New GM priorities

Danno · 11-26-2004, 11:58 AM

Here's what I'd like to see a new regime do, assuming we get a decent "football guy" GM, a real HC, OC and DC.

Re-negotiate with Horn and Howard 1st and foremost. If they don't want to re-negotiate, give 'em skates.

Free-agent moves, minimum
1. Upgrade the NT spot. Bring in a vet or two, much like we did with Hand, to plug the 1-Technique. It would allow Young to do his thing. Since the Sully mistake was from the previous regime it would understandable to finally cut bait.

2. Upgrade all 3 LB spots. Our best LB going into 2005 will be Courtney Watson, and he can probably play all 3 spots if necessary. Bring in solid free-agent LB's for ALL 3 positions. If they have produced and still have a few years left, sign them immediately. Overpay if necessary.

3. Bring in a replacement for Brooks. While I don't think our problems are Brook's fault, I do think the team needs a new identity. Entertain offers and see whats available. We went to our 1st playoff game with a virtual unknown 3rd stringer and less talent top to bottom so its not the end-all to replace him.

4. Upgrade the O-line IF there is a solid O-lineman or two available. Target Riley's tackle spot and a good OG. If a good center is available move Bentley back to RG.

5. If a good possession type WR who can go across the middle is available, sign him. He doesn't need to be fast. We have speed out the yang already. Gimme an Ed McCaffrey, Keenan McCardell type please.

Draft
Look at needs over BPA. Unless another Deuce or Will Smith slips we need to target weaknesses. If the guy you're picking can't come in and contribute right away, you better be talking about a 5th, 6th or 7th rounder.

LB-No explanation necessary. I think we ALL agree this is priority one. Laughing stock of the league.

O-line- Any good LT/RT in the 1st few rounds, and maybe a good OG in the later rounds.

DB- I don't mean just CB. A solid safety as well. With McKenzie, Thomas, Craft, Brown, and Ambrose we can afford to go later rounds for a CB that needs a few years to develop, but we could upgrade Bellamy and Jones. Mitchell is still a question mark.

TE- If one slips, nab him. Boo and Ernie are just as responsible for the inconsistent offense as Brooks is.

Also,
1. I'd consider making Cie Grant drop to about 225 to reduce wear on that knee, and move him to WLB or even safety if he can get down to about 215. He may never play again but I think the odds are better if he's at 225 or less. He was a play-maker in college at 225, lets see what he can do at WLB or SS. Who knows? He may be the next Derrick Brooks at WLB or John Lynch at SS. If he fails miserably what have we lost?

2. I'd cut Hodge and Allen before anyone even mentions 2005 training camp. There would be dancing in the streets.

3. I'd give Sully Rickey Williams phone number and hope they strike up a close and personal relationship. Maybe Sully will try and travel the world smoking dope and we could re-coup some of that bonus money. hey, a guy can dream huh?

St.Shrume · 11-26-2004, 12:21 PM

Danno, excellent well thought out post.

I\'ve been thinking as well on the off season moves, and I would do almost everything exactly as you. I don\'t think the coming off season is the year to get rid of Brooks. Bring someone to come compete and ease AB out a year later. Woah! Before all the Brooks Bashers come out to play, let me explain why I thin so.

Watching other teams, there are many who have total crap for a QB (i.e. Bears, Cardinals, 49ers, Dolphins, Raiders, Cowboys....you get the idea) There\'s going to be a LOT of competition to get a Brees type QB this coming off season.

The only way we get rid of AB the next off season is if the new regime decides to rebuild. In that case, AB would be a hot comodity (even though most of you guys can\'t fathom that) and we could get a high draft pick and a player.

I cannot see whoever steps in next year getting rid of AB unless we get Drew Brees or the like. Not when we have glaring holes that need to be filled first.

Almost time to start really scouting college players.

As a Saint\'s fan, I should have a tattoo that has a fleur de lis and says: \'There\'s always next year\"

shadowdrinker_x · 11-26-2004, 12:26 PM

If you were a GM..and I were Benson..I would hire you..Simply on intention alone...

Thats the kind of idea the possible new gm needs to have...Everyone starts from scratch..and has to earn a starting job...If that were the case...I think you would see a couple of the present day rookies snagging jobs from the guys we have now...

