stockman311

11:46 Kevin Spain, TP: Hello everyone. The Times-Picayune's New Orleans Saints beat reporter Mike Triplett will join you around noon.
Go ahead and start sending in your questions and he'll get to as many as possible.
Thanks.

Monday March 8, 2010 11:46 Kevin Spain, TP
11:59 [Comment From BrandonBrandon: ]
As far as the D line would you see the Saints moving Hargrove back to the DE and drafting a DT in the first round. And drafting a QB in the first round are in the other rounds would that be a good idea are a bad idea for this year draft.

Monday March 8, 2010 11:59 Brandon
12:04 Mike Triplett, TP: Hey Brandon, I wouldn't expect the Saints to move Hargrove back to end. They like the pass-rushing presence he brings up the middle, and he's more effective in a part-time role, keeping him fresh and explosive. He probably wouldn't make as much of an impact at end, especially in a full-time role -- though he's definitely capable of filling in at end when necessary because of injuries, etc.

Clearly, defensive end is a position they should address, though, and a position where they really need to get younger and more explosive. I would expect that to be a top priority on the first day of the draft.

As for a quarterback in Round 1, I'd really be stunned. They could use a QB to develop behind Brees and maybe would be willing to spend a higher pick on it, like 3rd or 4th round, potentially. But they want to keep building around Brees while their window of opportunity is wide open, rather than plan for a future without him.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:04 Mike Triplett, TP
12:05 [Comment From VanessaVanessa: ]
Any news on Sharper? Also, now that Fujita went to the Browns for $8 million, are the Saints seriously considering any free agents?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:05 Vanessa
12:09 Mike Triplett, TP: Still nothing definitive on Sharper. I guess that might be good news for the Saints, that no other teams have aggressively pounced on him with a big offer during the opening weekend of free agency. But he's definitely received some interest. And the Saints showed with teh Fujita deal that if another team is willing to overpay for some of their Super Bowl mojo, they'll be willing to let a valued veteran go if the price isn't right.

I think there's still a good chance Sharper will return if he doesn't find the right deal elsewhere, but I don't think he's in a rush to make that decision.

The Saints, meanwhile, have obviously been low-key so far in free agency and I haven't gotten any word of any scheduled visits yet today. ... Even though there's no salary cap, the Saints have to be fiscally responsible this offseason. If there WAS a salary cap, they would have gone into this year over the cap, especially with all of those restricted free agent tenders they've offered. And the cap could return next year, so they don't want to let that get out of hand. ... I expect only modest moves from them, but certainly they'll be in the market for some help in the front 7 and maybe at backup quarterback if they decide to let Brunell go, among other spots.



Monday March 8, 2010 12:09 Mike Triplett, TP
12:10 [Comment From georgegeorge: ]
Hi, I thought that we needed to draft (in order) a def tackle perhaps even cody, and then both a def end and an outside linebacker. I thought dt first because we must stop the run. then I thought dt before olb to rush the pass without relying on as many blitz. with grant and fujita gone. we really need even more help in the front seven on d. I guess the dt is now out of the question in the first 2 or 3 rounds. any news on if there is a good dt, de, or olb in free agency?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:10 george
12:14 Mike Triplett, TP: The Saints have never really looked at the draft as a way to plug immediate needs, and they especially won't do that with the 32nd pick. ... You can't count on the players you want being there, and you can't count on them to be instant starters.

I do think they want to replenish their defense with younger pass rushers, tackles and outside linebackers, so I think all three of those spots will be high priorities heading into the draft. But I also think they've got to have their 22 starter all penciled in before they get to that point. ... I don't know if they're content with Remi Ayodele at NT, Jo-Lonn Dunbar at SLB and Bobby McCray at DE. My guess is they'll at least look to bring in depth and competition at all three of those spots before the draft, though.

Of those three positions, I think they should be able to find a situational run-stuffing tackle the easiest in free agency. Not sure exactly who that is, but it's a spot where a veteran player can come in and offer 20 quality snaps a game (think Hollis Thomas, etc.). ... A pass-rushing end will be the hardest spot to fill in free agency cuz teams don't let the good ones go easily.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:14 Mike Triplett, TP
12:14 [Comment From Lou NawlinsLou Nawlins: ]
My question is assuming most fans thought our Defense was key to winning the Super Bowl and believe Scott Fujita was a key member, is how many key players are the Saints Inc. beleive they can survive without?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:14 Lou Nawlins
12:18 Mike Triplett, TP: I can't say enough good things about Scott Fujita. One of the best guys I've ever dealt with in sports, and a passionate leader who was very well-respected by teammates and coaches, etc. ... And I think it makes a lot of sense for a team like the Browns to bring him in to set a tone and lead by example, experience.

