Another little positive thing to think about, from nfl.com:

Another thing, look at how crazy this draft has been. A LOT of weird picks.

Totally in agreement about LOE's avatar, straight up freaky. Speaking of avatars, can someone put up some Reggie avatars? I can't seem to upload one from my comp as an avatar. Thanks. Wheelman, I'm with you on the fact that there was a lot of weird picks. Maybe the gm's know something that analysts, draft experts and us fans dont...

That would be why they're GM's, and the analysts don't have real jobs.

Character seems to be a huge factor in choosing a player these days. I feel like a lot of teams are using the NE formula and going after character players and not necessarily the most skilled player. I will say that while I have my doubts about the Harper pick, I believe it was too high and we don't need a safety, he does seem like a very good guy and a good personality to have on a team.

Muhahahahaha. Glad I could be of service. But I'm just waiting for JoeSam to show up, grimace at the sight of my (gloriously hot) avatar, and start going into heart palpitations.

This draft could've been rated an A+ but is a average C. Their know excuse for wasting a 2nd rd pick for a safety making a total of 6 (Smith Bullock Bellamy Gleason Scott & probability converting J Thomas to FS) when Mcneil OTwas still on the board. What do they plan on doing, moving Mayberry to OT if Stinchcomb knee don't hold up or put some inexperienced rookie free agent to stop a Jon Abraham, Julius Peppers or Simeon Rice? I can see it now Brees injured and loomis trying to get Brees to take a paycut next year. I hope Benson get wise an find another GM cause we haven't had a above average draft since we let Randy Mueller go.

Oh well, guess I will remain the only negative nancy, and I really don't care. Reggie Bush is a great player, no doubt. Best in the land. But we are about to give 50 plus mil to a 10-15 touch a game guy. With 50 mil on Deuce. 100 mil in one position. I'm stoked. So then we get Faine, the guy that was dumped for Bentley. CLEVELAND's trash. Awesome. Then we get Joe Blow safety. With better safeties on the board, and with 10 already on the roster. Screw that, i'm pissed. This could have been a MUCH better draft for us. Spin it, or play it however you want. Doesn't matter to me. We took a pick we were practically forced into with Bush, got a scrub team's trash, and a safety who isn't better than anyone else on our roster at safety, and is smallish and better fitted for FS at that> Great.

Swammi, actually we have 7 safeties, you forgot about omar stoutmire, lol. Definately didn't need another safety on the team.

Don't worry sw... I'm still where you're at right now... been there for the last couple of years with ya.

Bush is great, I don't care how much money he costs. Harper is an awful pick, I agree with you there. But here's what I really disagree with you about Whodi. All but maybe 2 or 3 guys in the NFL would be dumped for Bentley. Bentley's a Pro Bowl starter! Because you get replaced by a Pro Bowl starter doesn't mean you're bad, it means you're not a Pro Bowl starter. This kid is still really young, and he's quite a talent, he just hasn't put it all together yet. A change of scenery might be great for him.

And we haven't traded Dwight for a third yet either? Oh, that time passed? :x

He wasn't good enough to start for CLEVELAND'S line. I think that says it all in itself. Why spend the money they spent on Bentley, if this guy was ANY good? They paid out the ass for Bentley the first day of FA. I am sure they coulda used that money elsewhere. Faine is Cleveland's throwaway. And we are loving it. Same old Saints.

I can't believe the reaction I am seeing with most of these posts.. Are you guys kidding me? What possitions have not been addressed this offseason? DT and OT? The draft isnt over with and the offseason isnt over with and currently we have only two possitions we could use some work on and considering that the coaching staff doesn't appear to be freaking over these roles, I'd think that perhaps they think we can win with what we have in those possitions. I know that the players may not have impressed in a few possitons before now, but we had a coaching staff that forgot to coach its players and any of you that have been to the open camps like I have, including this years, already know things are about to change. This New Orleans Saints team is already better then the one that won the playoff game in 2000 and is easily looking to compete for the division title, especialy with a improved defence that was 14th in the NFL last year with an offence that never let them get off the field. 14th in the NFL and they never got off the field guys.. Atlanta had the 22 ranked defence and couldn't stop the run, they havnt done anything in the offseason to make me think that is going to change either, we have three more then capable backs that we can use in various ways now with Bush. We have the recievers and watching Hilton last year and then this year in camp, I'm pumped about what he is going to bring to the table for us out of that possition. I'm screaming greatest show on turf and alot of you guys are screaming we are doomed.. Benson is finaly spending the cash and your still not satisfied, give me a break. We have what we want and are solid/ with dept in almost ever single possition on the football team. Be excited, we could easily be NFC South champs if we perform up to expectations and possibly more.

I stopped reading after this. Wow.

forgetting bout stoutmire only make me scratch my head more :bang:

darft started and ended :moody:

The 2000 Saints were better in what possitions then these Saints? OT maybe.