As far as the Smith / Howard thing goes...I think Haslett has allready sealed the deal ..Howard is gone..Let\'s just hope that a new GM can get value for him..with all the glaring needs we have in LB..and just defense all around..we\'re going to need cap money...and lots of it..Howard is a very good player when he\'s healthy..there\'s no question about that...We should be able to get very fair trade offers for him..and we should take them..however..we would have to resign him first..and I\'m just not sure that they will..

I think with the O-line..we should really start rebuilding from the left side over...It\'s highly likely that a new QB would be right handed..protect his weak side...and try to make sure most of the pressure gets though on the right side..where he can at the very least..see it coming..

There is no excuse for the LB\'s..not anymore...It isn\'t like this defense has to get tired, and still try to make stops..We can\'t hold a team out of the endzone for long enough to break a sweat...I agree with you on the Watson thing..But ..I still say..let these guys EARN thier position...all of \'em..I\'m not really sure that went on this year...and now..we suffer..Scrap the whole lot of em if need be..just get us some $#%@&* LB\'s!!!

SaintFanInATLHELL · 11-26-2004, 12:53 PM

Here\'s what I\'d like to see a new regime do, assuming we get a decent \"football guy\" GM, a real HC, OC and DC.

Re-negotiate with Horn and Howard 1st and foremost. If they don\'t want to re-negotiate, give \'em skates.

Agree on Howard. He should have taken the long term deal when it was on the table.

What basis do you make this decision on Horn? The guy has been both a warrior and a stud. Perennial pro bowler. Is this based on estimated falloff in production in the next 3-5 years?

Where does the replacement come from? The draft? We could get Michael Johnson from USC...

Free-agent moves, minimum
1. Upgrade the NT spot. Bring in a vet or two, much like we did with Hand, to plug the 1-Technique. It would allow Young to do his thing. Since the Sully mistake was from the previous regime it would understandable to finally cut bait.

2. Upgrade all 3 LB spots. Our best LB going into 2005 will be Courtney Watson, and he can probably play all 3 spots if necessary. Bring in solid free-agent LB\'s for ALL 3 positions. If they have produced and still have a few years left, sign them immediately. Overpay if necessary.

Can\'t argue with that logic.

3. Bring in a replacement for Brooks. While I don\'t think our problems are Brook\'s fault, I do think the team needs a new identity. Entertain offers and see whats available. We went to our 1st playoff game with a virtual unknown 3rd stringer and less talent top to bottom so its not the end-all to replace him.

Other than Brees who is relistically available to entertain? While I think we can all agree that Brooks isn\'t a top 5 QB in this league, finding a capable free agent replacement at a reasonable cost will be difficult. Let\'s throw out some second stringers names and get a feel for what\'s out there:

Girard with the Jags
Volek with the Titans
Quincy Carter with the Jets
Rohan Davey with the Pats

How about Brad Johnson? He\'s a proven winner on the outs with Bucs.

Do you think that Kurt Warner will ever get another chance? Do you take a chance?

Tim Couch is out there somewhere, but he was cut by two different teams this offseason.

Where\'s Tuiasosopo with the Raiders?

Did Rothlisberger expose Tommy Maddox as a fraud?

Could Dilfer be extracted from Seattle. Could he do the job? He\'s clearly an effective game manager. Would that be enough for now?

I got one that may work. Jon Kitna with the Bengals. Now that guy might be able to do the job.

I keep hearing to replace Brooks. I may even be at the point of entertaining the idea. But other that Brees, who is going to make a mint next year, I simply don\'t see any clear cut alternative.

BTW I don\'t know the contract status on any of these folks. Personally I think we traded the QB that could have done the job.

OTOH we also released two current starting QBs. So could Kingman (is that is name?) on our practice squad do the job?

Bouman has shown me nothing. I wouldn\'t give him a shot.

4. Upgrade the O-line IF there is a solid O-lineman or two available. Target Riley\'s tackle spot and a good OG. If a good center is available move Bentley back to RG.

Personally I\'d consider drafting a stud like Oakland did last year with Gallery. There has to be a man mover in the college ranks that can play the right tackle position.

You think we should have kept Fontenot another year? I do.

