looking ahead to the offseason
 

Given the fact that this is not a strong year for free agency, i think the saints have to make a strong push to land at least 2 guys that can come in and start for our defense this year. One way or another, we have to be able to find some young athletic guys to plug into our defense. That being said, there is nothing out there at defensive tackle, aside from Briggs there isnt a linebacker out there that i think we need. There may only be 2 or 3 CB's that i would like to have.

So what are some realistic options for us on defense this offseason? Is there any way the saints can fill all of their holes on defense this offseason? probably not. I would like to hear what some of you think would be the best route for us to take to solidify our defense.

Here is my take:
1. trade a conditional pick next year for Vilma (based on his production, it could be a 2nd rounder or as low as a 5th.)
2. Sign Drayton Florence
3. Hope that Ellis or Dorsey slides in the draft to the 8th spot and move up to get him giving up our 3rd in the process.
4. draft the best available CB in the 2nd round.

That adds four young guys to our defense. Any other thoughts??????

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

Ok I am going against the grain here. Dan Connor.

Athletic Penn State linebacker Dan Connor has so far been the hit of interviews. Several teams have said it was the best interview they have seen a linebacker have in the last few years. His film diagnosis and knowledge of the game are precisely why he is a tackling machine. Many have added him to their lists' of must interviews after hearing stellar reports from his first three interviews. The N.E. Patriots and Tampa Bay added him to their lists after the rumors ran in the convention center.

Draft Daddy: Blog : 2008 NFL Draft News as it Breaks: Updated Regularly

Trade back him and an additional pick. Brains in the middle to run the defense.

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

I agree that we need to look hard at Florence. If Dorsey or Ellis is there at #8, i think we can move up without giving up a whole lot, i would settle with giving up a 3rd for either of them. I disagree on the CB though, I think we can get a great LB with our 2nd, Lofton would be a great pick. Theres even a slight chance that Connor could still around.

For me Id like to see us start fixing the DLine and then work our way back. Id rather see us starting Florence and Young at corner with Lofton and Ellis/Dorsey in front of them.

Also, I still think taking a chance on Ikoguonwo in the late rounds would be a smart choice. If that were to happen, in '09 we could be looking at a solid defense. The CB situation would be McKenzie, Florence, Young and Iko. A resigned Smith, Grant, and Dorsey/Ellis up front. Lofton and Fujita as part of our LB corp.

Its all wishful thinking of course and im not one who thinks this defensive overhaul is going to happen in one year.

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

I agree with Vilma but here's how I would do it:

1. Trade for Vilma but the pick(s) would be next year's a 2nd and maybe a 7th.

2. Sign Samuel and Gay.

3. Sign Gibril Wilson.

4. Sign Culpepper to be our #2.

5. Sign Julius Jones to replace Stecker.

6. Sign Bryant Johnston and re-sign Henderson.

7. Re-sign Johnson and Miller.

9. Re-sign Young, sign Justin Smith.

8. Draft best CB in the 1st, Dre Moore, DT in the 2nd, Beau Bell ILB in the 3rd, Darnell Terrell CB in the 4th, Bo Rudd OLB in the 5th, Kolo Kapanui TE in the 6th and Sam Keller QB in the 7th.

I can dream can't I.

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

Hey cher this ain't baseball. there is no luxury tax. lol

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

How about this>...............

Trade for Vilma. From what I have read they are looking for a fourth, I believe if Vilma passes a physical this would be a steal. He is young and can make an impact. Then we trade down in the 1st round(unless there is a big surprise player who drops to 10th) and draft Cromartie. I watched him play in the Senior bowl and he was DA MAN. He would really impact our secondary and let David play zone 2 in the Nickel which helps him. Then we can get another LB and I think we should be prepared to find an OT in this very rich OT draft. After that I don't care, I like Hester being a Louisiana homie, but if we don't get him or Steltz I don't care I just want some IMPACT players like 2 years ago.

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

Not against my grain :)

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

1. Sign/trade Vilma
2. Draft Rivers(1st)
3. sign Samuel
4. draft Dre Moore(2nd)

Staring D

DE-Smith,Grant
DT-H.Thomas(unless we can sign a FA), Moore
OLB-Fujita,Rivers
MLB-VILMA!!!!!!
CB-Samuel,Young
S-Kashevaheirn,Harper

Thoughts?

Re: looking ahead to the offseason
 

Here is my take....When teams game planned against us last season they did not say oh look they have bad corners we can throw the ball on them! They said wow we can throw the ball because we have all day to do so. So for all you who think that getting corners is the way to go and is the fix all solution,think again. How about we get after the only person who can get the ball to the receivers,ever thought about that? Do you really want to be watching saints games next season and look at QB's who you never even heard of throw for record completions,yardage,and touchdowns?So i say we get every QB hungry MO FO THERE IS TO GET!x(