Rating: (0 votes - average)

The New Orleans Saints were desperate when linebacker Will Smith went down with a season ending injury, but got lucky picking up an experienced LB that they know very well. Parys Haralson, the former 49er turned Saint, brings size to a smaller defense, he also brings a wealth of experience as a former starter for the vaunted 49ers defense.

He was drafted by the 49ers in the 5th round (140th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft. In 2007, Haralson started 11 games from 16 appearances and made 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He finished the 2008 season leading the 49ers with 8 sacks. Haralson also lead the entire NFC West in sacks in 2008. Haralson didn't play a down last season due to a triceps tear, and hasn't registered more than five sacks in any campaign since 2008.

However, the team hopes he can return to his old form and at still relatively young at 29 years old inspire hope for coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees.

"He has had a lot of experience as a starter there," Payton said, via Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com.

"He's strong at the point of attack. He's experienced in this (3-4) system and he's experienced and had success with a very good defense. Those are some things that No. 1, you see on film.”

"All his character and football IQ, all those things are outstanding.

"He is a big physical guy, as is that whole San Francisco 49ers' defense," said quarterback Drew Brees "I'm excited to get him in here and get him acclimated."

Sean Payton, Drew Brees endorse new LB Parys Haralson:

Jack Vegas

Getting more excited about this guy, if he's truly past the injury.

One thing is sure, we should be able to do much better against the run.

homerj07

I really hope he works out.

WhoDat!656

Our run defense improvement will be a major problem for the Falcants this year!!

Lord_Saint83

I heard he was pretty good in coverage as well, sounds like a well rounded player. Their lost our gain.


Who let this IRA mothersucker in my bar?

SmashMouth

He's a wild and crazy guy?

jeanpierre

Per Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee, we gave up a conditional Seventh Round Pick (Condition being Haralson makes the 53 man roster)...

The way we've drafted, that pick may hurt...

Sarcasm aside, a good, necessary move in an unnecessary situation...

Grade: B+

Danno

A starter on one of the best defenses in the NFL, with a reputation for being a violent smashmouth run stuffer, who 49er fans were pissed off about losing.

This ain't no Scott Shanle.

Jeff Duncan ‏@JeffDuncan_ 11h
For those asking about Parys Haralson, he’s played 51 snaps this preseason & was the highest-graded 49ers defender, according to @PFF.

foreverfan

I guess they finally got a look at a real NFL linebacker.

K Major

This guy sounds like the real deal... with attitude.