But I can understand the Saints letting him go. He's turning 31 next month and his best football is probably behind him, not ahead of him. ... The Saints' defensive turnaround last year was sparked by Gregg Williams' aggressive and elaborate schemes, by an improved pass rush and by much-improved play at the cornerback and safety spots. Those areas remain intact, for the most part, so they can build around that core.

It's harder to evaluate how much Sharper would be missed if they lose him. He, too, isn't going to get better at age 34. But he's got the kind of instincts and opportunistic ability to pounce on turnovers that are hard to replace with younger, less-experienced players.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:18 Mike Triplett, TP
12:19 [Comment From ConnieConnie: ]
We've lost Scott Fujita. Maybe Sharper? Who else? Why don't the Saints keep their Super Bowl champs in line for a repeat season?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:19 Connie
12:23 Mike Triplett, TP: I guess in these situations you've got to put your faith in the front office that built these Super Bowl champs in the first place. ... It's not like they're radically altering the team or trying new things or bringing in questionable characters, etc. ... They're just trying to stick with the same business model that they've followed in building this team since 2006. As GM Mickey Loomis said a couple weeks ago, you've got to be careful not to let the euphoria of winning a Super Bowl cloud your judgment and keep you from making honest, critical evaluations.

If the Saints spend too much on guys like Fujita and Sharper, maybe they can't afford to extend as many of their younger, core players like Jahri Evans, Pierre Thomas, etc. ... It's easy to want them to throw money at everyone, but they understand the juggling act they're doing with all 80 players they're bringing to camp, so these kinds of decisions get made by every team, every year.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:23 Mike Triplett, TP
12:24 [Comment From ejej: ]
do you think theirs anyone out there that can come in as a free agent and make a impact?and since we stacked up u think we might start building the team in the draft with some young talent...who dat!!!

Monday March 8, 2010 12:24 ej
12:30 Mike Triplett, TP: I actually like a couple of the safeties who might be available in free agency, like Pittsburgh's Ryan Clark and St. Louis O.J. Atogwe (restricted, but with no draft-pick compensation), should they decide to part ways with Sharper. ... I haven't seen a player at OLB who stands out as an immediate upgrade, but I'm sure there are a handful of guys the Saints' scouts have a high grade on.

Like I said, I don't expect the Saints to spend a lot of money on new additions this year. I think they're trimming some of the budget so they can afford to keep most of their young core players this year and beyond.

And yes, I do think they'll place a high value on keeping their draft picks so they can keep the roster stocked for the future with cheap developmental talent.

It's much better than being in a position of desperation like the Chicago Bears, who had to break the bank and unload top draft picks to acquire guys like Jay Cutler and Julius Peppers. Those guys may indeed pan out, but the Bears are all-in with them.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:30 Mike Triplett, TP
12:30 [Comment From nicknick: ]
Do you see any of our young linebackers stepping up next year and possible playing better than Fujita did this year.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:30 nick
12:33 Mike Triplett, TP: Of the young guys on the Saints' roster, Jo-Lonn Dunbar is the one who seems to be the best fit on the strong side, where he's filled in nicely for Fujita in spurts over the last two years. He finished the season on IR but it was a hamstring injury that will be fully healed by the start of the offseason program.

I like what I saw from rookie Jonathan Casillas this year, though he seems like more of a weakside guy, and who knows what they'll get from last year's fourth-round draft pick Stanley Arnoux, who missed the entire year with a ruptured Achilles. ... Potentially Marvin Mitchell could move over from MLB, but they'll probably keep him put.

It's a decent amount of depth to work with, so they could get by with that group if they don't see a veteran in free agency that they really like. But I'd expect them to bring in at least a veteran who can compete with those guys.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:33 Mike Triplett, TP
12:33 [Comment From chrischris: ]
do you like joey porter coming to the saints? i know he is not the best in the locker room, but neither is/ was shockey. what is your position on this?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:33 chris
12:35 Mike Triplett, TP: I don't see that, at all. ... That would be messing with the chemistry, and it's not like he'll come for cheap. Plus he's been playing in a 3-4, where he seems to be a better fit. ... I'll never say never, and he's certainly the kind of pass-rushing playmaker that they could use in their front 7, but I'd really be surprised to see that move.