5. If a good possession type WR who can go across the middle is available, sign him. He doesn\'t need to be fast. We have speed out the yang already. Gimme an Ed McCaffrey, Keenan McCardell type please.

So what about Pathon? Can he not do that job. That\'s what I\'ve seen from him so far...

Draft
Look at needs over BPA. Unless another Deuce or Will Smith slips we need to target weaknesses. If the guy you\'re picking can\'t come in and contribute right away, you better be talking about a 5th, 6th or 7th rounder.

LB-No explanation necessary. I think we ALL agree this is priority one. Laughing stock of the league.

O-line- Any good LT/RT in the 1st few rounds, and maybe a good OG in the later rounds.

DB- I don\'t mean just CB. A solid safety as well. With McKenzie, Thomas, Craft, Brown, and Ambrose we can afford to go later rounds for a CB that needs a few years to develop, but we could upgrade Bellamy and Jones. Mitchell is still a question mark.

Mitchell has never gotten his shot. It was supposed to be last year, but then he got hurt and Bellamy played lights out. I think the guy should get his shot.

TE- If one slips, nab him. Boo and Ernie are just as responsible for the inconsistent offense as Brooks is.

Yup. Whatever happend to Hilton?

Also,
1. I\'d consider making Cie Grant drop to about 225 to reduce wear on that knee, and move him to WLB or even safety if he can get down to about 215. He may never play again but I think the odds are better if he\'s at 225 or less. He was a play-maker in college at 225, lets see what he can do at WLB or SS. Who knows? He may be the next Derrick Brooks at WLB or John Lynch at SS. If he fails miserably what have we lost?

Nothing. But I\'d fire the guys physical therapist. They just can\'t get that knee straight.

2. I\'d cut Hodge and Allen before anyone even mentions 2005 training camp. There would be dancing in the streets.

3. I\'d give Sully Rickey Williams phone number and hope they strike up a close and personal relationship. Maybe Sully will try and travel the world smoking dope and we could re-coup some of that bonus money. hey, a guy can dream huh?

Funny. Also sad.

SFIAH

JKool · 11-26-2004, 04:09 PM

Danno,

Good post.

I\'d reverse your FA goals 3 & 4, and I\'d consider putting 5 ahead of the QB (3) need.

As far as the draft goes, I would not draft a second round OLer over BPA at that point. It is my current opinion that linemen that you don\'t get in the first round (or very high second - like 1 through 5) are projects and will not fit your \"must be able to play now\" criterion. I could be wrong about this, but I\'d like to hear some argument to that effect.

I\'m also not convinced that moving Bentley back to guard is a good idea for us now. Guards are the easiest position to get a gamer. Tackles and Centers with real skill are much harder to get. Bentley has struggled a bit this season at C, but I think he\'s doing pretty well. Indications point to him being a stud there with a pretty good learning curve.

Euphoria · 11-26-2004, 04:16 PM

Interesting ideas, but lets face it, any new coach we get isn\'t going to be getting rid of Brooks or Deuce... nor will you see Horn gone either. Bently may stay but he maybe moved back to guard. He maybe the only lineman safe.
Who knows what Defense we will use next year but I like the looks of a 3-4 disguised as a Nickel and I see Howard traded to get LB\'s. My take at CB is that McKenzie, Craft and Thomas will be staying Ambrose cut or moved to SS or FS. He isn\'t fast as he use to be and if he wants to keep playing those or the slower positions he\'ll have to contend with. I hate to say it but Deuce is trade bait, draft another RB and get Lineman. Bree\'s is going to cost to much. Bree\'s has talent around him... New Orleans he isn\'t going to have talent around him. Don\'t even give me crap that we are talented... we are not. Bascially no ones job is safe and frankly I agree with that theory. This team needs rebuilt and its going to take 2-3 years to do it. Start on the O-line middle to the outside and same with the Dline because those are the biggest areas of need. Aside from an occasionaly blitz from the outside the most blitzs are coming up the middle. DT and D-linemen or getting to brooks not blitzing CB\'s. Hell if only this team could stop a run and pick up a blitz they wouldn\'t be half bad.
Lots of new faces next year...

[Edited on 26/11/2004 by Euphoria]

JKool · 11-26-2004, 05:04 PM

Euph,

We won\'t be able to trade Howard unless we resign him, which I don\'t think we will.

