Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Colby Bockwoldt lined up at middle linebacker when the New Orleans Saints began their weekend mini-camp. By the end of five practices over three days, Bockwoldt had lined up at all three linebacker positions, as had all of the Saints' other linebackers.

New coach Sean Payton and his staff want to see all of the linebackers at all positions so they can select the best combination, regardless of where they played previously.

Bockwoldt started at weakside linebacker last season. Strongside starter Sedrick Hodge signed with Miami as a free agent, and middle linebacker Courtney Watson is now backup after New Orleans signed Scott Fujita and Anthony Simmons as free agents.

"We've acquired some players because it was an area we felt like we needed to improve and whether or not it's finished there, it's probably too early to say," Payton said. "Some of these guys we've been able to sign we're getting a good look at now and some have more experience than others."

Bockwoldt made the team on special teams as a seventh-round draft choice in 2004 and worked his way into the starting lineup by the end of the season.

"For me, I'm treating this year as my rookie season," Bockwoldt said. "There's a whole new coaching staff. They don't know me from Joe Schmoe. It's a whole new scheme. I've never played in a different scheme. I've always been with the Saints. So for me this is my first year. I have to go out there, be serious, play hard, learn a new scheme, put in extra film time, extra football work."

Fujita started the last eight games for the Cowboys last season. He was acquired in a trade with Kansas City prior to the season after playing three seasons with the Chiefs.

"This a fresh start for me with all these new players and the new coaches; it's a fresh start for them as well," Fujita said. "Any knocks that have been on any players or any positions on this team, everybody gets a new chance. That's what's so exciting about this, to start something from the ground up."

Simmons is a nine-year veteran who missed all of last season with the Seahawks because of a wrist injury.

"He's a guy that was a former first-round draft pick that's got good ability, can run, is excited I think to get back in the game," Payton said. "He's someone who's had experience in this league."

Notes:

The Saints re-signed kick returner/wide receiver Michael Lewis, who had been a free agent, to a three-year contract. Lewis has returned kicks for the Saints since 2001 and went to the Pro Bowl after the 2002 season. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game last season. Quarterback Drew Brees, who did not throw during the mini-camp because he's just three months removed from shoulder surgery, said he was returning to Birmingham, Ala., to resume his rehabilitation. He expects to begin throwing in about two weeks.


http://www.nola.com/sportsflash/loui...st=nola_sports

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

they are just trying to find the best fit for each position. i have always like colby. i think he may start for us again. i don't think that is a bad thing either

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

no not at all, blue collar type player

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

Sry guys but im not for bockwalt..... when i see him play he just misses some key tackles alot of open field tackles i think he should stick to being a back up and playing special teams

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

Haz always played these guys out of position so what is the mix up? It is more of an unmixing.
I like it. We finally got a true SLB in scott. Bockwalt is all heart and a hard work but like starter said he has problem in the open field. I like the switch. Let see what the draft brings at LB.
As for Watson I want to see him at WLB. With simmons backing them both up. He is under a 1 yr deal.
any ideas on Watson at WLB?

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

Allsaints i understand what you are saying about Buckwolt, but in his defense he was poorly coached. Payton seems like a guy who understands that a lb has to be able to think, tackle and not be sedrick hodge.

Was anyone else upset at some of the rankings these guys got on Madden? i remember when hodge was there and i was all excited cause he was an 80 or something and got better. Made me depressed when it didnt happen in real life.

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

hahahaha i kno, on madden i played james allen watson and hodge, and was in the top 5 in d, lol

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

You're right. He's just not good. He's a good story, but not a good player. I've said it many times before, this guy wouldn't start on any other team in the NFL. He misses big tackles, takes bad angles, and gets absolutely run over by RBs (ie Curtis Martin owned him). Everytime he tackles somebody, he falls backwards, conceding more yards.

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

yea curtis matrin ran over him a few times

RE: Saints have linebackers playing musical chairs
 

what about simmons and fujita on the outside and mckinnon in the middle? did we resign him? that would be a alot better linebacking group right?