With Shockey, Sean Payton knew him personally and believed he was a team player. ... With Porter, you don't have that personal connection. And actually, Payton's most trusted advisor Bill Parcells is the one who let him go in Miami.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:35 Mike Triplett, TP
12:36 [Comment From SteveSteve: ]
Whats the feeling about the two draft picks from last year that got hurt and are expected back? I don't remember their names, but aren't they almost like having two additional picks this year, since they haven't played a down yet?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:36 Steve
12:38 Mike Triplett, TP: That's a good point, Steve. I just mentioned Stanley Arnoux, who plays OLB. The other is safety Chip Vaughn. Both were fourth-round picks from Wake Forest ... and ironically they play the same positions as Fujita and Sharper.

Now, there's no way you can count on either of them to replace those guys, but it is worth remembering that the Saints do have more depth at those spots than people might remember. ... Vaughn looked good early in training camp and had a knee injury that wasn't too severe, so he should be back up to speed soon and could have a good developmental offseason. Arnoux might be facing a longer learning curve. His injury was severe and it came on the first day of rookie minicamp practice last year.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:38 Mike Triplett, TP
12:38 [Comment From SimSim: ]
If the Saints would be over the cap NOW, then they have to move Bush soon and get what they can for Jammal, right? No way they can take a $12m hit on Bush when the cap comes back, and it will cost about $4m to cut him next offseason.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:38 Sim
12:41 Mike Triplett, TP: It's not quite that bad. They just have to play around with the money a little bit, and losing Charles Grant's big salary helped quite a bit. ... Plus if the cap comes back next year it will probably be higher than it was last year, and they can always restructure Reggie's deal by adding future years to it, etc. ... If there is a cap next year, then they certainly won't keep him around at one year, $12 million, that's for sure. ... But they can definitely afford to keep him this year.

I wouldn't rule out some sort of move with Jammal Brown, though, this year or next year. They're deep at offensive tackle, and they're spending a good deal of money on the position. So if Brown, Bushrod, Stinchcomb and Strief continue to play well, the Saints won't be able to afford all four of them next year.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:41 Mike Triplett, TP
12:41 [Comment From JosephJoseph: ]
Any chance we release Brunnel and sign Jake Delhomme?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:41 Joseph
12:42 Mike Triplett, TP: That was my first thought, too, when I saw Delhomme get released. A great guy, great leader, ideal backup quarterback for any team in the league, and obviously Louisiana is home. ... But I think some team will pay Delhomme more than the Saints want to pay their backup QB, and I think Delhomme could pick about 30 other places where he's more likely to play and compete for a starting job. So I don't actually think that will happen.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:42 Mike Triplett, TP
12:42 [Comment From SimSim: ]
Do you think if Kampman had waited a few days or Fujita signed with Cleveland on opening day, the Saints would have talked to him? Their contracts were pretty close in $ per year, and I'd imagine if he had the choice between Jax and the Saints at close to the same price, he'd have come here and given us a great DE duo.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:42 Sim
12:44 Mike Triplett, TP: That's an example of a guy the Saints probably weren't going to be in the market for, regardless, though that type of player would have been a good fit. ... I think the Saints will add a couple of mid-level free agents that fit their roster and their budget. ... But just don't get too caught up in all the big names out there.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:44 Mike Triplett, TP
12:45 [Comment From JimmieJimmie: ]
What do you think about the team going after another veteran corner for the 3 rd or 4th spot? Or do we draft one?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:45 Jimmie
12:47 Mike Triplett, TP: Hey Jimmie, Can't believe I'm saying this, but that's a spot the Saints don't really have to worry about right now. Obviously they've got two excellent young starters in Greer and Porter, and I think Malcolm Jenkins is ready to be a very reliable No. 3 corner in his second year -- (for all of those people suggesting he move to FS if Sharper leaves, I think the Saints would rather keep him at corner as long as he proves capable of handling the job. Corner is a much harder spot to fill in the NFL).

And behind those three, youv'e still got Randall Gay, a competent fill-in at corner, nickel or dime. And you've got safety Usama Young, who can slide over in a pinch.

Of course they could always draft a young corner if they like one, but it's not a priority in free agency for the first time in several years.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:47 Mike Triplett, TP
12:48 [Comment From SteveSteve: ]
Mike, the theme since 2006 was to win for the city. No other season has been more meaningful, and no other pay-off so big. How in the world do the Saints deal with the natural letdown, of having the "Mission Accomplished" feeling that will do away with such powerful motivation from the last 4 years??

