Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

"The knee is actually doing very well," he said. "I had the surgery in November, so it's about four months since the operation and it's feeling very good. I started jogging two weeks ago and I've been doing leg curls. I'm trying to take it easy."

Vilma passed all the medical tests administered by the Saints before the trade was in place.

"The knee shouldn't be a problem long-term," he said. "I just have to take care of it. There was a dead piece of bone in my knee. In the Cincinnati game, it decided to fall [away]. Unfortunately, I've never had a season-ending injury before. I'm just glad the knee is taken care of."

Ok after reading this I FEEL GREAT !!!!

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

[QUOTE=BleedBlack&Gold;155588]I know everyone wants Briggs next but if we dont get it done, how about one of these four:
Boss Bailey
Dhani Jones
Dan Morgon
Jerimiah Trotter

QUOTE]

Bailey--may be worth a look
Jones--resigned
Morgan--No interest
Trotter--completely forgettable...this guy is done.


I think the Saints will make a decent offer to Briggs if he ever makes it down here for a visit...and i believe the Saints will target Rivers in the draft if Briggs doesnt sign.

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

A good start, we still need more help on defense, though.

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

I agree. Target a linebacker in the draft if we dont get Briggs. The linebackers in free agency either arent healthy or aren't better than what we have. Plus we already had Dhani Jones on our team and he couldnt make it past preseason

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

Vilmaaaaa!

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

I think I heard on ESPN that the conditional pick could go as high as a #2 if he signs a long term deal with the Saints. I really wasnt paying attention but I thought they were talking about Vilma. Anybody else hear that? Like I said I wasnt paying attention they couldve been talking about someone else.

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

Nevermind I just read one of the links and it says the pick could be a #2 if we sign a contract extension. Just read all the talk of a #3 or #4 round pick and was a little surprised when I heard a 2nd round pick.

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

Hey guys...

Another Jets Fan here.

Wanted to weigh in on the Vilma deal, why we traded him, and what you can expect to get.

First of, it was a good deal on both sides, from what I've heard, it's a 4th rounder this year, along with a conditional next year. If he reaches the conditions next year, I believe it will be a 2nd round pick, but we'll have to return a 4th to you.

This tells me that Vilma's knee is still a bit of a concern, from what I understand, he has not even started jogging yet. So it's very much up in the air next year, he says he'll be ready, but how often does a player say that he wont be?

Why did we trade him? Vilma is a terrible misfit for our defense. In fact, the 3-4 system we run literally exaggerates his weakness while suffocating his talents. Mangini believes that the system is more important then the players in it, so he's sticking to his guns. Therefore, there was no room for Vilma on the team despite his leadership abilities, he was a liability for us. My only wish was that we traded him before this season, I'm fairly certain we could have gotten a high 2nd rounder for him at that point.

Now, what you can expect... You're going to love him in. His leadership is great, he's a guy who's jersey you'll be proud to own and wear on gameday. He's a model citizen.

On the field, his sideline to sideline ability is what makes him great. I think he's going to secure a spot as a top MLB in the league. Don't expect to get Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher, but definitely just a step below. The guy will make a ton of tackles and chase down linebackers running outside all game. You'll love his speed, I mean love it. You'll wonder 'How the hell did he get there to make that play'. He will literally be a rock for you in the middle for years. (if you extend him) He also I'm sure will take your defense on his back and become a captain immediately.

On the negative side, one thing Vilma has never really been IMO is a playmaker, as I said, he's going to make a ton of tackles, and be absolutely rock solid, however, I would not expect many forced fumbles, sacks, or tackles for loss. Even in his best years with us, he never had them. Also, he's 6'1, 230... not much bigger than many RBs, which means while he's a monster at taking angles, catching you, and bringing you down, if you run right at him, you neutralize his advantage. (specifically why he was invisible in the 3-4) He will make the tackles in these situations, but he'll get run over a lot and bring the ball carrier down falling forward for those 2-3 extra yards. Hopefully you're strong in your interior D-line or working to be stronger. If not, D-Rob for sale!!! (Another player who will vastly improve once he's out of our system)

On a personal note, I was rooting for you guys hard last year, and you are and will continue to be on of my favorite teams. Good luck this year, and enjoy your new MLB!

PS: This is a cool smiley: :bartinator:

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

Thanks for the insight.

Re: LB Vilma Officially A Saint - More Excitement
 

Wow good read. You pretty much summed up alot of my questions on Vilma.