saint5221

The Sporting News is doing scouting reports on all the rosters in the league, here is the Saints.

OFFENSE

QB'S

Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
DOB: 3/24/76
Position: QB
TWR grade: 7.9

AARON BROOKS

Strengths: Has a strong arm. Is very athletic; buys second chances with his feet. Is quick; excels at changing directions. Shows a good pocket presence. Has the speed to take off and run.

Weaknesses: Must continue to work on the mental aspects of the game. Forces the ball into coverage too often and tries to make too much happen. Needs to improve at beating blitzes.

Bottom line: If Brooks regains his strength, he has the physical tools to return to the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 229
DOB: 8/1/72
Position: QB
TWR grade: 6.2

TODD BOUMAN

Strengths: Has good size. Is mobile. Shows great arm strength. Shows good instincts in the pocket. Can consistently beat blitzes.

Weaknesses: Is too much of a gambler. Forces many throws; sometimes thinks his arm is stronger than it really is. Character is a bit of a concern.

Bottom line: Bouman is a serviceable backup with good athleticism and physical tools, but at 31, he has little upside. He is too inconsistent and too much of a wild card to be a starter. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
DOB: 8/25/79
Position: QB
TWR grade: 5.9

J.T. O'SULLIVAN

O'Sullivan has the mentality, intelligence, athleticism and arm strength to compete in the NFL, but he still is raw after coming out of a small school. He didn't see any regular-season action as a rookie. -- The War Room

RB'S

Height: 6-1
Weight: 221
DOB: 12/27/78
Position: RB
TWR grade: 8.3

DEUCE MCALLISTER

Strengths: Has outstanding size, speed and power. Has tremendous speed for a big back and can turn an inside run into a home run by running by defenses before they adjust. Has dramatically improved as a receiver: Speed makes him dangerous on screens and dumps.

Weaknesses: Runs erect, leading to a lot of unnecessary hits. Couple his style with his injury history, and his durability is a concern. Must become more patient, and let blocks develop. Instincts are a work in progress.

Bottom line: McAllister is very good already. As he gains experience, his ability to read blocks and make decisions will improve. -- The War Room

Height: 5-10
Weight: 222
DOB: 10/18/76
Position: RB
TWR grade: 3.0

CURTIS KEATON

Is almost impossible to evaluate because he has played so little in his three NFL seasons. Has size and speed, so he appears to have big-play skills. Is nifty in the open field. Might be a better athlete than a football player. -- The War Room

Height: 5-9
Weight: 200
DOB: 10/24/76
Position: RB
TWR grade: 6.0

JAMES FENDERSON

Strengths: Main role has been on special teams covering kicks, where he excels.

Weaknesses: Is somewhat undersized. On offense, production dramatically decreases. Isn’t agile and doesn’t seem like a natural runner. Lacks speed and explosiveness and isn’t good between the tackles.

Bottom line: He is an aggressive, gritty guy, but there aren’t any running or receiving skills here. -- The War Room

FB

Height: 6-0
Weight: 246
DOB: 3/12/78
Position: RB
TWR grade: 7.2

TERRELLE SMITH

Strengths: Has good size. Sustains and finishes blocks with great power and excellent leg drive. Shows adequate hands when receiving dumpoff and outlet passes.

Weaknesses: One of the league's slowest starting fullbacks -- it shows in all phases of his game. Doesn't show anything after the catch. Creates little on his own.

Bottom line: Smith is a young one-dimensional lead blocker in a two-back offense. He will need to stay healthy and in good physical shape to continue his success. -- The War Room

WR'S

Height: 6-1
Weight: 206
DOB: 1/16/72
Position: WR
TWR grade: 8.4

JOE HORN

Strengths: Has good size and speed. Is quicker than fast with great short area burst. Shows some big play flair. Bursts to the ball well. Can adjust when the ball is airborne and shows excellent body control. Is tough and willing to go up and make the catch in traffic.

Weaknesses: Is neither getting younger nor faster. Has had some off-the-field problems. Can be inconsistent in running routes and has some trouble vs. zones. Gets caught up at the line against press coverage and can get frustrated at times. Takes some plays off.