Well at least you got further than me... :mrgreen:

Well I guess we'll find out soon 66. Nothing wrong with being a little optimistic.

with that pick we should have just traded down again and got a 4. or an unhappy WR out of denver.

It's all good guys, I have my season tickets and I'll just point it out, when the season is over with, that I was right. It's pretty damn rare that I'm wrong when it comes to football. I was suprised with the Safty pick since I was looking for a OT but oh well. As for getting Cleveland's trash, the guy got injured and Cleveland had a sure thing with Lacharles. He was a 1st round pick, I think 21st overall and may be a slight step down for us in the Center possition but it is a need addressed and a solid addition. We went from a A+ player to a B rated player... For 9 spots on the draft board when Mangold was already gone.. I wasn't shocked and yes, I was happy to see the trade. With little availible at pick 43 in both OT and DT possitions, the Saints took a look at the CB possition, opposite Mike, by picking a Saftey which means we will likely move somebody to Corner, like Smith. Josh and Bellemy both look to be gone, since Josh made to many mistakes last year and Bellemy is getting old/ injury prone.

Stallworth and Horn on the outside, Henderson in the slot matched up with a S or LB. In our division, a mismatch is created since none of the teams have a LB or S that will stay with Henderson. Brees actualy reads and reacts to defences, this will make the o-line better, as well as a weapon like Bush off the play action will be availible in a 3 wide out set, keeping the LB's on thier heels and the Saftey's sucked up, which could allow a number of things. 1. Stallworth or Horn beat thier man while the Saftey fails to double up becouse he is looking at Bush to get a pass from the backfield. 2. Henderson beats a LB in the slot. 3. Bush does get the pass, his speed creates a big play... blah blah blah.. You get the point. We have key possitions filled and opportunity to make some miracles happen if the players are coached up and the QB maked the right decisions. How many argued that Tomlinson was a 10-15 down back before he got on the field? This guy, Bush, is a winner and I think everyone is so used to being let down that your just automaticly overlooking the strong possibility that this was the right move for us.

All of that, and no mention of how we were gonna stop anyone. Point made.

I was suprised when we got Bush, thinking for sure we would trade down. But, I got used to seeing Reggie. Than I was gonna shoot someone if we didn't trade down in the second, and when it blinked to Cleveland, I wondered what picks we got. When I saw we got Faine, I got happy, thinknig something gone right for once. THAN HARPED?!?!?!? I hope we move Smith, and Bullocks, so than we only hve 5 safeties.

if the idea of the game is tohorde as many safeties as possible...we are way ahead of the next team.

I will reallyhave to see howour D sets up during training camp now to believe in it fully. Smith toCB I can buy, Colby to MLB I can get with, but where is the interior lineman? or the impact LB? I like Fuji and Simmons, but what else to shore up?

Oh well, I know I'm busting Harper's chops quite a bit, but I've seen him play on TV a couple of times and he was a beast when making contact. If this is what Payton is going for, I'll buy it for now.

I doubt josh is going anywhere since he was a rookie last year. I do think bellamy is gone and i think they were shopping smith around in the third but couldn't find any buyers. It was a stupid gamble drafting a safety in 2nd when we are so thin at OT & we have 7 safties. Ryan McNeil would've given us a little more flexibility for the second half of the draft.

As a native New Orleanian, I have to admit I almost cried when Bush put on that New Orleans Saints cap. Saints fans and the people of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast know what I'm talking about.

Few good things have happened to this franchise in its history, the worst of which was last season with Hurricane Katrina. The Saints have always been (sometimes loveable) losers. They've won one of five playoff games. Mike Ditka traded an entire draft for Ricky Williams. Over their history the Saints have drafted poorly. They've spent foolishly. They've let good players get away. Bush didn't get away, even though I'd heard earlier in the day that Bush had his agent, Joel Segal, tell the Saints that Bush didn't want to play for them and wanted to be a Jet.

Written by Michael Smith... espn commentator.

That just made a suck draft even worse. Screw you Bush... you're in my doghouse now bastard. You better work your way out of it.

papz, you had to see he didn't want us to pick him...he was praying to all things holy a trade would come down. You could see it inhis face.

I will give him credit...he didn't sulk like that crybaby Eli. He put ona good face and said the right things to the cameras. Hell, I still think a trade may happen in the next 24 hrs...but it's a far out longshot.

Lucky for us he'll get paid and play for us. And he's a good guy, so he won't stiff us. I did like his character.

Tell ya one thing, I better see him take a couple to the house next year.

he better take a couple x10 to the house for what he's going to get. I'm still in awe of Brick and Mangold on the same line....the Jets are set for 10 years up front.

When are you going to realize the impact Bush is going to have on our team? He is a mismatch for any safety or LB in the league and he opens up seams for Horn and Stallworth and also holes for Duece when both are on the field.

Defense is overrated anyway.

Think about what just happened with Bentley/$. If Mangold is that good he's gonna want big money in his second contract. Ferguson, also. They're going to have to be able to afford two huge contracts there.

