biloxi-indian

What, if any, can the New Orleans Saints expect from these three in 2008; Orien Harris (4th round/Pittsburg), Buck Ortega (UDFA/Redskins/Cleveland), and Anwar Phillips.

Also, what changes, if any, will new secondary coach Dennis Allen make in the Saints secondary scheme?

Harris;

BIO: Three-year starter and previous All-Conference selection who totaled 37/10/3.5 as a senior after 39/12/1.5 the prior year.

POSITIVES: Hard-working lineman plagued with inconsistent play. Gets leverage on opponents, is explosive off the snap and is fluid changing direction. Makes plays down the line of scrimmage, is rarely off his feet and possesses a short burst of speed. Flashes hand technique, power and wedges between blocks.

NEGATIVES: Does not consistently play with a sense of urgency. Lacks bulk, slow shedding blocks and cannot hold the point against double teams.

ANALYSIS: A vocal leader known as a team guy, Harris has starting potential at the next level if placed next to a wide-bodied space-eater. A productive pro if he takes his game to the next level.

PROJECTION: Early Sixth Round


I see where Vilma was a teammate and friends with Harris and Ortega at the U...but was wondering if these are just camp bodies or will/can they "step up"?

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over, over, and over again...and expecting a different outcome!

CheramieIII

Spot/rotation players at best. Nothing here to see, please move along. We needed to sign a MLB, DT and CB in FA and had to trade to get a MLB with a questionable medical record.

We have done nothing but give the appearance we are doing something by re-signing the same players we went 7-9 with last year and we should think it will be different because Jason David has a year of experience with the team, did we forget that Big Mac won't be back until last this season. If we don't sign some veteran DT and CB X's 2 we will be in serious doo doo and worse than last season.

Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at them.
Jimmy Demaret

biloxi-indian

CheramieIII,

I would only point to these same "gaaping holes" you mention existed in 2006 and these same resigned players were on the team that went 11-7.

Don't misunderstand, I am scratching my head with some of the resigns especially Simoneau and Henderson.

The Saints tried their hand at FA in 2007 and David, KK, and/or Simmons, with pickups of Clancy, Cooper, etc and did not produce to the level expected. To your point of a 9-7 season in 2007.

Unlike some, I expect/believe/expect Orgeron will build a fire under the defensive front in 2008. Unlike 2007, Smith and Grant will be a lot more "trim" and will "bring it" from the outside. I also think we will pick up a starter at LB (Rivers is my choice at #10) in the draft giving the Saints Fujita/Vilma/Rivers as the starting LB's. As backups...McCoy, Mitchell, Shanle. This is where I scratch my head with Simoneau (unless he is an insurance policy for Vilma).

I think the Giants showed if you keep Brady on his a$$, he cannot complete a pass!

Lastly, if you consider our cap space...we do have to remember the Saints have a number of "key" players they need to resign...namely Colston, Smith, Brown, and negotiate a contract with Vilma beyond 2009.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over, over, and over again...and expecting a different outcome!