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The Saints had six picks in the draft this April and then brought in a host of players that went undrafted. Let's take a look at just how all these rookies are doing and if I believe they should make the team.

Tight End Jimmy Graham: By far he has been not only one of the most impressive rookies in camp, but one of the most impressive players period. Not only does he have the physical ability to really perform well as a tight end and in the Saints' offense, but he has the talent. Graham has consistently shown the ability to get open and is making his catches. It doesn't appear to me as if the transition from college to the NFL is having any affect on him whatsoever. Remember also that he also only played one year of football at Miami because he was focused on basketball. I like Graham's chances of making the team and believe he'll actually compete on a high level for playing time with David Thomas.

Defensive Tackle Al Woods: Woods is a big guy that could really provide some true depth at the defensive tackle position. The starting spots already belong to Sedrick Ellis and Remi Ayodele, but Woods could really challenge for a top back-up position if he has a good camp. I consider him an upgrade over Anthony Hargrove honestly if he can just pick up his pass-rushing abilities. He'll be a good run stopper, especially with Ellis, and that's an area the Saints need to improve upon from last year. Woods will make the team no problem and he could be a good factor throughout the season as a viable back-up.

Quarterback Sean Canfield: While I'm not going to pick on him because it's not totally him since all the back-up QBs don't look too good so far; Canfield will be the odd man out. I had high hopes for him but he's just not going to cut it. Chase Daniel and Patrick Ramsey have not been impressive by any stretch of the imagination, but Canfield is still even behind them. Look for him to be elsewhere before too long as the Saints will probably keep one back-up on the gameday roster and the other on the practice squad.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson: Another impressive prospect that is right up there with Graham. Robinson signed the day before camp started and showed up midway through the first morning practice, got on the field, and showed his talents right away. He has looked really good at times defending some very talented NFL receivers, and when they're catching balls from Drew Brees then that makes his defensive plays even better. Robinson won't start right away, but could find himself placed into the nickel formation very early on. One of the best cornerback tandems (when healthy) in the league has already locked up both sides of the field so Robinson will be a nice back-up for Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. Malcolm Jenkins may move over to safety which opens up the door as an immediate reserve for Robinson as well. He's definitely on the team and will play a lot this season.

Offensive Tackle Charles Brown: Jonathan Stinchcomb and Jermon Bushrod have the ends of the line locked up for now. Bushrod came in last season to replace an injured Jammal Brown (traded to Washington) and played well, but not great. Brown has great size and a lot of power to keep defenders tied up in blocks and give quarterbacks plenty of time. A good training camp and preseason could see Brown push Bushrod, but only time will tell there. Brown will be on the team as a top reserve.

Center Matt Tennant: I haven't seen much of Tennant yet after he missed the first three days of camp due to the passing of his mother. I'll give my assessment of him at a later date once I've seen a bit more.

Running Back Chris Ivory: Alright, he has so far been the highlight of a lot of practices. Numerous reporters have expressed how much they like Ivory and the talent he's showing.. I fully agree as he has displayed great speed, good hands catching the ball, and nice moves to get extra yards or just get past defenders. If he can't hold onto the ball though and keeps fumbling then he's going to find himself on the outs. Ivory is good, but he's not Adrian Peterson good where the fumbles can kind of be looked past a small bit. He's got to hold onto the ball if he is going to make this team. That is especially true considering how crowded the Saints' backfield already is. If he stops the fumbling then he'll squeak onto the 53-man roster on special teams for this season. Should the drops keep up then he'll land on the practice squad.

Wide Receiver Andy Tanner: Tanner has shown some nice ability so far in training camp. He's caught the ball well and been able to avoid defenders and break some tackles, but I'm afraid that the position is just way too overloaded. Tanner won't be anywhere near this team once all is said and done.

Wide Receiver Montez Billings: Same deal as Tanner. Shows flashes of good play, but he's just not going to beat out the likes of Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and Adrian Arrington (who I hope makes the team, but more on that another day). The sheer amount of talent at wide receiver and running back means that Billings and Tanner won't even be able to make the Saints' team as returners so I believe they're both out.

Defensive End Junior Galette: Galette is one of those guys I'm not entirely sure of just yet even though I've seen good things from him in camp. He has size, speed, and good skills at the DE position meaning he could be a viable back-up just about anywhere in the league by the time the regular season starts. Like with the wide receiver and running back positions though, defensive end is kind of bottled full of talent. My prediction is that Alex Brown will end up starting opposite Will Smith with Jimmy Wilkerson and Bobby McCray as the primary back-ups. If the Saints end up keeping five defensive ends though and Galette plays well enough then he could maybe beat out Jeff Charleston, but we'll see.


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SmashMouth

Looks like they think Ivory had already made the team.

dizzle88

Jimmy graham and pat robinson gunna be key contributors, ivory needs to hold onto the ball and he'll be okay!!

saintsfan1976

Good find.

homerj07

What a great problem to have - too many good players!!

(PS : Saintsfan1976 awesome avatar)

Rugby Saint II

saintsfan1976 I'm digging your avatar. She's smoking hot.

strato

Im hoping Gallett does enough and Ivory will be there...the rest im pullin for to...

SmashMouth

They can't all make it, Strato.... lol.... or can they?!?!?

strato

Well i will pull for em..just have a few i favor

QBREES9

You can't make the team if you fumble.