SaintsReporter

With all the attention on the upcoming draft this weekend, I wonder if the Saints have a c current player that either:

a.) didn't play up to potential
b.) hasn't had enough or any playing time.

that will have a major impact this year?

Actually, I think there's just a good of chance of that happening, as some rookie coming in and making an immediate impact.

Last year Sullivan didn't really have a noticiable inpact on the defense. However, what Sullivan did get is plenty of playing time as a rookie. He also learned that what made him successful in college only made him average in the NFL. Hopefully, Sullivan is following the trend of rookie D-linemen and he'll come up big this year. Sullivan is a player that I think will really make a noticeable imapact on defense this year.

Tebucky Jones: One noticible differnce in the secondary last year was not many receivers burned us for the long TD. Tebucky deserves some credit for that I think. Still, he didn't have the impact most of us expected. Let's not forget the way Tebucky was used in our defense though. Our lack of speed at corner made Venturi use Tebucky as a center fielder. This year Tebucky should be able to play more aggressively.

Donte' Stallworth -- The third year is the year for receivers, right? If that's the case, Stallworth might be the most explosive receiver in the NFL. Well, behind Randy Moss. I'd love to see those two in a foot race.

Cie Grant -- For what ever reason, we didn't hear much from Grant last year and we saw even less. He should make a fine special team player at the very least. Given his physical ability, he could vie for a starting spot at linebacker.

Well, that's all I can think of. Anyone else care to give it a try?




[Edited on 21/4/2004 by SaintsReporter]

buzwa

Montrae Holland: Played well when we had injuries. He will most likely be a starter this year... a real road grader.

WhoDat

I think Fahkir Brown, if he can continue to develop, could be a guy to watch. He played surprisingly well when we had some big injuries in the secondary.

Cie Grant may nee to step it up this year, as may James Allen. I\'d sure like to see Stallworth explode also. Stinky cheese (stinchomb) could become a serious player at LT, though it might not be until next season... but you never know with Gandy.

Two guys that we picked up in FA that might make a difference are Aaron Stecker and Sam Gash. I know Deuce is supposed to be this real receiving threat out of the backfield, but I\'ve only been moderately impressed with him thus far. Part of that probably has to do with our inability to run a screen. If they go to a 2 back set and can flare Deuce out one way and one of these other two out the other way, that may really help our passing game. I think Stecker could really help out.

\"Excuses, excuses, excuses. That’s all anyone ever makes for the New Orleans Saints’ organization.\" - Eric Narcisse


\"Being a Saints fan is almost like being addicted to crack,\" he said.[i]\"You know you should stop, but you just can\'t.\"

SaintsReporter

Interesting. Never have I seen a team struggle so much to run an effective screen pass. I think the book on Terrell Smith is that he wasn\'t a threat in the passing game which allowed defenses to key more on the running back coming out of the backfield.

I purposely took a break from keeping up with the Saints the last few months. So, I\'m not up to speed on the FA singings like I should be. I know Terelle Smith was considered a good FB, but I\'m glad he\'s gone and I\'m looking foward to seeing what someone else can do in his place. Stecker made some plays in Tampa, and that was behind a subpar O-line.

One last thing. I think Fotenot was a liability at center. As far as I\'m concerned it\'s addition by subtraction. I think our O-line will be better without Fontenot.

pakowitz

i have to disagree with this statement as well.... while i do think that fontenot has lost a step and isnt the blocker he once was, i would like to see him back, as a backup or maybe even a asst. line coach. he is one of the smartest centers in the league, and his knowledge would help the younger guys out especially if bentley is moved over to his true position of center, or if we draft one of the center prospects in the late 2nd or early 3rd round

SaintsReporter

Sounds like you actually agree with me Pak. You admit that Fontenot has lost a step and would be better suited to be a back-up or an assistant coach. That\'s pretty much what I said when I said our line is better off without him. I have no problem with him riding the bench or standing on the sideline.

[Edited on 22/4/2004 by SaintsReporter]

pakowitz

i agree that he should not be starting but i would like to see him kept on the team in some fashion just for his experience and leadership


oh, and did you sign up for the LIVE mock draft? if not u should do so now... to find out how, click here:


http://www.blackandgold.net/site/mod...hread&tid=4728

[Edited on 4/22/2004 by pakowitz]

D_it_up

My step-up player is Mel Mitchell. It will be interesting to see what this guy can do when healthy and hopefully his injury didn\'t prolong the learning curve for this guy too much. He was penciled in as the starter last year and never saw the field beyond the preseason due to that injury. If he comes back 100% , he could be a huge asset to the Saints defense IF he plays to potential.

BlackandBlue

I\'ve said this several times in the past, I really don\'t think Mel is going to be ready. Green is gone, which leaves us with Jones, Bellamy, and Gleason. I look for another safety in mid to late round of the draft this year.