Players whose starting job is safe:
1. Bentley
2. Duece
3. Karney
4. Carney
5. Berger
6. McKenzie
7. Grant
8. Young

We have other guys who do have talent, but at least you\'ll agree that these guys do, no?

Other guys who clearly have the ability to play (and start) in the NFL who are not on this list because they are either (1) not currently starters, (2) may be cap casualties, or (3) may be in jeopardy for other reasons (for example age):

1. Horn
2. Brooks
3. Stecker
4. Will Smith
5. Bellamy
6. Watson

These guys have skills.

Other guys who I think should be on the list of talent players (even if they\'re not starters, they are quality backups), but I can see an argument against:

1. Pathon
2. Rodgers
3. Freddie Thomas
4. Tebucky (if we paid him less and had lower expectations, no one would be complaining about him)
5. F. Brown
6. Howard
7. Stallworth

Now I can see you disagreeing with this last group, but do you really think that the first two groups are not talented? If you do not, then what do you mean by \"talented\"?

On another note, I still really like Ambrose. I hope he can make the transition to SS. However, if his speed drops the same amount next year as it did from last year to this year, I don\'t think he can play anymore.

I\'m also no longer convinced that rebuilding should take more than a year given the way FA is these days. Is there a reason you think we\'ll need 2 to 3? Is it to train a new QB?

Euphoria · 11-26-2004, 07:18 PM

Truse me if you get a trade deal struck with another team... he\'ll be signed. Francise and trade him even... the other team can renegociate contract, there is all sorts of ways to make it happen.
You can\'t count on FA... I am almost ready to argue that most FA\'s or has beens or someone else\'s junk. The trend of late is trades and drafting. You don\'t usually let your studs go unless you have cap trouble. The only real way to build the Saints is thru the draft. You get Randy back and let him work some trades for picks and you\'ll have a winning team in 1 years, a contender in 2 years.

[Edited on 27/11/2004 by Euphoria]

11-26-2004, 11:58 AM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	New GM priorities Here's what I'd like to see a new regime do, assuming we get a decent "football guy" GM, a real HC, OC and DC. Re-negotiate with Horn and Howard 1st and foremost. If they don't want to re-negotiate, give 'em skates. Free-agent moves, minimum 1. Upgrade the NT spot. Bring in a vet or two, much like we did with Hand, to plug the 1-Technique. It would allow Young to do his thing. Since the Sully mistake was from the previous regime it would understandable to finally cut bait. 2. Upgrade all 3 LB spots. Our best LB going into 2005 will be Courtney Watson, and he can probably play all 3 spots if necessary. Bring in solid free-agent LB's for ALL 3 positions. If they have produced and still have a few years left, sign them immediately. Overpay if necessary. 3. Bring in a replacement for Brooks. While I don't think our problems are Brook's fault, I do think the team needs a new identity. Entertain offers and see whats available. We went to our 1st playoff game with a virtual unknown 3rd stringer and less talent top to bottom so its not the end-all to replace him. 4. Upgrade the O-line IF there is a solid O-lineman or two available. Target Riley's tackle spot and a good OG. If a good center is available move Bentley back to RG. 5. If a good possession type WR who can go across the middle is available, sign him. He doesn't need to be fast. We have speed out the yang already. Gimme an Ed McCaffrey, Keenan McCardell type please. Draft Look at needs over BPA. Unless another Deuce or Will Smith slips we need to target weaknesses. If the guy you're picking can't come in and contribute right away, you better be talking about a 5th, 6th or 7th rounder. LB-No explanation necessary. I think we ALL agree this is priority one. Laughing stock of the league. O-line- Any good LT/RT in the 1st few rounds, and maybe a good OG in the later rounds. DB- I don't mean just CB. A solid safety as well. With McKenzie, Thomas, Craft, Brown, and Ambrose we can afford to go later rounds for a CB that needs a few years to develop, but we could upgrade Bellamy and Jones. Mitchell is still a question mark. TE- If one slips, nab him. Boo and Ernie are just as responsible for the inconsistent offense as Brooks is. Also, 1. I'd consider making Cie Grant drop to about 225 to reduce wear on that knee, and move him to WLB or even safety if he can get down to about 215. He may never play again but I think the odds are better if he's at 225 or less. He was a play-maker in college at 225, lets see what he can do at WLB or SS. Who knows? He may be the next Derrick Brooks at WLB or John Lynch at SS. If he fails miserably what have we lost? 2. I'd cut Hodge and Allen before anyone even mentions 2005 training camp. There would be dancing in the streets. 3. I'd give Sully Rickey Williams phone number and hope they strike up a close and personal relationship. Maybe Sully will try and travel the world smoking dope and we could re-coup some of that bonus money. hey, a guy can dream huh?