Bottom line: Horn is 31 and lost half a step last season. He drops more catchable balls than most No. 1 receivers, but he still is one of the league's most productive. -- The War Room

Height: 6-0
Weight: 197
DOB: 11/10/80
Position: WR
TWR grade: 7.2

DONTE' STALLWORTH

Strengths: A vertical threat with great size and speed. Has big, soft hands. Accelerates and shows a strong second gear in the open field. Is smooth, under control and explosive. Biggest asset is his will.

Weaknesses: Lacks great initial quickness. Durability is a concern. Has much room to improve. Runs poor routes. Can be inconsistent and loses focus at times.

Bottom line: Stallworth has the physical tools of a No. 1 receiver. He still is raw in terms of route running and craftiness, but he should only get better with experience and more offseason training. -- The War Room

Height: 6-0
Weight: 182
DOB: 12/16/75
Position: WR
TWR grade: 6.5

JEROME PATHON

Strengths: A deep threat with great speed and suddenness. Shows a second gear and can turn short catches into big plays. Has good hands and can make some outstanding catches.

Weaknesses: Struggles a bit vs. press coverage when a cornerback jams him at the line. Can be pushed out of routes; physical defenders can disrupt his game. Must use quickness to win battles.

Bottom line: Pathon’s value is connected to his ability to stay healthy for a full season. When he is on the field, the Saints feature one of the league's most dangerous three-receiver sets. -- The War Room

Height: 5-8
Weight: 165
DOB: 11/14/71
Position: WR
TWR grade: 5.4

MICHAEL LEWIS

Lewis is a dangerous runner after the catch, but he is raw, inconsistent and undersized and shows poor hands as a receiver. His explosive return skills will keep him on the Saints' roster. -- The War Room

Height: 6-1
Weight: 205
DOB: 3/10/80
Position: WR
TWR grade: 6.1

TALMAN GARDNER

Gardner has good size, great initial quickness and much big-play flair. He has the physical tools and vertical upside to develop into a solid No. 2 receiver if he improves at running routes and shows better hands. If he can stay out of trouble, the Saints will have a steal. -- The War Room

Height: 6-0
Weight: 186
DOB: 4/1/81
Position: WR
TWR grade: 5.6

KAREEM KELLY

Kelly is talented with some big-time potential. He could eventually emerge as an NFL starter, but he lacks great size and didn't show the ideal work ethic in college. -- The War Room



TE'S

Height: 6-2
Weight: 265
DOB: 8/17/72
Position: TE
TWR grade: 7.4

ERNIE CONWELL

Strengths: Is an above-average athlete, and is intelligent. Turns upfield quickly after the catch, and is a fierce competitor who will fight for yards. Takes excellent angles to blocks. Plays under control in the open field, and blocks moving targets on the second level.

Weaknesses: Lacks the lower-body strength to consistently get movement in the running game. Lacks elusiveness, won't make defenders miss after the catch and isn't a much of a threat to turn a short gain into a big play.

Bottom line: Conwell brings much-needed consistency. He won't hurt the Saints with a lot of mistakes, but he must stay healthy. -- The War Room

Height: 6-6
Weight: 260
DOB: 6/8/72
Position: TE
TWR grade: 7.0

DAVID SLOAN

Strengths: Has deceptively good speed, and is capable of stretching defenses. Has good hands, and makes tough catches in traffic. Is versatile enough to lineup outside. Takes good angles to blocks, and plays with adequate intensity.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal bulk. Can't wear down undersized defenders over the course of the game, and does not consistently move the pile in the running game. Disappears for long stretches of games. Now 31, so durability is a substantial concern.

Bottom line: Sloan should be more comfortable in his second season in the Saints' scheme and still has the tools. To become an upper-echelon receiving tight end, he must stay healthy. -- The War Room

Height: 6-4
Weight: 245
DOB: 6/22/79
Position: TE
TWR grade: 6.3

BOO WILLIAMS

Strengths: Has good hands, and is a reliable target over the middle. Has the burst to get behind linebackers. Fights for the ball in traffic. Is intense and an adequate target in the red zone.