Monday March 8, 2010 12:48 Steve
12:52 Mike Triplett, TP: Honestly, I think that "winning for the city" idea was a nice bonus motivation for a lot of players and coaches, but I don't think that was their driving force. I think Drew Brees would have been just as motivated to win a Super Bowl in Miami or San Diego, and I think you could say the same for just about everyone else on the team. So they won't relax now just because that storyline has gone away.

But I am curious to see how much fire, passion, motivation, etc., they can muster heading into this year. I can understand why it's so rare for teams to repeat. I've got to imagine it's impossible to go back to work with as much determination and dedication and hunger in those dog days of summer, etc.

I can envision something like the Rams after they won their Super Bowl a decade ago. The next year they lost in the first round of the playoffs (to the Saints in the Dome). Then a year later they were back in the Super Bowl.

But then again, they have maybe the best quarterback and offense in the game today so it would be foolish to bet against them.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:52 Mike Triplett, TP
12:52 [Comment From jeff savellejeff savelle: ]
I hope Mike Bell Stays with us....ant thoughts?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:52 jeff savelle
12:54 Mike Triplett, TP: That's another guy they might let get away if some other team like Seattle wants to pay him bigger dollars. He was obviously a valuable asset in New Orleans, but they're very deep at tailback and there comes a point where you can't pay that much for your No. 3 tailback, especially when you've got a decent alternative waiting in the wings in Lynell Hamilton.

Monday March 8, 2010 12:54 Mike Triplett, TP
12:55 [Comment From genegene: ]
Can you type faster?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:55 gene
12:56 Mike Triplett, TP: Yes, but you want deep, thoughtful, insightful answers right? ... I'm giving you guys pearls here!!!

Monday March 8, 2010 12:56 Mike Triplett, TP
12:56 [Comment From WillWill: ]
Is there anybody in this year's draft thatyou think would be just the type of guy the Saints need to add? Do you think the Saints will be able to grab an immediate impact guy drafting so late in the first round?

Monday March 8, 2010 12:56 Will
12:59 Mike Triplett, TP: I don't know enough about these prospects to tell you who would be the ideal fit with the No. 32 pick -- although I did love FS Louis Delmas for the Saints last year, and darn if he doesn't look like a future perennial Pro Bowler.

Anyway, the mold I would choose for the Saints is an explosive, disruptive pass rusher, whethere he's a big guy like Florida's Carlos Dunlap or a little guy like Clemson's Ricky Sapp or somewhere in between. As long he can wreak havoc on quarterbacks, I trust that Gregg Williams would find a formation to line him up in. ... A handful of rookie pass rushers made an impact on the league last year (Brian Orakpo, Clay Matthews, etc.) and I think the Saints are really missing that element on their defense. It would help if it's a guy who could develop into an every-down starter to eventually replace Bobby McCray or Will Smith, as well.
Monday March 8, 2010 12:59 Mike Triplett, TP
1:00 [Comment From hank the tank hank the tank: ]
if the saints lose Bell, do they sign LT, look to the draft, or hand it over to Hamilton Monday March 8, 2010 1:00 hank the tank

1:01 Mike Triplett, TP: I think they'd hand it to Hamilton in that case. Heck, they started doing that down the stretch last season, though I think that was partly because Bell's knee was a little banged up.

I just don't see Tomlinson in New Orleans, especially because he doesn't fit that Mike Bell role. If anything, he would be a replacement for Reggie or Pierre Thomas. He's not really the short-yardage hammer that Bell was. ... But I think Tomlinson will seek more money and a bigger role than the Saints would offer.
Monday March 8, 2010 1:01 Mike Triplett, TP
1:01 [Comment From CJG CJG: ]
People seem to forget that Will Smith might still end up serving a 4 game suspension next season. With Charles Grant gone now, what will they do if Smith is suspended? Monday March 8, 2010 1:01 CJG

1:03 Mike Triplett, TP: Excellent point. I think Smith will have to serve that 4-game suspension, yet another reason why they could use some depth at end. ... But they were prepared to go into last year with McCray, Jeff Charleston and Paul Spicer when they expected Smith and Grant to both be suspended, so clearly they won't push the panic button if they lose Smith for 4 games this year.
Monday March 8, 2010 1:03 Mike Triplett, TP
1:04 Mike Triplett, TP: Thanks for all the questions. ... Sorry I didn't have more info on the Saints' free agent plans, but they've been extremely low-key in the free agent market so far this year.

It might be more exciting to be a fan in Chicago, Cleveland, etc., right now, but I'm guessing none of you would trade places with them.