New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Meachem looking forward to offseason

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatthewT (Post 151323)

Maybe the first year on the sidelines will turn Meachem into a great player. Too many times young players are thrown to the wolves, way before they are ready for it. Maybe this will turn out to be a blessing. It's rare these days for a 1st round player to get a chance to learn first. I am sure Meachem will work his butt off in preparation for the 2008 season. I am sure he knows he has the chance to be penciled in as an opening day starter.

I certainly hope so. Football is the worst sport for fans and organizations alike expecting so much out of draft picks. Unlike baseball and hockey where players generally do not even play for 3-4 seasons until they develop within the organization, the NFL is a right now league.

I think the year learning, watching and absorbing will benefit Meachem. Stallworth came in quick and struggled not only because of injury but with his maturity. I'm not saying it always is for the best as Henderson is a prime example of plateauing or regressing his potential. But I certainly hope having guys like Payton, Brees, Patton and even a very mature youngster like Colston surrounding him, that Meachem will have a better grasp of the technique and mental side of things and let his athleticism catch up next season.