Weaknesses: Is inconsistent and a liability as a blocker. Rounds off routes when tired, and struggles to separate from athletic linebackers. As a blocker, lacks bulk.

Bottom line: Williams could become a productive situational receiving tight end with improved route-running skills. -- The War Room

Tackles

Height: 6-4
Weight: 308
DOB: 2/10/71
Position: T
TWR grade: 7.6

WAYNE GANDY

Strengths: Is big and athletic. Has quick first step to prevent explosive edge rushers from turning corner and does good job using long arms to ride defenders past pocket.

Weaknesses: Is better pass blocker than run blocker. Lacks lower-body strength, doesn't show ability to move piles in running game and bigger ends have had success pushing him.

Bottom line: Gandy never will be a dominant run blocker but his assignment rarely makes the play. He's one of the best pass blockers in the league. -- The War Room

Height: 6-5
Weight: 328
DOB: 11/4/74
Position: T
TWR grade: 6.6

VICTOR RILEY

Strengths: Possesses size and power to be dominant at point of attack and is capable of wearing down undersized defenders. Shows good upper-body strength and rarely loses one-on-one matchups once locked on defender.

Weaknesses: Is top heavy, lacks ideal change-of-direction skills and trouble redirecting in pass protection. Doesn't show great footwork and loses balance too often. Lacks initial quickness.

Bottom line: Riley is a prototypical run-blocking right tackle, but his already minimal mobility has been further limited by ankle injuries. -- The War Room

Height: 6-5
Weight: 315
DOB: 4/5/73
Position: T
TWR grade: 6.4

SPENCER FOLAU

Strengths: Has size and good footwork. Plays with balance, shows ability to change directions in pass protection and does nice job getting deep set.

Weaknesses: Doesn't dominate at point of attack once locked on and gets knocked off feet too often. Lacks lower-body strength to consistently get movement in running game and will struggle working against powerful two-gap tackles.

Bottom line: Folau's versatility makes him a great reserve, but he lacks the tools to start. -- The War Room

Height: 6-5
Weight: 302
DOB: 8/27/79
Position: T
TWR grade: 6.9

JON STINCHCOMB

Stinchcomb is technically sound, he plays with great intensity and he has the pass protection skills to hold up an island but he must improve his power, add size and become more explosive at the point of attack before pushing for a starting job. -- The War Room

Guards

Height: 6-2
Weight: 299
DOB: 11/7/79
Position: G
TWR grade: 7.5

LECHARLES BENTLEY

Strengths: Has good upper-body strength. Packs a powerful punch. Good hand placement. Plays with leverage. Explodes out of his stance and gets good pop at point of attack. Plays mean and finishes his blocks. Has quick feet. Gets into good position and has good lower-body strength. Drives his legs once he’s locked onto defender. A good athlete who wastes little motion. Can get around corner on pulls and traps. In pass protection, shows great awareness. Plays with a good base.

Weaknesses: Has good burst and lateral mobility, but is inconsistent vs. moving targets at the second level. Undisciplined. Lacks size. Was slowed by an ankle injury last year and must prove his durability

Bottom line: Bentley is young and has the work ethic to improve. He lacks ideal size and must play with perfect technique vs. massive two-gap run stuffers. But he has the power to overcome his lack of size. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 330
DOB: 6/10/75
Position: C
TWR grade: 7.1

KENDYL JACOX

Strengths: Has outstanding size, is dominant run blocker and shows ability to wear down undersized defenders. Has strong hands, an adequate initial punch and rarely loses battle once locked on defender.

Weaknesses: Lacks athletic ability. Doesn't show ability to get around corner on pulls and traps and is liability in space. Has problems reaching linebacker.

