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Danno 05-31-2014 03:47 PM
SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Team Report - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
May 29, 2014 9:00 PM The SportsXchange

INSIDE SLANT

New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd was noticeably absent at the first organized team activity open to the media Thursday and likely won't be back on the field until the start of training camp in late July.

Byrd, the Saints' top acquisition in free agency this winter, had back surgery Thursday on a problematic disc and will miss the final two weeks of OTAs (June 3-5 and June 17-19) and a full-squad minicamp (June 10-12).

Saints coach Sean Payton made the announcement after Thursday's practice, saying the procedure will help alleviate and prevent any issues that could have cropped up during the regular season.

Payton said Byrd, who received a six-year, $54 million contract from the Saints on the first day of the free-agency signing period on March 11, has dealt with a back problem in the past and it came up again this offseason during a weightlifting session.

While Byrd wasn't experiencing any discomfort, Payton said a specialist in Los Angeles indicated surgery was an option. Payton said Byrd wouldn't have had surgery during the season and would have been treated for any symptoms he might have had.

"He didn't have any pain, but it was something we wanted to handle ... especially with his position," said Payton, who noted that Byrd will return to the team's training facility next week (June 2) to begin his rehab on the back.

"Our guess is we'll be very cautious, and hopefully get him back here and then he'll start training camp with no problem," he said. "We felt like (the surgery) would be something that would prevent any issues in the fall."

Byrd, who had 22 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in five seasons with the Buffalo Bills, is expected to be the ball-hawk the Saints lacked last season.

The Saints ranked second against the pass, but came up with only 19 takeaways -- the fourth-fewest in the league -- with nine in the final 14 games counting the playoffs.

NOTES, QUOTES

--While the Saints won't have free safety Jairus Byrd on the field for the remainder of their offseason practice sessions, they did get some good news Thursday on the injury front.

Four defensive players who underwent surgery last season, including 2013 first-round draft pick Kenny Vaccaro, worked at full speed in the first organized team activity open to media.

Joining Vaccaro, who missed the final game of the season and both playoff games with a fractured ankle, on the field were outside linebackers Victor Butler and Parys Haralson and cornerback Patrick Robinson.

Butler missed the entire 2013 season when he tore his ACL in a collision with running back Mark Ingram; Robinson played in just two games before tearing his patellar tendon and Haralson tore a pectoral muscle in the wild-card playoff win at Philadelphia.

Vaccaro and Robinson worked extensively with the first-team defense on Thursday. Haralson also saw action with the ones, while Butler, who was a projected starter last spring before being injured, worked with the twos.

--One of the biggest question marks for the Saints this offseason is who will wind up as the starting center for the season opener with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Saints allowed three-year starter Brian de la Puente to walk in free agency and coach Sean Payton announced in late March that guard Tim Lelito, who made the roster as an undrafted free agent last season, would get a shot.

So it was no surprise that Lelito took first-team snaps at center in the first OTA open to media on Thursday. Rookie free agent Matt Armstrong worked at center with the second-team and Mike Golic Jr. got third-team snaps.

--Among those not working Thursday was wide receiver Joe Morgan, who missed the 2013 season with a knee injury suffered early in training camp.

Held out for undisclosed reasons were defensive linemen John Jenkins, Tyrunn Walker and Moses McCray, outside linebacker Cheta Ozougwu and wide receiver Steve Hull.

Guard Ben Grubbs was limited in practice for an undisclosed reason, which allowed 2013 practice-squad member Senio Kelemete to get some first-team reps as he begins his bid to earn a roster spot as a backup.

--Tight end Jimmy Graham isn't participating in the offseason program because he remains unsigned after receiving the franchise tag from the team in late February.

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the Saints' first-round draft pick earlier this month, isn't working in the OTAs because he's completing the semester at Oregon State.

--About 40 Saints players visited the State Capitol after their first OTA on Tuesday to discuss their concerns over injury compensation legislation concerning pro athletes that was shelved earlier in the day.

Among the Saints making the 70-mile bus trip from Metairie were quarterback Drew Brees, running back Pierre Thomas, wide receiver Marques Colston and defensive end Cameron Jordan.

The players took photos with lawmakers and Gov. Bobby Jindal that were widely circulated on social media.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

A closer look at the Saints' picks:

Round 1/20 -- Brandin Cooks, WR, 5-10, 189, Oregon State

--After trading Darren Sproles, the Saints needed to replace his speed and they did in choosing Cooks after moving up seven spots in the first round.

Round 2/58 -- Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, 6-3, 218, Nebraska

--With giant receivers throughout the NFC South, the Saints had to combat that with a longer, physical corner to put opposite Keenan Lewis.

Round 4/126 -- Khairi Fortt, ILB, 6-2, 240, California

--Saints elect to go for power (30 bench reps) and speed (4.70) here despite limited college experience with just 10 starts at Penn State and Cal.

