GumboBC

I'm going to break down every postion on our defense. Right now I'm only going to talk about our linebackers......

SLB Hodge, Sedrick- Allen, James - Smith, Darrin

Sedrick Hodge
Height: 6-4
Weight: 244
Born: 09/13/1978

Drafted in 2001, Sedrick Hodge posted the fasted time of any linebacker in the draft, running a 4.46/40. Hodge possesses the ideal size and speed to play linebacker in the NFL. He has been slow in developing since arriving in the NFL. Further hendering Hodge's success was a leg fracture he sustained in 2003. This could be his last chance to prove he has what it takes. At this point Hodge would have to be considered an unknown quanity heading into the 2004 season.

James Allen
LB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240
Born: 11/11/1979

Drafted in 2002, in the 3rd round. Allen is known as a very tough aggressive linebacker. Allen also posseses good speed for a linebacker. Has seen most of his playing time on special teams. Allen could be on the bubble this year and needs to show he can play at this level.

Darrin Smith
LB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 236
Born: 04/15/1970

Aging vetran, who has been in the league for 12 years. His best days are probably behind him. All indications are that Smith might not return. If he does it will be as a teacher for some of the Saints younger linebackers, only seeing occasional spot duty on the field.

Overall: Lot of speed and talent at SLB. The problem with the group is they are young, inexperienced, and unproven. Hodge has shown flashes and has the inside track at winning the job. The Saints do have some other linebackers that could complete for the starting job. The SLB for the Saints haa been a problem area for a few years now. A good showing by the defensive line might help keep blockers off the SLB and make them more effective. Otherwise this position could be another problem area.

MLB 56 Ruff, Orlando - 58 Grant, Cie - Courtney Watson

Orlando Ruff
Height: 6-3
Weight: 250
Born: 09/28/1976

Six year pro, brought over from San Diego in 2003. Ruff is known has a hard hitter who does not possess great speed. Last year Ruff posted 69 taclkes. one interception, and 7 passes defended. Ruff had problems pursuing the ball carrier and was not able to shed blockers enough. Is in danger of losing his starting job in 2004.

Cie Grant
Height: 6-0
Weight: 228
Born: 11/27/1979

Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2003 draft, Cie is a very versatile player, having played both linebacker and safety in college. Cie has exceptional speed (4.5/40) and has great range going sideline to sideline. Coaches are very high on Cie this year, even though he was injured for most of last season. At this point, Cie probably has the inside track on winning the MLB spot, although Haslett says there will be an open competetion at this spot. Grant will have to use his athletic ability to make up for his lack of experience.


Courtney Watson
Position: Inside/Outside Linebacker
College: Notre Dame
Height: 6-1
Weight: 237

(from NLF.com)
Player with outstanding character, both on and off the field … A three-year starter at inside linebacker, his quickness and range could see him shift to weakside outside linebacker at the pro level A finalist in 2002 and a semi-finalist in 2003 for the Butkus Award, Watson was called, "everything you would want in a leader," by head coach Tyrone Willingham … Seriously considered entering the 2003 NFL Draft, but opted to return to the school for his final season, hoping to be involved in the team's rebuilding under Willingham … Started his final 32 games, seeing action in 43 contests … Finished with 294 tackles (163 solos), 8½ sacks for minus-62 yards, 39 stops for losses of 151 yards, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, eight pass deflections and seven interceptions for 202 yards in returns, including two touchdowns … Only Allen Rossum (3, 1994-97), Bobby Leopold (3, 1976-79) and Tom Schoen (3, 1965-67) had more interception returns for touchdowns in school history … His 202 return yards are the most by an Irish defender since Steve Lawrence totaled 233 yards (1983-86) … Only Nick Rassas (31.4 avg., 1963-65) had a higher interception return average in Irish annals.


Overall: There's much more competion at this position this year. Considering the talent and comptetion, someone should step us from this group. It shoud be a good battle in training camp. Saints look like they're in much better shape this year than in years past.

The only thing left is WLB. (Derrick Rodgers, Rodger Knight) Maybe I'll do that later...

Note: None of the linebackers played extremly well last year. With Cie Grant and Cedrick Hogde both healthy and with the drafting of Courtney Watson, there is reason to be optimistic this year. We are due for one of our young linebackers to step up and have a break-out year.