PFF: Saints Team Needs

Danno · 02-28-2012, 07:54 AM

I'm officially fixated on Erin Henderson.

Team Needs 2012…New Orleans Saints
February 28th, 2012 | Author: Ben Stockwell

Primary Need: Outside Linebacker

The Saints have a new defensive regime on board this offseason with Gregg Williams having departed for St. Louis. Saints fans should be praying for old loyalties to depart with Williams as well to allow a desperately needed upgrade at outside linebacker to take effect. The likes of Scott Shanle (-15.1), JoLonn Dunbar (-26.3), and Jonathan Casillas (-11.2) were found wanting last season, and most seasons before then, combining for an overall PFF Grade of -52.6.

Dunbar and Casillas have shown some promise in the past, but is promise enough on a team ready to win it all?

There isn’t a deep pool of free agents at outside linebacker this offseason, but depending upon how they budget for an upgrade at outside linebacker, they can make a positive stride. The Vikings have seemingly been reluctant to re-sign Erin Henderson (+21.7) and the former Maryland Terrapin would be an immediate upgrade for the Saints as a three-down linebacker. He would bring ferocious downhill run defense with more than competent coverage skills which he showcased in limited action as a three-down player when his brother was ailing earlier this season.

On a smaller budget, both LeRoy Hill (+5.7) and Philip Wheeler (+9.3) have the potential to contribute positively to the Saints if they shake loose from their current squads.

Secondary Need: Defensive Tackle

... If they want big run-stuffers again, then they can’t go far wrong with Sione Pouha (+30.0) and Broderick Bunkley (+24.1). Yes, both have played a lot over the nose, but both also have extensive experience playing in a four-man line, unlike Franklin did. If they feel like rolling the dice via two interesting and potentially shrewd signings then they could look at Jason Jones (-9.3) of the Titans and Derek Landri (+22.0) of the Eagles. Jones’ move to defensive end was an unmitigated failure for Tennessee this offseason, but he has been a disruptive force at defensive tackle. The Saints are in dire need of upgrading their base pass rush to lighten the load on their linebackers during games. Landri, on the other hand, is a proven sub-defender and had a spectacular season in Philadelphia in 2011.

Rest of article: Team Needs 2012...New Orleans Saints | ProFootballFocus.com

FinSaint · 02-28-2012, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

I'm officially fixated on Erin Henderson.

Yeah, I was very impressed with his progression through the year playing next to his older brother. But, I doubt that the Vikes are going to let him go, because he'll be worth the salary he'll be asking for.

halloween 65 · 02-28-2012, 08:43 AM

Jones and Henderson should be on the radar, that still leaves 1 more DT and a MLB or another OLB.

Danno · 02-28-2012, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by halloween 65

Jones and Henderson should be on the radar, that still leaves 1 more DT and a MLB or another OLB.

Most of which we'll address in free agency.

I had no idea Dubar graded so badly. I wonder if it was just a couple early games that skewed the overall grade?

Budsdrinker · 02-28-2012, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

Most of which we'll address in free agency.

I had no idea Dubar graded so badly. I wonder if it was just a couple early games that skewed the overall grade?

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

Danno · 02-28-2012, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Budsdrinker

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

Good observation, I forgot about that. He wasn't so hot at SLB. Too short.

halloween 65 · 02-28-2012, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Budsdrinker

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

I agree!! I wonder how he graded at MLB, he looked good there.

FinSaint · 02-28-2012, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Budsdrinker

I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle.

"Much" is a relative term, but better for sure - still not at a perennial starter level.

papz · 02-28-2012, 10:40 AM

I could be mistaken but I think it was between -5 and 0... which is a whole lot better than -26.

saintsfan1313 · 02-28-2012, 12:26 PM

Hill just got busted for pot, so i doubt we look his way....

