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The last time I talked to Drew Brees, we were in Orlando at the NFL Players Association meetings in late March, and the conversation inevitably turned to Darren Sproles, whom the New Orleans Saints had traded to the Philadelphia Eagles a few days earlier.

Brees, the Saints’ star quarterback, lamented the loss of Sproles then, calling him a “once in a lifetime player.” So, when I talked to Brees again on Tuesday, I had to ask: has the offseason provided answers on how the Saints will replace their dynamic halfback?

While Brees was quick to note again that “I don’t think you just replace a Darren Sproles,” he gave a nod to the top four backs on the depth chart – then brought up the Saints’ top draft pick, speedy receiver Brandin Cooks, who could be earmarked for big things as a rookie.

“Even though Darren Sproles played the running back position, we were creative with him,” Brees told USA TODAY Sports. “We did a lot of things with him out of the backfield. We’d split him out. We’d throw him screens. We’d do all kinds of stuff with him. So, that role can be filled by maybe even a receiver.

“Hey, we go out in the draft and get a guy in Brandin Cooks out of Oregon State – an explosive player, great speed, great talent, tremendous young man, loves to learn, loves the game of football. … From all indications, this guy can do a lot of things for us, and he’s eager to fill a role that we need him to on offense.”

Read more: Brees believes Cooks can help replace Sproles | Q

hagan714

yep he will help. but that is only one phase of Sproles game. we need another rB besides PT to step up, thats the other phase. the the return game also.

you do not lose a player like Sproles and expect on player to replace him. if your lucky you get away with 2 roster spots to do what his one roster spot produced.

Danno

Sproles wasn't doing that great last year. Two seasons ago I'd agree 100%, but the 2013 Sproles wasn't nearly as good as many think.

He was also terrible returning punts and kickoffs.

My opinion is he was merely an average scat-back (in 2013).

BusDriver

The headless coach year (2012) I hated when he would return kickoffs, most of the time he was stopped at the 16 yard line or less.

Seer1

Absolutely! Hated having last year's Sproles as our go-to guy! If we have more than one person taking his role prior to last year, that's gonna make it just that much harder for the other team's D.

Rugby Saint II

We traded one good Satellite player for another...........but I think this will work well for the Saints.