FinSaint

No, he simply was the best overall DC (and the best fit for what the Saints want to do on the defensive side of the ball) out there to replace GW.

I know about the initial recap stating that Spags uses DBs quite often on the blitz packages, because I have a different understanding of it, but it just might be that in the games I've seen with his defense they've for some reason not done it as much as they normally must have done.

That is the main reason why I think Harper won't have as much success in Spags' schemes - because he is forced to play coverage more than pursue the ball carrier. But, I'm sure Spags will find the best way to utilize him if he thinks he is worth keeping around.

Also, Danno or someone else have posted those pretty good stats on Harper's coverage against TEs in the past, so it might just be our collective perspective swayed by some of the big plays (i.e. SEA game) that has skewed our understanding of his coverage skills.

What I don't understand is why so many on these boards are so belittling of Jenkins' skills and ability going forward?! I mean, he had a disappointing season, but he clearly has potential to be a real star on the Saints' backfield - more so than any other DB on the current roster (PR included).

As stated before, both the starting safeties would benefit a lot from more pressure created by the D-Line, and that has been Spags calling card in the past, so I'm not worried about the secondary going forward - as long as the D-Line and LBs get upgraded in some form or another.

"I'm not bashing people, I'm bashing their opinions because in my opinion their opinion is wrong" - Danno

alleycat_126

I don't think Harper should be out, he is an amazing safety but slow for the position, if I was Spags which I am not I would consider moving harper to OLB not responsible for making calls like the ILB but just go stop the run, and get the QB the two things Harper does best. I would end up finding to new safetys at both positions.

Jenkins has regressed but I think he can still be a contributor in Nickel situations as a Corner and Safety from time to time if the situation permits.

Next I build around my two biggest guys. 1. Greg Romeus occupys one de spot 2. Martez Wilson occupies the other DE spot ( yes Martez to DE) Draft a DT to learn under Ellis who is the only DT keep BTW, Move Cam Jorden inside the other DT spot. Jonathan Vilma steps it back up and we take advantage of a free agent or two and we got ourselves a complementary defense. Shanle and Will Smith restructure and move to backup roles as a matter of fact Shanle and herring fight for the backup spot

Crusader

I think Harper will do a better job in coverage if we have a line that actually can put some pressure on the QB. Same goes for Jenkins.

Danno

Crusader, you are 100% correct and I just don't understand why more people don't realize it.

Give any NFL QB 2 or 3 extra seconds to throw and it wouldn't matter if you had 2 Ed Reeds and 2 Darrelll Revis's in the secondary, he'll find someone open. And its usually a safety, who typically run in the 4.5's.

Supertek

Is there really anyone out there who can teach our safeties how to catch ? I agree moving harper to linebacker could be a good move but we really need another one and get a safety who can make plays from somewhere. At least now we have a team that good players would like to join. Porter and Greer fine but that is about it. I am proud we have an overall good team now but NO matter what the stats say we have safeties that cannot cover well or catch the ball. COME ON MAN!

FinSaint

Spags did do secondary coaching during his tenure with the Eagles, so he might be able to improve on that side from personal input, but I'd love it if they could maybe convince Sharper to join the staff as the assistant secondary coach.

Jenkins for one would undoubtedly reap the benefits of having Sharper around yet again...

CharityMike

I agree and have thought the same thing. I know he wants a tv gig but IMO he doesn't look comfortable doing it.

Rugby Saint II

Now what? We win!

hagan714

harper will never be the turnover machine and jenkins will benefit.

neither on of these players, like 90% of the safeties in the NFL can cover the elite TE one on one.

Adding another play maker S looks to be in the mix for the draft IMO. He wont replace anyone but will be groomed for the future. I am thinking

RD 2?

Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 203.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58
nah. he is a clone of jenkins. so:



Lets go with most under rated S in the draft could go anywhere according to the experts. lmao experts ya right

Winston Guy Jr., S, Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49

If he is on the board in the third the saint should make the move for him. heck trade back into the third and pick up a player or additional pick would be cool with me. ask me again after the draft

The biggest risk to payoff player in the secondary for the NFL draft

Janzen Jackson*, FS, McNeese State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.40

A Tenn transfer with off the field baggage. interview is the key. round 5 maybe
FA?
Dwight Lowery, FS/CB, Jaguars
hah nice pick up but the money probably be better spent elsewhere. would be interesting if the could swing it.

Manny Lawson, OLB, Bengals
Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Redskins

one again will the money be there? might get lucky for the want of a ring.

how about players he knows
or special teams ace
Chris Chamberlain, OLB, Rams

then there is
Leger Douzable, DT, Jaguars

good cheap back ups but we got a few of those. i am not thinking that deep into this

I am looking to the draft for improving defensive age and depth. in my blog i pick some OLB from the draft

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins