LivnaLieTimay

I'm glad we upgraded at safety and Vacarro is an OK pick but his weaknesses scare me a little. Seems like another safety who is prone to getting beat deep.

foreverfan

Can he cover the TE? Harper can't.

Danno

Harper has been one of the better SS's around covering TE's for several years. Are you thinking of Jenkins?

spkb25

I don't know about that Danno- and I usually am on page with your analysis. Harp is always getting torched by the TE

burningmetal

I can remember Harp doing well in week 1 of the '10 season against Shiancoe, and there may have been a few other times that don't come to mind at this time. But those aren't elite players. He's really been dominated by the better tight ends in the league. Some of that is expected (some players are just really hard for anyone to defend), but you gotta be competitive, and neither of our safeties have been that.

I'm still not sure that Vaccaro's arrival has anything to do with Harper, though. Kenny could play either position.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that, the NFL would fine and suspend me.

TwistedTiger

Another wasted first round pick. With no run defense and no pass rush the DBs are toast.

Danno

How do you know we won't have run defense or a pass rush?

TwistedTiger

Did I miss some quality offseason additions at DL or LB? There isnt a lesser talented front 7 in the NFL.

nycsaintfan

TwistedTiger,

I know how you feel. But I do think we have to take last season with a grain of salt. There is no taking away how bad the defense was. 7,000+ yards... it is what it is. But, I think Ryan and most importantly the addition of our head coach back can make this unit better.

I was kind of excited when I saw Jones sitting there, but I think this pick tells us that the Saints like what they have at outside linebacker. Plus, we heard Loomis reference Akiem Hicks in his presser yesterday. Plus, Will Smith is getting paid, so don't expect him to be on the sideline next season. They must think that they can compete with their front seven the way it is.

Just throwing this out there as well. If Harper is on the chopping block, as I have mentioned here previously, I do think he will be a June 1 casualty. And, Ivory is moved, we will have some money to perhaps address the left tackle position in free agency... or trade.

spkb25

Well, I am interested to see Hicks' progression, and Cam really started to turn it up last season. So I think that will be interesting to watch. Smith is a solid player. I like the addition of Butler, and I'd like to give Junior and Wilson an op to surprise. The 3-4 may suit our players better.

I thought lofton helped our run D last year... that might be misleading though since you could pass on us at will