saintswhodi

Do we want him? His time as a Redskin is pretty obviously coming close to being over. Do we trade for him like we did for McKenzie, or do we hope the Redskins cut him in the offseason and we are able to make a play for him? I have read where he is regarded as the most overrated player in the league, outside of Urlacher. Even with that though, wouldn't he instantly become our best LB? We passed on Kendrell Bell due to injury history last off-season(at least I think that's why we passed), but he is blowing up in KC. Bottom line, do we take a shot and attempt to get Lavar?

papz

He definately warrants consideration. He's a very talented linebacker when healthy and motivated. However if we draft a ready-now type of linebacker in the first round of next years draft... or second, then we might not need him as much. He's probably also going to get a nice size contract somewhere and I don't think we really can afford him. We still have to sign Bentley and Brown. Does anyone know how much longer we have Stallworth under contract for?

saintz08

As far back as a leading linebacker is on the list for New Orleans , give it a shot .

Player Team G Cmb Tck Solo Ast

Jonathan Vilma NYJ 4 48 35.0 18 13
Courtney Watson NO 4 19 12.0 10 7

saintswhodi

According to NFLPA.org, Stallworth is signed until 2007. Lavar has a large contract, but more than likely this year we are gonna move a large contract in Howard, by him walking. Or we could trade him for Lavar. Doesn't mean we can't get one of the stud LBs in next year's draft as well. As a matter of fact, with Lavar falling so far down the depth chart for the Redskins, if we offered them Howard, they may throw in a first day pick just to get it done. Howard has been a star for the defense, but I think Will Smith can be too in a full time role. I have no doubt. So Lavar and say an AJ Hawk or a Chad Greenway? Ahmad Brooks? Yikes. Then we could have Watson at WLB where he should be. In one year, LB would go from an obvious weakness to a definite strength. But it's all just talk. I really just wanted to know if there was any interest in Lavar.

papz

Boo... giving up on Colby already?

I've been thinking... anyone else besides me considered a switch to a 3-4? Will Smith like Jason Babin and DeMarcus Ware all have the ability to play outside linebacker. If we could draft a clogger, Wright from Texas, and surround him with Howard and Grant upfront... we could then make Will into a full time outside linebacker where he could reck havoc on other teams every down. Grant and Howard are both big enough to handle the DE spot on a 3-4 while still being able to rush the passer. So let's say we sign Arrington once he gets cut... which he will because he cap number gets larger and larger every year... Arrington, Watson, Colby/Fincher/Allen (whoever wants to step up out of them... another sugguestion is to put a Sims or Nichalson here in the second round), and Smith as our backers. How does that sound to everyone?

TallySaint

I like the sound of that. With a nod to Nicholson at the moment. Note: A.J has a brother here in Tallahassee. Freshman LB Derek Nicholson, 6-2 228.


8)

saintswhodi

Who said anything about giving up on Colby? Kid needs to learn to tackle, but he will still get on the field. Besides, someone will get injured and give him PT, they always do. lol

But I am not sure I like Howard and Grant in a 3-4. That's a whole season of learning a new D. We see what it did to the Raiders D last year and they switched back this year. To play a 3-4, you have to have really special LBs. None of our LBs, at this point, would I consider special. Also, Lavar hasn't played in a 3-4 either I don't believe. So that would be a whole defense learning a new scheme. If we had better offense, maybe we could survive the growing pains. Now I like what you are saying about getting big Willie on the field as a pass rushing 3-4 end, but Babin and Ware weigh 23 and 27 pounds less than Will respectively. That allows them to do more in a 3-4 than just rush. We wouldn't have that with Will. Plus that gives them more speed. Will is the right weight for a 4-3 end, he just needs to get on the field. finally, Venturi can't coach a 4-3 defense, do you really want to trust him with a philosophy change? lol

iceshack149

Definately. I've watched Arrington blow up people. He is bettter than any of the Saints current linebackers so go out and get him.
I love the linebacker position and have been starving for a good to great LB to be on the field for the Saints. Especially get him if they can make a trade for Howard.

papz

Who said anything about Venturi coaching them... :P Hopefully we'll be able to get rid of him at the end of the year. With all that I've said, this is with the thought of us missing the playoffs and finishing with a mediocre record. I mean if we manage to make it in the playoffs and win a game, there's would be no reason for changing out of a 4-3. Prior to Gibbs being there, Washington was playing a 3-4 with Arrington on the team. It's just a thought... we need to change something around here if we miss the playoffs again. And if changing to a 3-4 to try to emulate the Pats, Steelers, Chargers, etc... I'm game. We wouldn't know unless we tried it... ala the Cowboys during the offseason. I'm pretty sure Smith could lose 10-15 pounds and be even better than he is now... that's pretty scary if you ask me.

Tally... I'm a big fan of both and have been watching them like a hawk since you've told me about them prior to the season. Both are studs... I've been very very impressed with Florida St's defense period. But of the two, AJ is more athletic of the two but Sims is one that is more physical. I think he is the type that we need on this team... that's just my opinion though. Either one would make me happy though...

4saintspirit

I think Lavar has some juice left -- and would be an improvement to our linebacking core but Arrington' stock is a little low right now so he defintely will get cut next year -- and his large salary will go down a notch or 2. That is when I would take him. I would not trade Howard for him unless we got something else like a number 2