11-26-2004, 12:21 PM	#2
St.Shrume 100th Post Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 125	New GM priorities Danno, excellent well thought out post. I\'ve been thinking as well on the off season moves, and I would do almost everything exactly as you. I don\'t think the coming off season is the year to get rid of Brooks. Bring someone to come compete and ease AB out a year later. Woah! Before all the Brooks Bashers come out to play, let me explain why I thin so. Watching other teams, there are many who have total crap for a QB (i.e. Bears, Cardinals, 49ers, Dolphins, Raiders, Cowboys....you get the idea) There\'s going to be a LOT of competition to get a Brees type QB this coming off season. The only way we get rid of AB the next off season is if the new regime decides to rebuild. In that case, AB would be a hot comodity (even though most of you guys can\'t fathom that) and we could get a high draft pick and a player. I cannot see whoever steps in next year getting rid of AB unless we get Drew Brees or the like. Not when we have glaring holes that need to be filled first. Almost time to start really scouting college players. As a Saint\'s fan, I should have a tattoo that has a fleur de lis and says: \'There\'s always next year\"
St.Shrume 100th Post Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 125

11-26-2004, 12:26 PM	#3
shadowdrinker_x Banned Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 218	New GM priorities If you were a GM..and I were Benson..I would hire you..Simply on intention alone... Thats the kind of idea the possible new gm needs to have...Everyone starts from scratch..and has to earn a starting job...If that were the case...I think you would see a couple of the present day rookies snagging jobs from the guys we have now... As far as the Smith / Howard thing goes...I think Haslett has allready sealed the deal ..Howard is gone..Let\'s just hope that a new GM can get value for him..with all the glaring needs we have in LB..and just defense all around..we\'re going to need cap money...and lots of it..Howard is a very good player when he\'s healthy..there\'s no question about that...We should be able to get very fair trade offers for him..and we should take them..however..we would have to resign him first..and I\'m just not sure that they will.. I think with the O-line..we should really start rebuilding from the left side over...It\'s highly likely that a new QB would be right handed..protect his weak side...and try to make sure most of the pressure gets though on the right side..where he can at the very least..see it coming.. There is no excuse for the LB\'s..not anymore...It isn\'t like this defense has to get tired, and still try to make stops..We can\'t hold a team out of the endzone for long enough to break a sweat...I agree with you on the Watson thing..But ..I still say..let these guys EARN thier position...all of \'em..I\'m not really sure that went on this year...and now..we suffer..Scrap the whole lot of em if need be..just get us some $#%@&* LB\'s!!!