Bottom line: Jacox played well last year and can be an overpowering run blocker. But he often will go uncovered and as a result could struggle. -- The War Room

Center

Height: 6-3
Weight: 300
DOB: 11/21/66
Position: C
TWR grade: 6.9

JERRY FONTENOT

Strengths: Is versatile player; has started at center and guard. Still has a quick first step. Plays with good leverage out of his stance. Is aware in space and does an excellent job of helping his guards out when he's uncovered.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have great size and now has marginal power. Does not get out and chip linebackers as well as he used to.

Bottom line: Fontenot has the craftiness and enough size and strength to remain a solid starter for one more season. -- The War Room

DEFENSE


Ends

Height: 6-3
Weight: 281
DOB: 11/19/76
Position: DE
TWR grade: 7.3

DARREN HOWARD

Strengths: Fights through traffic, and can slip blocks in pursuit. Makes plays in the open field and on the move. Finds the ball quickly after slipping blocks, and shows good run/pass recognition skills. Has some big-play flair. Is an explosive tackler, and forces fumbles. Is durable. Keeps getting better. Has good bulk.

Weaknesses: Has just average strength, and struggles when opponents run at him. Lacks lower-body strength, and gets uprooted if playing with good leverage. Can't turn corner as a pass rusher, and can't run past most offensive tackles.

Bottom line: Howard must improve his technique against the run. He lacks the speed of a dominant edge rusher but still has a bright future. -- The War Room

Height: 6-3
Weight: 282
DOB: 9/3/78
Position: DE
TWR grade: 7.3

CHARLES GRANT

Strengths: Is best at disrupting plays in backfield. Gets a great jump at the snap. Locates the ball, and spots screens and draws. Shows good speed, and never gives up. Chases down plays from behind. Shows good burst off the edge. Is a relentless pass rusher. Is effective on stunts.

Weaknesses: Plays too high. Can't beat double-teams. Struggles to make plays when reached. Must use hands better. Misses tackles trying to generate turnovers. Is lacking against the run.

Bottom line: Grant has great upside, but he must improve his technique to attain premier status. He is active against the run and should be more productive this season. -- The War Room

Height: 6-3
Weight: 285
DOB: 1/26/73
Position: DE
TWR grade: 6.5

WILLIE WHITEHEAD

Strengths: Can play tackle. Plays with good leverage, maintains good base. Comes low out of stance. Quick feet. Good positioning. Long arms, adequate upper-body strength, can keep separation. Hard to block. Good recognition. Can disengage, chase. Good speed for size, good range. Agile.

Weaknesses: Needs great technique to be effective. Mediocre strength. Can get engulfed at point of attack. Must be moving to be effective. Wears down. Plays high. Lacks speed off edge, durability.

Bottom line: Whitehead is stout vs. the run as an end and has ability as a situational interior pass rusher. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 269
DOB: 2/2/79
Position: DE
TWR grade: 6.4

MELVIN WILLIAMS

Williams has an interesting upside as a pass rusher. He has adequate size and good speed and shows good initial quickness. He also has improved his assortment of pass-rush moves. He does not have much more room to grow and never will be an every-down end, but he has enough big-play flair to make it as an NFL edge rusher. -- The War Room

D. Tackles

Height: 6-3
Weight: 313
DOB: 1/21/81
Position: DT
TWR grade: 7.5

JOHNATHAN SULLIVAN

B>Strengths: Has good size and is above-average athlete. Plays with leverage and controls gap. Can play in two- and one-gap scheme. Never stops hustling and can be disruptive in pursuit. Gets consistent penetration and rarely gives up on play.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve repertoire of pass-rush moves. Gets held up too often at line. Still needs to improve anticipation. Too often is quarter-count behind teammates and opponent, nullifying quickness. Leaves feet too often and miss tackles in backfield.

Bottom line: Sullivan isn't the most explosive tackle but is complete and consistent. He'll start right away. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 330
DOB: 1/21/73
Position: DT
TWR grade: 7.1

GRADY JACKSON

Grady Jackson, New Orleans 7.1 Strengths: Has bulk to take up space at line and can keep blockers off linebackers. Has ability to anchor against double-teams and is extremely difficult to move out of hole once establishes position. Shows ability to shed blocks quickly and will fight through blocks to get to ball. Shows ability to knock down passes.

