GumboBC

After the 2001 season the Saints signed Jason Craft to an offer sheet but the Jaguars matched so New Orleans couldn’t quite bring cornerback Jason Craft into the fold. In 2004 the Saints traded for the four-year veteran from Colorado State and Jason Craft couldn’t be happier.

"This is like a new beginning for me. This is really were I wanted to be all along."

Craft was the Saints only off-season addition to a secondary that intercepted only 14 passes in 2003. New Orleans did rank a respectable 8th in the NFL against the pass but that ranking is more of a product of ranking 27th against the run.

Craft believes the Saints secondary is poised for a big 2004.

"I think this scheme really suits me, Fred, and Ashley (Ambrose). I think we’ll make plays and be more physical than people might think."

Craft knows with Michael Clayton joining Tampa and Michael Vick returning to the Falcons, the Saints defensive backs will face a tough challenge in the NFC South.

"The whole division will be tough but I feel good about our group. I really do. We are coming together. The practices have been great. We’ve been feeding off each other. Everybody wants to make the next big play."

Fellow corner Fred Thomas is more than happy to have Craft as a new addition to the Saints defense.

"Certain guys make plays. The film doesn’t lie. Watching him in Jacksonville you could see it. I don’t know why the Jaguars let him go but I know he’ll make plays."

All Craft knows for sure is that it feels good to be wanted.

"I can’t tell you how great it feels to be in a place that really wants you."