02-28-2012, 07:54 AM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,747	PFF: Saints Team Needs I'm officially fixated on Erin Henderson. Team Needs 2012…New Orleans Saints February 28th, 2012 \| Author: Ben Stockwell Primary Need: Outside Linebacker The Saints have a new defensive regime on board this offseason with Gregg Williams having departed for St. Louis. Saints fans should be praying for old loyalties to depart with Williams as well to allow a desperately needed upgrade at outside linebacker to take effect. The likes of Scott Shanle (-15.1), JoLonn Dunbar (-26.3), and Jonathan Casillas (-11.2) were found wanting last season, and most seasons before then, combining for an overall PFF Grade of -52.6. Dunbar and Casillas have shown some promise in the past, but is promise enough on a team ready to win it all? There isn’t a deep pool of free agents at outside linebacker this offseason, but depending upon how they budget for an upgrade at outside linebacker, they can make a positive stride. The Vikings have seemingly been reluctant to re-sign Erin Henderson (+21.7) and the former Maryland Terrapin would be an immediate upgrade for the Saints as a three-down linebacker. He would bring ferocious downhill run defense with more than competent coverage skills which he showcased in limited action as a three-down player when his brother was ailing earlier this season. On a smaller budget, both LeRoy Hill (+5.7) and Philip Wheeler (+9.3) have the potential to contribute positively to the Saints if they shake loose from their current squads. Secondary Need: Defensive Tackle ... If they want big run-stuffers again, then they can’t go far wrong with Sione Pouha (+30.0) and Broderick Bunkley (+24.1). Yes, both have played a lot over the nose, but both also have extensive experience playing in a four-man line, unlike Franklin did. If they feel like rolling the dice via two interesting and potentially shrewd signings then they could look at Jason Jones (-9.3) of the Titans and Derek Landri (+22.0) of the Eagles. Jones’ move to defensive end was an unmitigated failure for Tennessee this offseason, but he has been a disruptive force at defensive tackle. The Saints are in dire need of upgrading their base pass rush to lighten the load on their linebackers during games. Landri, on the other hand, is a proven sub-defender and had a spectacular season in Philadelphia in 2011. Rest of article: Team Needs 2012...New Orleans Saints \| ProFootballFocus.com Attached Thumbnails
	Last edited by papz; 02-28-2012 at 08:37 AM..

02-28-2012, 08:23 AM	#2
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,963	Originally Posted by Danno I'm officially fixated on Erin Henderson. Yeah, I was very impressed with his progression through the year playing next to his older brother. But, I doubt that the Vikes are going to let him go, because he'll be worth the salary he'll be asking for.

02-28-2012, 10:13 AM	#4
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,747	Originally Posted by halloween 65 Jones and Henderson should be on the radar, that still leaves 1 more DT and a MLB or another OLB. Most of which we'll address in free agency. I had no idea Dubar graded so badly. I wonder if it was just a couple early games that skewed the overall grade?

02-28-2012, 10:16 AM	#5
Budsdrinker A Cajun Transforming TX Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 2,787	Originally Posted by Danno Most of which we'll address in free agency. I had no idea Dubar graded so badly. I wonder if it was just a couple early games that skewed the overall grade? I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle. Danno and SapperSaint like this.

02-28-2012, 10:22 AM	#6
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,747	Originally Posted by Budsdrinker I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle. Good observation, I forgot about that. He wasn't so hot at SLB. Too short.

02-28-2012, 08:43 AM	#3
halloween 65 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan by way of a little Mississippi River town in Louisiana Posts: 5,893	Jones and Henderson should be on the radar, that still leaves 1 more DT and a MLB or another OLB.

02-28-2012, 10:30 AM	#7
halloween 65 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan by way of a little Mississippi River town in Louisiana Posts: 5,893	Originally Posted by Budsdrinker I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle. I agree!! I wonder how he graded at MLB, he looked good there.

02-28-2012, 11:40 AM	#8
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,963	Originally Posted by Budsdrinker I'm guessing his OLB play lowered his grade. He was much better playing in the middle. "Much" is a relative term, but better for sure - still not at a perennial starter level.

02-28-2012, 10:40 AM	#9
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,768	I could be mistaken but I think it was between -5 and 0... which is a whole lot better than -26. halloween 65 likes this.

02-28-2012, 12:26 PM	#10
saintsfan1313 El Mero Mero Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kingsville, Tx Posts: 669	Hill just got busted for pot, so i doubt we look his way....