I think there are some people here that are not able to notice how special a player Bush is. There's ONE other player in the league like him - Vick. Before that it was Barry Sanders.

Bush can score at any time from any spot on the field in many different ways. You don't pass up a player like that unless you get some crazy offer.

No one will be complaining on here a few games in to the season, but if I had to spend the next 10 years watching Bush highlights with him in another uniform and think how we passed him up I'd be sick.

OMG! Did anyone hear Bush say he didn't want to play for the Saints? NO! The Saints said they would not draft him if there was a chance he was going to be a hold out, guess what!? They drafted him which means?! He wants to play!

As for the post that said something like, all that and no word on how we are going to stop anyone... lol, are you serious? The Saints were the 14th ranked defence in the NFL last year, I answered how we are going to stop teams.. So have the SAaints.. We improved the offence which will actualy allow the defence to take a break, automaticly moving our defence up to top 10 by actualy being able to rest during a game, in addition to actualy being able to sit on the sidelines for more then 3 plays at a time the Saints also have brought in solid competition at the LB possitions and, obviously, the Saftey possitions since we are in the bottom 5 for interceptions over the past 3 seasons, also known as, since we lost Sammy Knight. Guys, I can throw around facts and statistics all night long that prove why we are making the right calls and why I bought Season tickets this season. I know what I'm talking about.

I agree that Faine was quite a talent in college. I think the Cleveland experience leaves him pretty exposed. When you get traded by your drafting team for 9 spaces, I think you're getting into "first round bust" territory. I agree with WhoDi on this one.

To do a similar move, I'd have much preferred to pony up another late rounder and deal with the Broncos for Javon Walker.

From where I'm standing we do have a marquee player, but we've addressed no needs today.

I won't totally defend Loomis, but I will say that my understanding is that he gives the coaching staff a huge amount of latitude. I can't see Loomis making this pick over Payton's objection or without his input.

And how many safeties can one team keep on it's roster?! geeez....

Obviously we will be releasing some safteys after camp.

OK...where do I start...

Do i realize what kind of special player Bush is? yes. hell, all i have to do is watch SportsCenter for 5 minutes and see it. Is he a mismatch for some folks? yes. am I discounting his skill? no Do I not see how special a player Bush is? did I say that? no, I didn't. What I did say is that the Jets did a great job of setting up a great line for ten years. I'd say read between the lines, but my quote isn't hidden; it's now in two spots...my post, and yours.

What I am saying is that IN MY OPINION the saints had other needs to address. mismatch? yep, he will be for some. he could score from anywhere on the field in college. let's not go cutting out the talent of all the opposition just yet. He is gonna stand some guys up ontheir ear and make others look stupid, but I also watched Deuce punk Keyon Carpenter so bad our whole barracks laughed ourselves out of the room. He's no slouch, huh?

Jeremy, if Mangold is as good as Bentley was, and he asks for top dollar (as set by Bentley's contract), do you think it may be a little less than what Deuce's and Bush's will be together? And maybe we can use that extra, oh I don't know, few millions of dollars to resign Ferguson. Do you think Bush is gonna give us a "thanks for picking me" discount in 6 years?

Once more for the guys in the back row: I am glad we got Bush, but not convince we weren't his second pick. he does amazing things on the field, but the Jets did well in the draft too.

Anything else you want me clear up?

I told myself that if the saints got 2 starters out of day 1 I would be satisfied...Bush is in essence a starter and Faine will be a starter at center...no telling what Harper will be...my guess is he will be a typical 2nd round pick for the Saints...he will play special teams and perhaps in the dime...in the 4th quarter.

Now, if the saints can land 3 guys that will have some sort of positive impact on day 2 of the draft...then you have to say this is a great draft...there are some big names still on the board and i am realizing how deep this draft really is so hopefully the saints can capitalize. 2 players that will play will be great...3 players will make this draft phenominal.

What is the possibility that we picked a safety to replace Dwight Smith who will be traded for a player from another team that will fill a position of need? The Bush pick is already paying off in ticket sales and he hasn't even walked on the field. Special teams are going to be alot better than last year which has helped the defense tremendously. We have a starting center and our new QB has already started bonding with Reggie and Deuce is happy for the help in keeping himself healthy. No, I was as stumped as the rest of you with the safety pick but on the upside the team as a whole is making leaps and bounds in supporting each other as compared to last year's team. And we haven't even gotten to the start of the second day of draft picks yet. I can't help but believe we are going to see something special with the New Orleans Saints this coming year.

the only thing that upsets me is that I think we could have gotten this guy in the 4th. this team would have been better served to have picked up McNeill or Marshall here.
this is your new strong safety of the future. called a buddy of mine in Birmingham. he said the guy wasn't a bad pickup, he's a field general, a film-junkie, and he'll be a starter in the NFL. he'll never be great, but he will start and will give you some flexibility.
i remember watching this kid at the senior bowl. i thought he was a linebacker for a while, he was in on every tackle, and laying some wood. one hit in particular, i think i even remarked about here.

OK. So which safeties do we get rid of?