11-26-2004, 12:53 PM	#4
SaintFanInATLHELL The Professor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lithonia, GA Posts: 2,773	New GM priorities Here\'s what I\'d like to see a new regime do, assuming we get a decent \"football guy\" GM, a real HC, OC and DC. Re-negotiate with Horn and Howard 1st and foremost. If they don\'t want to re-negotiate, give \'em skates. Agree on Howard. He should have taken the long term deal when it was on the table. What basis do you make this decision on Horn? The guy has been both a warrior and a stud. Perennial pro bowler. Is this based on estimated falloff in production in the next 3-5 years? Where does the replacement come from? The draft? We could get Michael Johnson from USC... Free-agent moves, minimum 1. Upgrade the NT spot. Bring in a vet or two, much like we did with Hand, to plug the 1-Technique. It would allow Young to do his thing. Since the Sully mistake was from the previous regime it would understandable to finally cut bait. 2. Upgrade all 3 LB spots. Our best LB going into 2005 will be Courtney Watson, and he can probably play all 3 spots if necessary. Bring in solid free-agent LB\'s for ALL 3 positions. If they have produced and still have a few years left, sign them immediately. Overpay if necessary. Can\'t argue with that logic. 3. Bring in a replacement for Brooks. While I don\'t think our problems are Brook\'s fault, I do think the team needs a new identity. Entertain offers and see whats available. We went to our 1st playoff game with a virtual unknown 3rd stringer and less talent top to bottom so its not the end-all to replace him. Other than Brees who is relistically available to entertain? While I think we can all agree that Brooks isn\'t a top 5 QB in this league, finding a capable free agent replacement at a reasonable cost will be difficult. Let\'s throw out some second stringers names and get a feel for what\'s out there: Girard with the Jags Volek with the Titans Quincy Carter with the Jets Rohan Davey with the Pats How about Brad Johnson? He\'s a proven winner on the outs with Bucs. Do you think that Kurt Warner will ever get another chance? Do you take a chance? Tim Couch is out there somewhere, but he was cut by two different teams this offseason. Where\'s Tuiasosopo with the Raiders? Did Rothlisberger expose Tommy Maddox as a fraud? Could Dilfer be extracted from Seattle. Could he do the job? He\'s clearly an effective game manager. Would that be enough for now? I got one that may work. Jon Kitna with the Bengals. Now that guy might be able to do the job. I keep hearing to replace Brooks. I may even be at the point of entertaining the idea. But other that Brees, who is going to make a mint next year, I simply don\'t see any clear cut alternative. BTW I don\'t know the contract status on any of these folks. Personally I think we traded the QB that could have done the job. OTOH we also released two current starting QBs. So could Kingman (is that is name?) on our practice squad do the job? Bouman has shown me nothing. I wouldn\'t give him a shot. 4. Upgrade the O-line IF there is a solid O-lineman or two available. Target Riley\'s tackle spot and a good OG. If a good center is available move Bentley back to RG. Personally I\'d consider drafting a stud like Oakland did last year with Gallery. There has to be a man mover in the college ranks that can play the right tackle position. You think we should have kept Fontenot another year? I do. 5. If a good possession type WR who can go across the middle is available, sign him. He doesn\'t need to be fast. We have speed out the yang already. Gimme an Ed McCaffrey, Keenan McCardell type please. So what about Pathon? Can he not do that job. That\'s what I\'ve seen from him so far... Draft Look at needs over BPA. Unless another Deuce or Will Smith slips we need to target weaknesses. If the guy you\'re picking can\'t come in and contribute right away, you better be talking about a 5th, 6th or 7th rounder. LB-No explanation necessary. I think we ALL agree this is priority one. Laughing stock of the league. O-line- Any good LT/RT in the 1st few rounds, and maybe a good OG in the later rounds. DB- I don\'t mean just CB. A solid safety as well. With McKenzie, Thomas, Craft, Brown, and Ambrose we can afford to go later rounds for a CB that needs a few years to develop, but we could upgrade Bellamy and Jones. Mitchell is still a question mark. Mitchell has never gotten his shot. It was supposed to be last year, but then he got hurt and Bellamy played lights out. I think the guy should get his shot. TE- If one slips, nab him. Boo and Ernie are just as responsible for the inconsistent offense as Brooks is. Yup. Whatever happend to Hilton? Also, 1. I\'d consider making Cie Grant drop to about 225 to reduce wear on that knee, and move him to WLB or even safety if he can get down to about 215. He may never play again but I think the odds are better if he\'s at 225 or less. He was a play-maker in college at 225, lets see what he can do at WLB or SS. Who knows? He may be the next Derrick Brooks at WLB or John Lynch at SS. If he fails miserably what have we lost? Nothing. But I\'d fire the guys physical therapist. They just can\'t get that knee straight. 2. I\'d cut Hodge and Allen before anyone even mentions 2005 training camp. There would be dancing in the streets. 3. I\'d give Sully Rickey Williams phone number and hope they strike up a close and personal relationship. Maybe Sully will try and travel the world smoking dope and we could re-coup some of that bonus money. hey, a guy can dream huh? Funny. Also sad. SFIAH
	Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.

