ProMallNinja

If we consider it an absolute that the Saints are targeting pass rush help in the first round of this year's draft, then would Butler, an unproven, four year back-up, change those plans? I'm a little skeptical. To put my opinion in perspective, I will say that, at this point, I view Galette as situational pass rusher only and see Wilson as the only chance of a full time starting OLB currently on our roster. With that being said, I don't put a lot of stock in any of them as being "guaranteed productive starters"....yet. Like I said, I'm a skeptic, and I want one of them to step up and prove me wrong before I buy into them and get disappointed. So, the main thing I'm wondering is do unproven commodities like Galette, Wilson, and/or Butler make us feel comfortable enough at that position to let the priority of more help slide a few rounds? I would give a resounding "NO!" as an answer to my own question, but I want to hear some opinions on it. I keep hearing guys requesting a LT in the first round, & I battle with this in my mind, as well. Part of me says, "We rarely target OL early on.", but another part of me says, "Yeah, but we find diamonds late at the interior positions. It's a lot harder to do that with a bookend." I am finding myself experiencing a lot of turmoil over the thought of Jones or Harris protecting our $100M backside. Chime in, gents!

Danno

I thnk our goal is to be able to select the BPA in the draft or be in a good position to trade down if there are multiple BPA's at 15.

We still need a LT and DT depth, but the draft is still 5 weeks away.

nycsaintfan

I agree with this. This organization has gone with best player available for years. Although we have tons of needs on the defensive side of the ball, pending upon how the next few weeks go in free agency I could see them doing what they always do...

Also, I know most of us would like to see Harper gone. But, I really don't see that happening.

iceshack149

I don't think that most Saints fans really want to see Harper gone- I may be wrong. I think that they want him to take a pay cut. Imagine people pining for you (not specifically you, nycsaintfan) to take a pay cut. Easier said than done.

Harper, the new Shanle. The whole defense was awful. It's not all, or even mostly, one guys fault.

FinSaint

I agree with your point, and I for one don't necessarily want to see Harper released or traded - it depends on the surrounding circumstances - he is a good SS, but in all fairness he's overpaid for what his role is in the defense. Then again, if Ryan uses Harper better than Spags did, then maybe his performances will be closer to warranting that dollar amount on his contract.

I guess one of the frustrating things about Harper for many people is that it was expected that he would also be asked to take a pay cut in order to stay with the team like Vilma and Smith were, but there haven't been any reports about such negotiations - naturally that doesn't mean that there haven't been any behind closed doors - and this uncertainty might be taxing on some fans.

In any case, Harper and his contract are another salary cap card Loomis still can play in order to make some other moves in the free agency, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear something involving Harper before the draft.

"I'm not bashing people, I'm bashing their opinions because in my opinion their opinion is wrong" - Danno

ProMallNinja

Yeah. I am still holding out hope that we take a look at Alan Branch at NT. I think the combination of him, Bunkley, and Hicks in that rotation saves us a pick this year. I know that Loomis and Payton have a plan. I'm just passing some time and relieving some anxiety by speculating.

FinSaint

Placing Hicks into the NT rotation would IMO be a waste of his ability and skill set, and I'd much rather see him opposite Jordan as the other DE.

ProMallNinja

I agree with that assessment, Fin, but I do look at him as a guy that could potentially play all over the place on that line. His size and athleticism make him very versatile. I do agree that the best end result for him is DE in Ryan's 3-4. I just feel like in the first year of this system with our cap/draft situation there has to be some places where guys get moved around a bit to kind of "make the best out of what we have" until we can continue to fill in the blanks and add competition next offseason.

hagan714

no it would not. if OLB is there you gotta take him if he is the BPA in your book. it is better to have to many than not enough. then again i was screaming how many mlb does a club need. lol.

but till we see how the team works in this new 34

Remeber you are trying to sign Butler who served in a mostly reserve role in his four seasons in Dallas. Butler has 11 sacks. Last season, Butler recorded 25 tackles, three sacks, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

you are gambling on whether or not Butler is ready to step into a starting role. IMO it is a low risk move. If he does the Saints have a solid steal in free agency. It does depend on the contract of course.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

saintsfan403

I like adding Butler cause it adds depth, but I still think we go for an OLB in the draft.