Weaknesses: Has had problems staying in shape and angered team officials when failed to report to offseason conditioning program. Lacks ideal athletic ability, doesn’t show great range and isn’t effective on stunts. Lacks great first step and won’t beat most offensive linemen off snap.

Bottom line: Jackson is an excellent interior run stuffer, was productive rushing the passer and is dominant at times. But he could lose his starting job to Kenny Smith because of weight problems. -- The War Room

Height: 6-4
Weight: 295
DOB: 9/8/77
Position: DT
TWR grade: 6.4

KENNY SMITH

Strengths: Quick first step. Plays with leverage. Good power at point of attack. Can make plays on move, in space. Excellent at shooting gaps, extremely active. Never gives up.

Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness and size, struggles when teams target him. Can’t split double-teams, won’t keep blockers off linebackers. Mediocre closing speed. Poor recognition. Must be disciplined.

Bottom line: Smith is a productive interior pass rusher and can stuff the run at end, but he is a better fit as a reserve. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 310
DOB: 12/19/74
Position: DT
TWR grade: 6.5

MARTIN CHASE

Strengths: Very good strength. Can control point of attack and anchor against double teams. Good recognition. Improved ability to shed blocks, locate ball carrier quickly after disengaging.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent. Poor pass rusher. Would likely struggle as a starter. Plays without leverage. Doesn’t always hustle. Uncomfortable in space. Won’t make many plays on the run. Poor pass-rush moves.

Bottom line: Chase has made significant progress and is a quality situational run stuffer who can keep starters fresh. He lacks the mobility to be effective in space and offers little as a pass rusher. -- The War Room



LINEBACKERS

Height: 6-3
Weight: 247
DOB: 9/28/76
Position: LB
TWR grade: 7.0

ORLANDO RUFF

Strengths: Lives up to his name with a physical style. Has good size and instincts. Plays the run well. Fearless in going toe-to-toe vs. blockers. Uses his hands to protect his body. Stacks and sheds effectively. Reads blocks and can slip them well. Beats blockers to spots because of instincts. Shows great short-area punch. Sound at inside tackling. Plays with leverage.

Weaknesses: Has trouble with pass defense. Adequate in zone drops, but lacks man-to-man coverage skills.

Bottom line: Ruff provides a physical presence and toughness between the tackles, but he lacks perimeter skills. He is a young, blue-collar talent with a nice upside. -- The War Room


Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
DOB: 10/14/71
Position: LB
TWR grade: 6.5

DERRICK RODGERS

Strengths: Instincts. Football intelligence. Rarely takes false steps. Great recognition. Sound tackler. Will break down and wrap up in open field. Appears technically sound. Plays with leverage, rarely out of position. Good work ethic. Good vs. run.

Weaknesses: Struggles in pass defense. Not agile. Can’t turn and run. Struggles to overcome trash, get through traffic. Must come out on third downs. Nagging injuries.

Bottom line: Rodgers is aging, but he still can make plays on the move and in space. He is still consistent vs. the run, but he doesn’t give you a lot of big plays. He is insurance for the Saints. -- The War Room

Height: 6-2
Weight: 240
DOB: 11/11/79
Position: LB
TWR grade: 6.3

JAMES ALLEN

Strengths: Outstanding special-teams performer. Good athlete, excellent speed. Great range, Can make sideline-to-sideline plays vs. the run. Potential as an edge rusher. Good at closing on QB. First-step explosiveness. Can be effective in turn-and-run coverage. Agile. Decent size.

Weaknesses: Isn’t physical. Overruns plays. Too aggressive, undisciplined. Durability problems.

Bottom line: Allen would be best utilized as a space player in nickel packages. He’s lacking as a run stuffer, but he could really improve if healthy. -- The War Room

Height: 6-4
Weight: 244
DOB: 9/13/78
Position: LB
TWR grade: 6.6

SEDRICK HODGE

Strengths: Might be one of league’s fastest linebackers. Outstanding quickness, leaping ability. Excellent initial burst. Agile. Perfect space player. Slips blocks, beats linemen to spot. Considerable experience as pass rusher and blitzer.

