catcher is joining a wide receiver room that has several other bigger receivers with Pro Bowler Michael Thomas at 6-3, Brandon Coleman (6-6) and rookie receiver Tre'Quan Smith (6-2).

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Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Meredith has long speed. Ginn is still darn fast but I wonder which player on the practice squad will come up to stretch the field?

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Don't forget Deon Yelder. His hands are like Michael Thomas. Dude can catch & good in those intermediate routes (help us move the chains on 3rd & long).

Here is a guy I hope replaces Josh Hill or Housyodad.

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Notice that captain's patch Watson was wearing. I'm expecting him to have it back again this year.

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Kamara and Ingram had a great season, not taking anything away from them but the blocking downfield was outstanding. WR's and TE's were leveling defenders. Watching highlights of those two, a lot of those runs were busted open by blocking.

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

That is the reason why I have a feeling that Coleman might stick around. he is an excellent blocker.

Re: Blocking, getting bigger an emphasis in Saints' receiver aquisitions
 

Our receivers are not willy nillly blockers like most of the NFL. Coleman, Thomas, Meredith, Hill, Watson all strong blockers. We are designed to carve up the lanes downfield.