BillyCarpenter1

10 Names Revisited (Vol I)
By Scott Balot - SaintsReport.com Staff Writer - 11:25 am CST
Training camp is in full swing and plenty of players are making waves on Airline Drive this year. The biggest star of training camp so far has been the new indoor practice facility, which has enabled the team to complete every scheduled practice. The battles for positions are really heating up as the Saints are less than a week away from their first preseason game. Let’s take a look at how ten Saint hopefuls have performed so far in training camp.

1. Lynaris Elpheage CB-Elpheage has impressed the coaches and fans with his athletic ability and his strong desire to make it in the NFL. His play on special teams will ultimately determine whether or not Elpheage makes the final 53.
2. Zach Hilton TE-Hilton has been getting more reps at practice since Boo Williams suffered an injury last week. He has looked good catching the ball, and his size gives him an advantage over the tallest of defensive backs. Hilton still needs to work on his blocking skills, but has really looked good overall. If he can continue to catch everything thrown to him, and take advantage of the extra reps, Hilton could be a sleeper to make the final 53.
3. Demetrius Smith FB-Smith has had a quiet camp so far. His chances of making the final roster will all depend on whether the coaches want to keep one or two fullbacks. Terrelle Smith has solidified the starting fullback position.
4. Tavian Banks RB-Banks has been impressive in camp until suffering a hamstring injury last week. If he has a shot at making the team, it will be imperative for Banks to heal quickly and get back on the field. As the old saying goes, “you can’t make the club in the tub.�
5. Travis Carroll LB-Carroll has not made the same impact this year as he did during last year’s training camp. He is a long shot a making the final roster this year with the addition of Orlando Ruff and Cie Grant at middle linebacker.
6. Derrick Lewis WR-Unless he suffers a major injury, Lewis will be the Saints’ fifth wide receiver this year. He continues to impress every practice, and could eventually beat out Michael Lewis for the fourth wide out spot. He still has to catch the ball more consistently, but the talent is certainly there.
7. Chris Finlen QB-Finlen’s chances of winning the third string quarterback spot have diminished with the addition of Tory Woodbury. Woodbury was impressive during the Black and Gold scrimmage, and will be given every opportunity to compete with Finlen and J.T. O’Sullivan. Finlen will have to step up his play to have a shot at sticking around after the first round of cuts.
8. Kenderick Allen DT-Allen has been impressive so far in training camp and has a legitimate shot at making the final roster. Allen benefited from Jonathan Sullivan’s temporary holdout, and has gotten the attention of the coaching staff. He will have to continue to play at a high level if he is to stick around, and could develop into a solid NFL defensive lineman.
9. Curtis Holden LB-Holden is another player who has had a quiet training camp so far. There are plenty of quality linebackers in camp this year, and Holden needs to distinguish himself from the rest. He certainly has the talent to be a quality backup, but will have to outplay JJ Jones and Roger Knight in order to stick around.
10. Todd Bouman QB-Bouman has displayed his powerful arm and NFL experience so far in training camp. He makes the departure of Jake Delhomme much easier to swallow for Saints fans, and has, in fact, improved the quarterback position. Bouman could start in the NFL for several teams this year, and the Saints are lucky to have him.

tweeky

I have a feeling he may be about to push Sloan out.

TE\'s: 4 man battle for 3 spots...

Conwell, Williams, Hilton, Rasby