jeanpierre

Jenkins is thinking too much and not reacting; it's a big factor in his poor tackling and lack of playmaking...

If Hicks steps up, he's more of a nose tackle than three-technique tackle; and Jimmy Graham will have to be extended as well...

I like Bunkley, but it's all about most bang for the buck...

Danno

Agree on Jenkins, in fact the entire defense looked to be hesitant and confused all year.

I think Hicks is much better suited for the 3-tech. He has a very quick burst. I don't see him as a 2 gap DT, although he can probably do OK there.

Bunkley is probably our best DT right now. And for a measly 100,000 I think he's a keeper for 2013. He signed a 5-year contract so he's here to stay for at least 2 or 3 years barring him going all Sullivan on us.

hagan714

get jenkins a modern day SS to play with. harper is a throw back. todays SS are pretty much another FS.

improve CB/LB play in pass coverage would help also

pass rush that keeps the QB in the pocket would help

yep better defensive play.

i think he was assigned to much to make up for what we lacked on defense.

I would take to big quick DT like Hicks all day long.

Rugby Saint II

I am totally in agreement about his down field blocking. He does well there, but pretty much sucks at everyting else.

jeanpierre

Top Ten FA List:

01 LT Jake Long - we've got so much tied up in Brees can't see not insuring that investment; Bushrod and his agent seem to think Bushrod is an elite tackle and not of it has to do with the Payton/Brees quick tempo/release offense; ask Tampa Bay > it's rainbows and lollipops since signing Nicks...

02 OC Brian De La Puente - (No Change) the center position is one of the most sacred to a football offense and though subtle, can affect the entire chemistry of that unit; De La Puente may be signed late, but should be given a priority so there is no uncertainty lingering long into the offseason...

03 FS Jarius Byrd - (No Change) we're not going to find an entire front seven in FA and the draft, but the biggest reason why the Saints had, historically, the worst defense in the NFL was because of YAC where the Saints were the worse; Darren Sharper was the last great safety the Saints have had and Byrd compares favorably to Sharper...

04 DE Michael Johnson - (No Change) an up and coming Defensive End who's been taught the game by one of the best in Marvin Lewis; he's got prototypical size, speed which is non-existent at the Starting Right Defensive End position...

05 DT Henry Melton - (No Change) one of the fastest defensive tackles in the box and still very young, but with commitments to Bunkley and the promise of Hicks, can we afford him?

06 LB Daryl Smith - (No Change) an impact upgrade at a position that's had vanilla level talent, Smith still has a good three years and could allow for a new player to develop at the WILL...


07 RT Andre Smith - (No Change) his talent is as immense as his girth which has been his fatal flaw, he would thrive under the guidance of the Saints Locker Room but will his appetite extend to his salary demands? and would he hinder the best screen play in the game?!?

08 LB Erin Henderson - (No Change) his off-field behaviour seemingly behind him which may make him affordable, his talent could be enough to complement a Saints defense for four more seasons. But would he be a distraction?

09 SS Matt Giorlando - (No Change) Gregg Williams is the gift that keeps giving; we had him and we did not see to develop him - nor any defensive backs for the Saints under Williams and now Spagnulo which begs the question - Why do we draft cornerbacks in the first round if we are only going to berrate them and sit them for the first season or two?!? Giorlando would be an affordable Strong Safety who can tackle and cover better than what we've paid Harper to do...

10 WR Julian Edelman - (No Change) with so little money seemingly available, it may be that we only sign three to four free agents so it makes sense to sign a guy that has played wide receiver, cornerback, special teams, et al; and our special teams needs upgrades starting with the Spec Teams Coordinator and this guy would be a good starting block for a new Special Teams Coach...

If we managed four-five from this list and get under the cap - it'd be ecstatic shack in the Dome on Sundays...

Realistic/Possible and Best Hope would be Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

Crusader

I would just love Jake Long on our OL but there is no chance in hell we could afford him.

jeanpierre

Well, if Bushrod is gonna be in the same price range, as well as Albert and others...plus Jeff Ireland is talking as if a tough decision is gonna have to be made...there's a window there...

jeanpierre

I've really got the sense that the Saints may make overtures to Jake Long unless they plan on going after Fisher in the Draft - but that's a big gamble to wait on the draft and watch someone like the Falcons trade everything they have left to keep us from getting him...

hagan714

ok we need a true NT asap gang

hagan714

Brad Jones, ILB, Green Pay Packers
Desmond Bryant, DT, Raiders ?
Terrance Knighton, NT, Jaguars