One more thing...i have heard a lot of people call Meachem a young Joe Horn and that is all fine. But one thing i forgot to mention is that Curtis Johnson, the WR coach for the Saints and formerly at the University of Miami, said that Meachem is very similar to Andre Johnson in terms of his size, speed, blocking and playmaking ability. Its nice to know the guy that taught Andre Johnson first hand is pleased to have another one just like him.

Thanks for bringing up UFA in the future. I believe in the big picture also.

You have to hand it to this staff. I bought 2 draft magazines to do a little research before the draft and to look up the players as they drafted them. Like last year, they picked guys that aren't even in these magazines- Lindy's and ProFootballWeekly (Say what you will about PFW but it was an entertaining $7.00 investment.)

I was disappointed with the Meachem pick at first but am now convinced that it was a good pick. I also feel that Rhema McKnight was a good signing after the draft. Two receivers that will make it a challenging training camp for all the receivers not named Colston.

I was puzzled with the Usama Young pick. Never heard of him and he's the #19 CB in PFW and not even listed in Lindy's.

It's at this point in the draft that I told myself "O.K., I'm not an expert and don't get to see what the scouts see so I've just got to drink some more and believe that this staff knows what they're doing. They did an excellent job last year so I'll stop taking it so seriously."

Next comes Alleman. PFW's list on the downside qualities of Alleman would make you think that he did something to piss them off. The last part reads, "Very arrogant- thinks he is much better than he is and acts as if he has all the answers."
Both mags state that he is raw and strong with poor technique.

Skipping ahead to round four and I'll stop is Antonio Pittman. At least I'd heard of this guy but with Duece, Bush, Stecker, Branch and MacAfee you just knew it... MacAfee 's gone. But really, I think most of us we're intrigued by Branch last year. He sure played well in the pre-season so for the FO to trade up for yet another RB it just seemed weird. I'm sure he'll be a special teams guy but it's still cooky in my opinion.

No grade given. I'm very excited to see these kids in the pre-season and more excited for the regular season. The draft is one great big tease.

McKinley Boykin, DT 6-1 289 24 1 Mississippi
BIO: Two-starter and previous All-Conference selection who posted 40/9.5/3 as a senior after 36/8.5/2 the prior year.

POSITIVES: Explosive, penetrating one-gap tackle. Quickly gets off the snap, plays low to the ground and keeps his feet moving on contact. Effectively works his hands to get off blocks, stays with the action and is focused on by opponents. Can change direction and collapse laterally in pursuit.

NEGATIVES: Easily stymied at the point or turned off the line by opponents.

ANALYSIS: Developing his game the past three seasons, Boykin has the skills to play a three-technique position at the next level or can be used as a rotational tackle.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/foo...ayers/170.html

Young drove me crazy when I did the my review of the CB in the 2007 draft. I could find nothing on him. I mean I looked all over the web. I am cheap and believe in free info.. Pilage and rape mentality...Any how. After hours searching, 4 search engines and link after link all I really got was:
" The word is out on this kid after today(Pro). He is no longer flying under the radar."
Thats it. no positives or negatives about his play. Well he definitly has no issues. Then we pick him!!!!!!!! Imagine my reaction. I threw my trusty sponge brick at the tube. Anger mangement issues. Well I knew his name thats for sure.

Bobaganoosh Got a Question for You.
 

Got any other info on the street FA or practice squad players from 06 that the Saints are high on, that we have not talked about? There has to be more than Boykin.

"highly rated players" means squat once they get on an NFL game, as does the "point system". When you pick someone or how "highly rated" he was don't count towards the playoffs or the Super Bowl.

It's not like "Oh, they picked this guy in the 5th round and he was rated to go in the 3rd round. Saints get home field advantage".

It could be that you are looking at short term needs and the FO was looking longer term. I'm not suggesting that Deuce is gone, but maybe the big picture for the FO doesn't include Stecker if Pittman can digest the playbook and perform adequately. Then there is a potential that we have someone who might be better than Stecker at a lesser pay. I'd say a 5th round pick (trade price included) for a player to come in and do that is a steal.

Ooops. Make that 4th round pick. I still feel the same about it.