biloxi-indian

SunHerald.com : Wide receiver roster looking like a crowd

Wide receiver roster looking like a crowd
Meachem hopes to prove last season was a fluke
By LARRY HOLDER
lholder@sunherald.com


METAIRIE, La. --Carrying six wide receivers on an NFL roster is the exception and not the norm. It leaves an interesting quandary for the New Orleans Saints to sort out.

Marques Colston and David Patten have cemented their spots with the team. Colston put up Pro Bowl numbers in his first two seasons in the league, while Patten proved to be the consistent veteran the Saints yearned for after letting Joe Horn go following the 2006 campaign.

The rest of the spots, which will likely be three instead of four like last season, will be up for grabs.

Devery Henderson, Terrance Copper and Lance Moore suited up for every game last season. Robert Meachem spent every gameday in sweats and never set foot on the field.

A chronic knee injury plagued Meachem during his rookie season. One year after being the Saints' first-round selection, Meachem is moving around the field without a brace on his knee and with more confidence than he's shown since arriving in New Orleans.

"You don't see the gimp and he's healthier, which has helped him," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "This offseason has helped him."

Meachem said it's a dream come true not to worry about his knee and to shed the knee brace he wore daily. He even took part in a couple of pickup basketball games with some of his teammates without a hitch.

With the Saints' organized team activities under way and minicamp set to start in a week, Meachem feels like he's running around as well as any of the other receivers. He also said he's ready to "battle it out" for playing time and a possible starting role.

"My expectations are always high," Meachem said. "I feel like every time I touch it, I want to make a big play. I want to do whatever it takes to help this team win... . I have to prove something to my coaches and my teammates and just let them know that I was a first-round draft pick and why I was a first-round draft pick."

The versatility of Copper and Moore to play wideout and contribute on special teams gives the two of them added value in Payton's eyes.

Moore started four games in 2007 with 32 catches for 302 yards and three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) and served as the primary punt returner. Copper started one game last year and four in 2006. He had 15 catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns along with his kick return coverage.

Henderson doesn't provide the same effect, making the speedy receiver's spot more unsteady. He realizes his position isn't assured like at the beginning of last season.

Henderson signed a one-year deal in the offseason to remain with the Saints. His inconsistencies catching the ball turned him into a fourth option by the end of 2007 rather than a starter in Week 1. He caught 20 passes for 409 yards and three scores.

"For me, I know it's nothing personal," Henderson said. "I know what I've got to do. I have to continue working hard to better myself and make the team. I have to do my part. Everybody else has to, too, so I know there's a lot on the line."

Then there's another seventh-round pick making noise. Payton pointed out Adrian Arrington during rookie minicamp and the beginning of OTAs as one of the impressive players thus far.

"He's had a couple of good practices out there and he's made some plays out there (Wednesday)," Payton said. "He's learned quickly what to do, which is half the battle for a young receiver. He's a big target and still has a ways to go. His transition has been pretty quick and that's been encouraging."

The Saints also signed Skyler Green shortly after last season. Green is known more as a return specialist than a wide receiver. Payton is familiar with the former LSU standout as the two spent time together in Dallas. But Green likely will have to establish himself as a legitimate receiver to crack the roster.

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

hagan714

Hmmm Todd Blythe is not making a rumble. I thought he would. Well at least he is still around. He beat Evens out. I guess that something.
I am ready for a shake up at the WR position but from what I see here it may not happen. Another year of Stone Hands Henderson. Grrrr
Glad to hear Mech is doing good but for god's sake ban him from basketball.

biloxi-indian

hagan, I see Colston, Meachem, Patten, Copper, and Arrington possibliy as the five WR. Copper because he is a ST'er. Henderson and Moore are moved out. Henderson has little or no trade value, as a UFA this year, he found no one that would offer him a contract...thus signing with the Saints for 1 year.

If Blythe can add some weight (muscle), develop blocking skills, he may be a development TE (certainly has the height). More likely, he ends up on the PS.

mikesaintfan

miami needs WR's...trade for Taylor?