Round 5/167 -- Vinnie Sunseri, SS, 5-11, 210, Alabama

--Even though he's coming off a torn ACL, he could be a help on special teams and add depth at one of the safety spots in a crowded secondary.

Round 5/169 -- Ronald Powell, OLB, 6-3, 237, Florida

--Returned to field in 2013 after pair of ACL surgeries in 2012, but is valued for his pass-rush abilities and measurables.

Round 6/202 -- Tavon Rooks, T, 6-5, 299, Kansas State

--Athletic tackle started 23 games the last two seasons after bouncing around three junior colleges and was an intriguing pick for Saints.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/team-re...0221--nfl.html
Pretty much what we all already knew, but hey, its the off-season. At least its not a poll!

jeanpierre 05-31-2014 04:49 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Limited mention which linebackers took the snaps with the ones...

Guess it'll be Haralson, Lofton, Hawthorne and Galette

hagan714 05-31-2014 11:28 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
well it appears that middle seam route will still be an issue this year. i am not sure if champ still has the quickness to shut that down and i do not for see any 5 and dime guys being able to step up just yet either.

so the glaring lack of up grading a passing down ILB will loom large again this year, it appears. as will the flats having Haralson as our best OLB and from what it looks like our only OLB with any real coverage skill.

funny you address and stress pass rush which was solid last year and you do not address the number one pass routes to beat that same rush. i am puzzled a bit.

I really thought the saints would have drafted some defense to plug this hole. no Khairi Fortt is not the answer. if we get lucky and he stays healthy he is a two to three year project at best. I really have trouble seeing this guy as a 3 down LB and still question the first two downs. Instincts and reaction time needs some serious work.

neither OLB we drafted can cover at this point either and by all odds will never be as good as Haralson. So the saints off season moves for LB is full of question marks. i see much of the same ol same ol style for next year. great pass rush poor defense defending the offenses counter routes against our pass rush.

wait and see i guess. pray for the best

jeanpierre 06-01-2014 06:44 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hagan714 (Post 595710)
well it appears that middle seam route will still be an issue this year. i am not sure if champ still has the quickness to shut that down and i do not for see any 5 and dime guys being able to step up just yet either.

so the glaring lack of up grading a passing down ILB will loom large again this year, it appears. as will the flats having Haralson as our best OLB and from what it looks like our only OLB with any real coverage skill.

funny you address and stress pass rush which was solid last year and you do not address the number one pass routes to beat that same rush. i am puzzled a bit.

I really thought the saints would have drafted some defense to plug this hole. no Khairi Fortt is not the answer. if we get lucky and he stays healthy he is a two to three year project at best. I really have trouble seeing this guy as a 3 down LB and still question the first two downs. Instincts and reaction time needs some serious work.

neither OLB we drafted can cover at this point either and by all odds will never be as good as Haralson. So the saints off season moves for LB is full of question marks. i see much of the same ol same ol style for next year. great pass rush poor defense defending the offenses counter routes against our pass rush.

wait and see i guess. pray for the best
Well, the addition of draft pick Baptiste with the free agent addition of Bailey and Byrd and the return of a healthy Robinson to geaux along with Keenan and Corey White and a more experienced Vaccaro and the saavy re-sign of Bush was meant to address the various coverages; plus, Harper and Jenkins, huge liabilities in pass coverage, will not be a goats to blame now...

But, want to geaux back to the Khairi Fortt comment; this guy's speed will stand out when compared to Lofton/Hawthorne; really like his selection, just liked other players in round 2 more and didn't see him falling like he did in this crazy draft...

dizzle88 06-01-2014 07:13 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Joe Morgan is still not healthy after a whole year out? Wow....

saintsfan1976 06-01-2014 08:46 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Everyone here knows I wanted a speedy LB for that reason Hagan.

I'm stoked we go Cooks instead. Who I'm not stoked on is Jean Baptiste. Hope I'm wrong...

Besides, the number of safeties coupled with the return of Robinson could be all that's needed to cover that well-documented deficiency of last year's D.

In regards to our middle round picks; does anyone else think we drafted to improve our special teams? I mean, that unit was paltry last year but adding guys like Sunseri, Fortt and Powell could be exactly what that unit needs.

hagan714 06-01-2014 09:56 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
i am hoping and do believe the special teams coverage has been improved.

QBREES9 06-01-2014 12:49 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dizzle88 (Post 595720)
Joe Morgan is still not healthy after a whole year out? Wow....
Really.

Marlboro Man 06-02-2014 07:32 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by saintsfan1976 (Post 595723)
Everyone here knows I wanted a speedy LB for that reason Hagan.

I'm stoked we go Cooks instead. Who I'm not stoked on is Jean Baptiste. Hope I'm wrong...

Besides, the number of safeties coupled with the return of Robinson could be all that's needed to cover that well-documented deficiency of last year's D.