Weaknesses: Weak at point of attack. Struggles when teams run at him. Can’t hold ground. Weak lower body.

Bottom line: It’s possible the Saints asked Hodge to do too much last season. If he can just use his talent, he should be OK. He can’t dominate vs. the run. -- The War Room

Height: 6-1
Weight: 236
DOB: 4/15/70
Position: LB
TWR grade: 6.7

DARRIN SMITH

Strengths: Plays best in open field. Can chase down plays from behind. Gets through traffic and can produce on the run. Doesn’t misstep. Takes good angles to the ball. Is adequate at tackling. Can turn and run with most backs. Gets good depth on zone drops. Recognition in the passing game helps make up for lost speed.

Weaknesses: Speed is on the decline. Can be negated when a lineman runs at him. Can be outmuscled by bigger blockers. Struggles to get off blocks, stack and shed.

Bottom line: When Smith can slip blocks or move laterally without contact, he can be effective. He lacks the ideal physical style, but he is a solid backup who can contribute vs. the pass. -- The War Room

Height: 6-4
Weight: 240
DOB: 10/26/78
Position: LB
TWR grade: 3.0

TRAVIS CARROLL

Carroll's history of injuries makes him difficult to evaluate. Tall and rangy, he doesn't protect his body and lets blockers take him out. He lacks both the speed to work well off the edge and open-field skills. Until he plays more, it’s hard to determine if he has a future. -- The War Room

Height: 6-0
Weight: 228
DOB: 11/27/79
Position: LB
TWR grade: 6.6

CIE GRANT

Strengths: Plays with great intensity and a nonstop motor. An outstanding athlete. Has speed, range. Can get through traffic. A sideline-to-sideline guy who makes plays in open field. Outstanding coverage skills. Can turn and run with backs. Can adjust on the move. Agile.

Weaknesses: Is very small and won’t hold up against the run. Has mediocre run instincts.

Bottom line: Grant is a space player who must slip blocks, beat linemen and make plays in space. He could develop into a nickel linebacker for the Saints because of his coverage skills, speed, and athleticism, but at the very least he should be outstanding on special teams. -- The War Room

CORNERBACKS

Height: 6-1
Weight: 188
DOB: 11/28/69
Position: CB
TWR grade: 7.4

DALE CARTER

Strengths: Is still a very solid man-to-man cover corner. Has fluid hips and good quickness. Can break down well in space. Can recover quickly if beaten. Has excellent hands. Plays with great confidence. Has improved his recognition skills.

Weaknesses: Character has always been an issue with Carter, who played with different teams the past three seasons. Is not a huge asset in run support. Has lost a step and no longer can get away with taking as many chances. Does not play physical.

Bottom line: Carter still is a solid starter, but he can no longer take the opponent’s No. 1 receiver out of the game. -- The War Room

Height: 5-10
Weight: 187
DOB: 9/17/70
Position: CB
TWR grade: 7.2

ASHLEY AMBROSE

Strengths: Has excellent diagnose skills and is never out of position. Is technically sound and does not make a lot of mistakes. Has adequate size and very good quickness. Takes excellent angles to the ball. Likes to play physical at times. Rarely gives up a big play.

Weaknesses: Is not as fast or as quick as he used to be. Does not make as many big plays as some top corners do. Age is a concern. Is not very strong and only marginal against the run.

Bottom line: Ambrose is a very consistent cover corner, but he’s no longer able to cover top NFL receivers one-on-one without help. -- The War Room


Height: 5-9
Weight: 184
DOB: 9/11/73
Position: CB
TWR grade: 6.7

FRED THOMAS

Strengths: Is a very good athlete with solid cover skills. Has outstanding change-of-direction skills and burst out of his breaks. Is able to press receivers and blanket them off the line of scrimmage. Is physical and aggressive. Will challenge for the ball in the air. Very sound tackler who is not afraid to support the run.

Weaknesses: Does not have very good size and is a liability on the outside and in the red zone. Will get run over by bigger receivers. Can be out-jumped for the ball on fade and vertical routes.

