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Twelve years ago the New Orleans Saints took a chance on a speedy, but inexperienced, wide receiver/kick returner and that gamble produced one of the most improbable stories...Michael ... Lewis.

Now they have another winged-foot wonder on the roster that arrived seemingly from out of nowhere.

Wide receiver Saalim Hakim might be the longest shot on the Saints' 89-man roster. He is without question the only player that never started a down at any level of organized football -- high school, junior college and college -- before arriving in the league...

"He can run -- he can really run," Saints Coach Sean Payton said. "When a player has a redeeming quality like that ... "

Payton didn't finish his thought...

Even on a field of elite athletes, Hakim stands out. His powerful 5-foot-11, 188-pound frame is conspicuous in the receiver lineup, where his chiseled arms bulge from his white jersey. The vapor trail he leaves during pass routes is eye-catching.

Indeed, Hakim might be the fastest player on the Saints' roster...

Despite being the younger brother of former NFL wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, Hakim never played a down of football until his senior season of high school...

At Tarleton State, Hakim played one season as a reserve receiver and kick returner before bolting for the professional ranks... In 2011, he played for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, (for) former (Giants Head Coach) Jim Fassell.

"Once he gets going, he's as fast as anyone I've ever seen on the football field," Fassell told the Dallas Morning News. "You don't find guys like him walking around the streets."

Read more: Saalim Hakim could be on fast track to making impact with New Orleans Saints | NOLA.com


Duncan basically writes a biopict on the guy, tried to shorten it - but Duncan does a good job of identifying this guy's story...

Joe Morgan may have bigger worries than a DUI...

Now can this guy catch and run routes?!?

dizzle88

Here's guessing that he gets put back as the punt returner in preseason, lets see that 4.2 speed

homerj07

Wow I have heard of Speedy Gonzales but never Speedy Saalim. Run man run

dizzle88

college highlights

Cruize

Doesn't look like he's that fast. But, he finds and catches the ball well. If he shows well on special teams, he could make it as the 6th WR. It's doubtful, but after Colston and Moore, I believe the competition is truly, and a little bit scary, wide open.

foreverfan

Too bad Al Davis isn't around. We could have traded him to Oakland for a #1.

Crusader

4.2 speed is very very rare. I really hope he can catch and return the football.

MatthewT

This guy will probably needs some more development, but I can see him making it as the 6th WR/return man. If he isn't close to being ready yet, probably a trip to IR for 2013, guys this fast do not stay hidden on practice squads.

halloween 65

Fast, very fast!! A few questions I would have, can he take a hit, does he go down with arm tackles, can he catch the football. If he can take hits, doesn't go down with just arm tackles and catches the ball on a regular basis, boys we have ourselves one of the fastest players that is alive on planet earth, sign him up!!

TheOak

Doesn't look that fast?

With his speed at that level he can not open it up full throttle, he will out run any of his QBs arm. If your looking at his speed after the long catches.. well, he is already 5-10 yards to the endzone.

Not one player caught him from behind in that high light reel.

If his vision develops, and he can protect the ball, he gets my vote to replace Sproles on returns. Keep Darren from getting any more hits than he needs.