Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

As the NFL grows in popularity, the off-season is becoming a season of its own. The talk of free agency. The NFL Draft and how it will affect the team in the future. Position battles all through camp.

The saga of Will Smith rolls on after an offseason of confusion and ridicule. Where will Smith fit in with Ryan's 3-4 defense or will he fit in at all?

According to this interview (click here), it sounds like the Saints are trying Smith everywhere, trying to find situations or opportunities to bring out the best in Smith.

OR....ARE THEY?

With the injury to Martez Wilson, are the Saints satisfied with what they see out of Smith on the first team unit or are they simply trying to see if Smith will fit in somewhere, anywhere? He has run plays on the defensive line and at inside and outside linebacker positions. Is he being tested for his versatility or are the Saints still trying to see where he might fit? Hard to tell at this point. His position swapping could mean that Ryan wants to use Smith in many different ways or that he doesn't know what the hell to do with him.

This article by Brett Martel (click here) seems to make me believe that Rob Ryan likes Smith. So despite all of the competition for front 7 positions in camp, Will Smith is mentioned as a solid player, possibly even a team leader?

As of right now, if Will Smith makes this roster, what do you expect out of him and where will he play for the majority of his snaps in 2013?

Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye - Canal Street Chronicles

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

34 Defense, Slow 43 Defensive End...

Round Hole, Square Peg...

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

i just do not see smith leaving that easy. he will not go down with a fight

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I think they want to give him a chance. He may not be a full time starter but he may be a great situational player for us in the 3-4.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

Be gone space waster! :argue:

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

Smith is expensive even with his restructure.... Someone bought an expensive brick a long time ago and now they are trying every option in the book to put it to use with out creating a weaker wall.


Can the man kick?

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

With Smith( who I have not liked at DE for at least 2 years now) I think with him dropping weight and playing at ILB and on occasion OLB on run situations he has a good chance at doing well. Can he take on O-linemen? Yes, he has for years. Can he shed TE, FB and RB's? Yes, and I think this is whwre he could be very handy when it comes to those guys, he has the capability of blowing screens out of the water and when playing ILB still strong enough to shed blockers and make tackles, like I said as a DE could not wait to get rid of him as a lb. I think he could be a solid run defender.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

Backup TE?

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

Sproles carrier.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I still say he gets held more than anybody in the NFL.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

Are they ever ready to say goodbye? I give you exhibit A: Shanle

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I'm pulling for him cause I like the guy and I hope he excels this season. Am I really in the minority?

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

We might be pleasantly surprised by WS at linebacker. Most of us thought Gallette would not be a factor and now it looks like he may be our starter-regardless of injuries. Besides, WS may actually have good coverage skills......he did intercept a pass from Kurt Warner-cant say the same for half our secondary:)

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I don't know who you are referring to as not thinking Gallette would be a factor. Not this guy. His success with very limited reps, the writing was on the wall.

IMO WS will be terrible in coverage, he is very slow, he has a lot of miles on him and he is nearing the end of his career. Doesn't sound like a recipe for success to me.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

The minority thought he wouldn't be a factor, certainly not the majority of us.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I'd like to see Smith have one last good year. He's been nothing but a pro since he's been here.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

He'll be alright. There are situations where I could see him doing extremely well like around the goal line and special teams. Even in coverage he could probably hold his own against a TE used mainly for blocking.

I think people are getting wrapped around him trying to cover a Gonzalez or Vernon D which let's face it, hardly anybody can do effectively so he won't be called upon for that service.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I just don't see him making a differents at his age starting over in a new defence of sheme.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I wouldn't want anybody on my team that was ready to say goodbye. You need guys that are fighters and that will do what it takes to get a roster spot and play on sundays.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

What I meant by that was that a lot of what I read about our defense seemed to be revolved around Butler and Wilson.....with very little reguards to Gallette. I wasn't sure myself if he would be able to perform at lb since he was mainly used as a pass rusher in a 4-3.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

My opinions are not based on the views and opinions of this site only........I shouldnt have said"most of us".....that was probably a little over the top. I apologize.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

Which is a Smith problem... He can not shed blocks.

Holding of some fashion happens on the line every play, if Smith is the one man that cant get away then either he is not aggressive enough or strong enough.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

For team interest and his interest, trade him to a team that has the 43 defense - say the Rams for OT Rodger Saffold...

This is crazy, sometimes you just have to come to an amicable break...

Not saying he couldn't have a resurgence, but at this point with his salary cap hit, both parties have needed to move on...

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

I know you have wood for Saffold but the Rams are only 2 deep at either OT position and are not going to give him up... Much less for Will Smith.


As far as Saffold going dark on the Rams for over two weeks just because he was "not happy" going to RT, I don't care to have that sort of personality. He is NOT a team player.

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

nothing wrong with sticking your neck out. worse case you join me eating crow once or twice during the season :)

Re: Saints Training Camp 2013: Will Smith Isn't Ready To Say Goodbye
 

No problem. I'm a little thin skinned about it since many of us were ridiculed for being excited about Junior's potential a couple of seasons ago