Bottom line: Because of durability and size limitations, Thomas is best suited to be a nickelback. -- The War Room

Height: 5-10
Weight: 195
DOB: 8/22/80
Position: CB
TWR grade: 6.4

KEYUO CRAVER

Strengths: Is a very good athlete with a solid build. Has good speed. Can jump through the roof. Shows excellent footwork and fluid hip movement to turn and run with receivers. Shows an excellent burst out of his backpedal.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal height. Gets caught peeking at times. Needs to become more consistent in his recognition and must take better angles to the ball. Needs to tackle better in the open field. Has had durability problems.

Bottom line: Craver is a good athlete with the size, speed, leaping ability, strength and ball skills to develop into a starting NFL cornerback. -- The War Room


Height: 5-11
Weight: 192
DOB: 9/21/77
Position: CB
TWR grade: 5.5

FAKHIR BROWN

Brown was an intriguing player early in his career because he has adequate size and speed for a cornerback, and very good quickness. But he simply did not progress much in his first three seasons in the league and his star has dimmed. -- The War Room


SAFTIES

Height: 6-2
Weight: 218
DOB: 10/6/74
Position: S
TWR grade: 7.5

TEBUCKY JONES


Strengths: Is an outstanding athlete who is especially effective against the run. Has great size and speed. Intimidates receivers over the middle. Is a very strong tackler. Can create turnovers. Plays best when he uses his athleticism to fly to the ball instead of reading and reacting. Has great speed. Has very good range, size and strength against the run.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t always maximize his skills. Is somewhat of a straight-line player, and his agility isn’t ideal. Doesn’t make good reads consistently.

Bottom line: Jones lacks great instincts and can be inconsistent at times, but he is a terrific athlete with size, speed and the ability to cover anyone. He’s an exceptional special teams player, but the Patriots traded him because he didn’t want to play special teams. -- The War Room

Height: 6-1
Weight: 220
DOB: 2/10/79
Position: S
TWR grade: 6.2

MEL MITCHELL


Strengths: Has nice size and speed. Is aggressive and tough. Always is around the ball. Covers a lot of ground and gets through traffic to stop the run. Is a physical tackler. Is intimidating over the middle and has enough size and speed to handle most tight ends at the line.

Weaknesses: Is an unproven commodity. Has good straight-line speed but is just adequate in coverage. Makes mistakes.

Bottom line: Mitchell has the tools to develop into a quality strong safety, but is he ready? -- The War Room


Height: 5-11
Weight: 200
DOB: 7/8/72
Position: S
TWR grade: 7.1

JAY BELLAMY


Strengths: Has enough speed and quickness to play in some man coverage situations. Is aggressive with good size and strength. Plays bigger than his size.

Weaknesses: Has inconsistent range. Has lost a half step. Is a liability at the high point who struggles against faster receivers. Gives up big plays because of false steps, poor angles and bad guesses. Is an inconsistent tackler.

Bottom line: Bellamy is versatile and tough against the run, but for the last three seasons, he has not been good enough to start, and he’s in serious jeopardy of losing his job. -- The War Room


KICKER

Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
DOB: 4/20/64
Position: K
TWR grade: 7.8

JOHN CARNEY

Smooth and consistent mechanics. Continues to show good accuracy from inside 40 yards. Excellent leg strength and accuracy on long field-goal attempts. Benefits from kicking so many games in a dome. Does not handle kickoff duties, which keeps him healthy and his legs fresh for late in the season. Rest is important at his age (39). -- The War Room

PUNTER

Height: 6-4
Weight: 220
DOB: 6/24/72
Position: P
TWR grade: 7.0

MITCH BERGER

Berger has good leg strength, belying the 41.9-yard average he compiled last season (his lowest since his third year in the league, 1996). His directional kicking was good and his ability to pin teams inside the 20 has improved. Without having to handle the kickoff duties, Berger was able to regain his form. With continued good health he should be able to regain his spot among the league’s best punters. -- The War Room

LordOfEntropy

Good article.