In regards to our middle round picks; does anyone else think we drafted to improve our special teams? I mean, that unit was paltry last year but adding guys like Sunseri, Fortt and Powell could be exactly what that unit needs.
Not trying to hack on ya bud, but you are wrong about SJB. He will make you proud, just watch.

Danno 06-02-2014 07:55 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marlboro Man (Post 595772)
Not trying to hack on ya bud, but you are wrong about SJB. He will make you proud, just watch.
The problem is that I think it'll take a couple, maybe three years to fully develop. If he doesn't produce like a pro-bowler in year one, many people will proclaim him to be a bust and we shoulda picked so and so, and I told ya' so...

Look how many people proclaim Corey White (a 5th rounder) to be a bust after only one year (and yes, I'm purposely ignoring the Spag season).

dizzle88 06-02-2014 08:00 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danno (Post 595775)
The problem is that I think it'll take a couple, maybe three years to fully develop. If he doesn't produce like a pro-bowler in year one, many people will proclaim him to be a bust and we shoulda picked so and so, and I told ya' so...

Look how many people proclaim Corey White (a 5th rounder) to be a bust after only one year (and yes, I'm purposely ignoring the Spag season).
The what season?:bng:

I think with corey, I tend to compare his play to that of malcolm jenkins (obviously malcolm was a first rounder though)

They both give 100% effort on the field, they both have plays that made you think "WOW, maybe the light bulb has come on" and then have an equally as bad play that makes you cringe.

Corey's still young, he needs some time. For a 5th rounder he has tons of potential, consistency is his downfall in my opinion

Danno 06-02-2014 08:14 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dizzle88 (Post 595777)
The what season?:bng:

I think with corey, I tend to compare his play to that of malcolm jenkins (obviously malcolm was a first rounder though)

They both give 100% effort on the field, they both have plays that made you think "WOW, maybe the light bulb has come on" and then have an equally as bad play that makes you cringe.

Corey's still young, he needs some time. For a 5th rounder he has tons of potential, consistency is his downfall in my opinion
And that is what you typically get out of a mid-late round CB. To even see as much playing time as he has is testament to his talent.

This year we should see that consistency improve quite a bit, especially now that we look pretty deep at CB and Ryan can use all of our CB's to their strengths.

blackangold 06-02-2014 08:21 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hagan714 (Post 595710)
well it appears that middle seam route will still be an issue this year. i am not sure if champ still has the quickness to shut that down and i do not for see any 5 and dime guys being able to step up just yet either.

so the glaring lack of up grading a passing down ILB will loom large again this year, it appears. as will the flats having Haralson as our best OLB and from what it looks like our only OLB with any real coverage skill.

funny you address and stress pass rush which was solid last year and you do not address the number one pass routes to beat that same rush. i am puzzled a bit.

I really thought the saints would have drafted some defense to plug this hole. no Khairi Fortt is not the answer. if we get lucky and he stays healthy he is a two to three year project at best. I really have trouble seeing this guy as a 3 down LB and still question the first two downs. Instincts and reaction time needs some serious work.

neither OLB we drafted can cover at this point either and by all odds will never be as good as Haralson. So the saints off season moves for LB is full of question marks. i see much of the same ol same ol style for next year. great pass rush poor defense defending the offenses counter routes against our pass rush.

wait and see i guess. pray for the best
Didn't we have the 2nd best passing D?

I don't see any weakness in our passing D all we did was upgrade every db position... remember we run 3to safety sets on passing downs.

Seer1 06-02-2014 09:05 AM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hagan714 (Post 595727)
i am hoping and do believe the special teams coverage has been improved.
Why? Did we fire McMahon?

Rugby Saint II 06-02-2014 01:10 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Our LB'ers will be better this year. We may not great but we don't need everybody on the field to be great. Just darn good.
We will have some serious competition at camp and one of our late round picks will light up the Saints boards. And then fizzle out...........
All I can do is temper my enthusiasm for just a little while longer. :bng:

saintsfan1976 06-02-2014 08:43 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
I actually LIKE Corey White. His style of play and experience as a safety ans slot corner are valuable. Good to have as depth when we discover Champ Bailey is gassed...

Danno 06-02-2014 10:29 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by saintsfan1976 (Post 595877)
I actually LIKE Corey White. His style of play and experience as a safety ans slot corner are valuable. Good to have as depth when we discover Champ Bailey is gassed...
He's never played safety

the-commish 06-03-2014 02:39 PM
Re: SportsXchange Team Report
 
I hope that 299 weight is correct for Tavon Rooks. I have seen him listed at 280, which would be pretty light for a tackle (even for a LT where quickness and agility are valued more than size and brute strength).

Anyway, I believe the Saints drafted Rooks to be a backup LT. Bryce Harris would be better suited as a backup RT.


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