saintz08

By Jeff Duncan
New Orleans Times-Picayune


Linebacker struggles

The linebackers' performance disappointed coach Jim Haslett last season, and the club is ready to make a move for a linebacker in the free-agent market or the draft. The club would like an upgrade over MLB Orlando Ruff, who is better suited to be a backup because of his lack of speed and range.

The team doesn't want to lose free-agent CB Fakhir Brown, who played significant minutes down the stretch and was effective. Considering the Saints' lack of depth at corner and Brown's improvement, they will make a strong push to keep him.

Offseason projects

Team officials were shocked at FS Tebucky Jones' poor fundamentals when he arrived from New England last year. He missed tackles and often tried to make the highlight-reel hit instead of wrapping up the ballcarrier. Coaches are hopeful Jones, a willing worker, will blossom into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety with a strong offseason.

WR Donte' Stallworth's conditioning will be monitored closely. The team is hoping that with the right program, Stallworth can avoid the groin, muscle and hamstring injuries that hampered him in his first two seasons. New assistant strength and conditioning coach Mark Smith will pay special attention to Stallworth to improve his stretching and training during the offseason.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seems to me I have seen this shopping list before .

Linebacker
Corner
Better play from the Safety
Stallworths Hamstrings

Seems familiar .