11-26-2004, 04:09 PM	#5
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	New GM priorities Danno, Good post. I\'d reverse your FA goals 3 & 4, and I\'d consider putting 5 ahead of the QB (3) need. As far as the draft goes, I would not draft a second round OLer over BPA at that point. It is my current opinion that linemen that you don\'t get in the first round (or very high second - like 1 through 5) are projects and will not fit your \"must be able to play now\" criterion. I could be wrong about this, but I\'d like to hear some argument to that effect. I\'m also not convinced that moving Bentley back to guard is a good idea for us now. Guards are the easiest position to get a gamer. Tackles and Centers with real skill are much harder to get. Bentley has struggled a bit this season at C, but I think he\'s doing pretty well. Indications point to him being a stud there with a pretty good learning curve.
	"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks

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11-26-2004, 04:16 PM	#6
Euphoria 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 7,601 Blog Entries: 5	New GM priorities Interesting ideas, but lets face it, any new coach we get isn\'t going to be getting rid of Brooks or Deuce... nor will you see Horn gone either. Bently may stay but he maybe moved back to guard. He maybe the only lineman safe. Who knows what Defense we will use next year but I like the looks of a 3-4 disguised as a Nickel and I see Howard traded to get LB\'s. My take at CB is that McKenzie, Craft and Thomas will be staying Ambrose cut or moved to SS or FS. He isn\'t fast as he use to be and if he wants to keep playing those or the slower positions he\'ll have to contend with. I hate to say it but Deuce is trade bait, draft another RB and get Lineman. Bree\'s is going to cost to much. Bree\'s has talent around him... New Orleans he isn\'t going to have talent around him. Don\'t even give me crap that we are talented... we are not. Bascially no ones job is safe and frankly I agree with that theory. This team needs rebuilt and its going to take 2-3 years to do it. Start on the O-line middle to the outside and same with the Dline because those are the biggest areas of need. Aside from an occasionaly blitz from the outside the most blitzs are coming up the middle. DT and D-linemen or getting to brooks not blitzing CB\'s. Hell if only this team could stop a run and pick up a blitz they wouldn\'t be half bad. Lots of new faces next year... [Edited on 26/11/2004 by Euphoria]
	E U P H O R I A

11-26-2004, 05:04 PM	#7
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	New GM priorities Euph, We won\'t be able to trade Howard unless we resign him, which I don\'t think we will. Players whose starting job is safe: 1. Bentley 2. Duece 3. Karney 4. Carney 5. Berger 6. McKenzie 7. Grant 8. Young We have other guys who do have talent, but at least you\'ll agree that these guys do, no? Other guys who clearly have the ability to play (and start) in the NFL who are not on this list because they are either (1) not currently starters, (2) may be cap casualties, or (3) may be in jeopardy for other reasons (for example age): 1. Horn 2. Brooks 3. Stecker 4. Will Smith 5. Bellamy 6. Watson These guys have skills. Other guys who I think should be on the list of talent players (even if they\'re not starters, they are quality backups), but I can see an argument against: 1. Pathon 2. Rodgers 3. Freddie Thomas 4. Tebucky (if we paid him less and had lower expectations, no one would be complaining about him) 5. F. Brown 6. Howard 7. Stallworth Now I can see you disagreeing with this last group, but do you really think that the first two groups are not talented? If you do not, then what do you mean by \"talented\"? On another note, I still really like Ambrose. I hope he can make the transition to SS. However, if his speed drops the same amount next year as it did from last year to this year, I don\'t think he can play anymore. I\'m also no longer convinced that rebuilding should take more than a year given the way FA is these days. Is there a reason you think we\'ll need 2 to 3? Is it to train a new QB?
	"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks

11-26-2004, 07:18 PM	#8
Euphoria 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 7,601 Blog Entries: 5	New GM priorities Truse me if you get a trade deal struck with another team... he\'ll be signed. Francise and trade him even... the other team can renegociate contract, there is all sorts of ways to make it happen. You can\'t count on FA... I am almost ready to argue that most FA\'s or has beens or someone else\'s junk. The trend of late is trades and drafting. You don\'t usually let your studs go unless you have cap trouble. The only real way to build the Saints is thru the draft. You get Randy back and let him work some trades for picks and you\'ll have a winning team in 1 years, a contender in 2 years. [Edited on 27/11/2004 by Euphoria]
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