TheOak

My quick observations from the Saints' 11th training camp practice Tuesday morning:
1. Akiem Hicks continues to flash
The second-year lineman tossed Zach Strief aside with one arm during pass-rush drills, then later clotheslined Travaris Cadet in the backfield during team drills. Hicks is splitting time between left end and nose tackle and might see time at both spots this season. So far, Hicks' name has come up more often than just about any other defensive lineman in camp. And it's usually unsolicited.
2. Corey White could be the nickel back
My colleagues have seen exponentially more camp time than I have, so I have to defer to their expertise when they say he's had a quiet camp. Regardless, White played well Tuesday and it's a positive sign that he ran with the first-team defense in Jabari Greer's absence. The longer Patrick Robinson is sidelined, the better White's chances are of winning the nickel spot.
3. Rob Ryan's creative sub packages
They were on display during the two-minute drills that concluded the workout. One personnel grouping featured six defensive backs, including four safeties, and four linebackers. All were standing at the snap except the down lineman. Saints fans might remember the package from Ryan's successful game plan when the Browns played New Orleans in 2010. And once again, the package gave Drew Brees fits. Roman Harper picked off Brees on the first play of the session.
4. Undrafted free agent Kevin Reddick
He made a couple of nice 'thumps" from his inside linebacker spot during team drills. He's not the most fluid guy, but he packs a punch when he gets there. Reddick is running with the third-team defense.
5. Let's go to the tape
All Saints players have their names taped across the front of their helmets this camp. Even No. 9 has "BREES" slapped across his headgear. I assume it's an edict by Sean Payton to help the head coach familiarize himself with the roster after his season in exile.
I didn't have time to ask him Tuesday but I'd love to know when the last time was that Brees needed to identify himself in such a way to coaches and teammates. I'm guessing ninth grade or so.


Camp Confidential: Jeff Duncan's impressions of New Orleans Saints' practice on Tuesday | NOLA.com

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