Saints Team Report

saintz08 · 05-24-2004, 03:29 PM

Saints Team Report

Jeff Duncan / Sporting News Report

Rookie LBs Courtney Watson and Colby Bockwoldt have been among the most impressive newcomers. Watson has picked up the defense quickly and has shown a good nose for the ball. He'll compete with Orlando Ruff and Cie Grant for the starting spot inside. Bockwoldt, who will play on the weak side, is smart and extremely fast. But he needs to add weight and strength. . . .

Second-year DT Johnathan Sullivan continues to struggle with conditioning and weight problems. Publicly, team officials are backing him. Privately, they're concerned. Sullivan's improvement is critical to the success of the defense.

SAFETIES ANALYSIS

FS Tebucky Jones was a major disappointment in his first season with the team. He didn't make many plays and struggled to make tackles because he went for the highlight-reel hit instead of using proper technique. The staff remains high on him because of his tremendous athletic ability and good attitude. SS Jay Bellamy is solid but struggles to make plays in space. He will be pushed by Mel Mitchell, who was expected to start in 2003 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Mitchell is a promising athlete with good size (6-1, 220) and speed. Deveron Harper is the top backup at free safety. He doesn't do anything spectacularly, but he's reliable. Steve Gleason can play either safety spot, but he's more of an undersized linebacker and special teams standout.

05-24-2004, 03:29 PM	#1
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	Saints Team Report Saints Team Report Jeff Duncan / Sporting News Report Rookie LBs Courtney Watson and Colby Bockwoldt have been among the most impressive newcomers. Watson has picked up the defense quickly and has shown a good nose for the ball. He'll compete with Orlando Ruff and Cie Grant for the starting spot inside. Bockwoldt, who will play on the weak side, is smart and extremely fast. But he needs to add weight and strength. . . . Second-year DT Johnathan Sullivan continues to struggle with conditioning and weight problems. Publicly, team officials are backing him. Privately, they're concerned. Sullivan's improvement is critical to the success of the defense. SAFETIES ANALYSIS FS Tebucky Jones was a major disappointment in his first season with the team. He didn't make many plays and struggled to make tackles because he went for the highlight-reel hit instead of using proper technique. The staff remains high on him because of his tremendous athletic ability and good attitude. SS Jay Bellamy is solid but struggles to make plays in space. He will be pushed by Mel Mitchell, who was expected to start in 2003 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Mitchell is a promising athlete with good size (6-1, 220) and speed. Deveron Harper is the top backup at free safety. He doesn't do anything spectacularly, but he's reliable. Steve Gleason can play either safety spot, but he's more of an undersized linebacker and special teams standout.
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020