Exit Interview: Defensive overhaul on agenda for Saints
 

What Went Right: Almost anything that draws up images of offense, scoring, or dudes in black tights slam-dunking the ball over the crossbar and running around like little kids ... that went right. The Saints seemingly scored at will, topping 40 points eight times during the 2011 season, including four in a row from Week 15 to the wild-card win over the Lions.

Drew Brees was unstoppable, taking advantage of the rules that consistently limit the manner in which defensive backs can play, throwing for a league-record 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also cut down his interceptions from 22 to 14. Meanwhile his receivers consistently made big plays, with Marques Colston leading the pack with more than 1,100 yards. Like Colston, Lance Moore had eight receiving touchdowns while Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson contributed several big plays between them. Tight end Jimmy Graham (99 receptions, 1,310 yards, 11 TDs) has only one peer in the NFL: Rob Gronkowski.






NFL.com news: Exit Interview: Defensive overhaul on agenda for Saints

can really only think of 2-3 names that would complete this sentence:

The defender that the Saints REALLY need back in 2012 is ___________.

I think you can say that about all 32 teams. There are only a handfull of players that you REALLY need back on each team every year.

I can say the same thing about the offense.

That's partly true because our skill players are so interchangeable: 4 RB's and #2-5 WR's are all equally effective
as for REALLY needing players back on Offense : I wouldn't put Brees, Graham, Colston, Nicks, or Evans in the replaceable category.

It depends on salary. If Colston is gonna make 7 million per year, I can see him being replacable if we have 7 million per year to offer someone else.

The only player we REALLY need back on offense is Brees. There isn't anyone out there can replace him at any price. Everyone else can be replaced at the right price.

I'm essentially nit-picking the term "REALLY Need Back". Very few players in the NFL are irreplacable.

I agree with this. Of the "Big 3" free agents (Brees, Nicks, & Colston), he's the most replaceable. Reuben Randle will go in the 2nd round & as much as I love Colston.......Reuben Randle is pretty much the same guy........ 6'4" receiver that runs good routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle, big yardage after the catch, & doesn't drop squat! Just saying.

Most if not all of the picks will probably be on the defensive side, so I wouldn't count on the Saints' drafting any receivers - at least not with their 1st pick.

Man if we got a receiver with our first pick, I think there would be a mutiny!!

http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/v...Apocalypse.jpg

The point was.......If Colston's salary demand becomes too high, he is replaceable. And IMO.....if he goes to another team for more money, you can bet Sean Payton will be looking for a similar replacement.

Or they might decide to keep Meachem and promote from within.

Still, one thing is certain - they wouldn't replace Colston through the draft and the FA market isn't really overfilled with great WR talent to be had for bargain price.