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Sunday's training camp session at The Greenbrier was the first time the New Orleans Saints have strapped on the pads since the NFC divisional loss in Seattle in mid-January. Now begins the real evaluation time for position groups outside of quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs.

Teams aren't allowed to suit up in pads for the first two days of training camp, per the collective bargaining agreement. The pads obviously ramped up the intensity level in Sunday's practice (no fights yet).

"For us it's kind of difficult without the pads on to get movement and get the proper reads and stuff because you're just in jerseys," guard Jahri Evans said. "With the pads on, it allows both sides to get physical and (helps) for us to get the movement against the guys up front."

The one-on-one drills between the offensive and defensive line always piques my interest once the players sport the pads. Among those who performed well in the drills included Zach Strief and Evans on offense, while Glenn Foster and Keyunta Dawson shined defensively. Terron Armstead and Junior Galette battled to a draw as the players essentially split wins and losses in the drill.

2. Play of the day: This one was a no-brainer, and could stand as the best play by the time training camp ends.

Fullback Erik Lorig hauled in a pass from Drew Brees in team drills and gave Champ Bailey a stiff arm. Bailey admittedly took exception to the stiff arm and earned his payback by stripping Lorig of the football.

The ball appeared to be heading out of bounds when Rafael Bush made a diving, one-handed save to throw the ball back over his shoulder. Bailey snatched it out of the air and took off down the sideline.

3. Kicker battle: It's not about who's performing poorly between Shayne Graham and Derek Dimke that's going to earn the kicking job for one of these players. It's more like one miss could be the deciding factor as both have been perfect through three days of camp.

Graham went 3 of 3 in field goal tries in Sunday's practice, while Dimke split the uprights on his four attempts. All of the attempts were within 40 yards.

The offense also simulated a 26-second drill to end the half or a game where the offense runs a play and the special teams rushes out to attempt a field goal with no timeouts. Graham and Dimke each successfully nailed their attempts easily.

4. Lagniappe: Jonathan Goodwin received the first-team reps at center for the first time in training camp with Tim Lelito catching all the snaps with the twos. As mentioned many times, these two should rotate throughout camp with the starting job up for grabs. ... Galette received quite a few compliments from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan during team portions of practice. The linebacker/defensive end picked up two sacks and made plays in run defense. Galette's motor is undoubtedly ramped up this offseason. ... Brandin Cooks showed he can be physical at wide receiver despite his small frame. He outmuscled Patrick Robinson at the line of scrimmage when the cornerback tried to jam Cooks at the line. Cooks shoved Robinson away and took off to snag a deep ball from Brees. ... Rookie safety Pierre Warren seemingly has caught the eye of the Saints. He's participating in the walkthrough portion of practice on the first-team field and has made a handful of solid plays in pass coverage in team drills. Warren broke up two passes intended for Cooks and Benjamin Watson. Keep an eye on Warren. ...

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hagan714

I expected good things from the starters
I just wish these reporters would learn more about players they mention.

Safety Pierre Warren
Wide receiver Seantavious Jones

developement of back ups
Glenn Foster and Keyunta Dawson

whats up with players like Rufus Johnson?

for once i would love to see a scouting back ground required for a sports writer

SmashMouth

Pierre Warren Draft Profile
Seantavious Jones*|*Valdosta State,*WR*:*2014 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

Good prospects ...we shall see...

TwistedTiger

Wouldn't be surprised to see Warren beat out Sunseri. Really didn't understand that pick, he was very less than impressive at Bama.

hagan714

if you wanted a safety there was only one, Deone Bucannon, i would have gone after. that is because he has the speed and skill base of a CB and hits like a safety. but then again we would not have drafted cook. I understand the pick sure but i would have gone another way just on the fact we have so much money already tied up at safety. plus he is not flexible position wise at all. so a different position of need. plenty of solid talent on the board at that point. but smarts does carry a lot of weight in the 5th

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

Danno

Really? He was probably our most impressive DB.

Seer1

Just once? Really Hagan?

I'm feeling pretty good about most aspects. The only real reports I would like to hear are ones about the OL. The only report about that wasn't all that great.
"Linebacker Kyle Knox pounced on a bad snap between McCown and Lelito to pick up a takeaway."

dizzle88

In all fairness, from reports Pierre Warren is having a hell of a camp whilst sunseri hasn't been mentioned alot other than graham caught pass over him one handed

Sunseri will be a valuable special teams player and solid backup in my opinion

Danno

Warren is having an outstanding camp so far.

I took issue with someone claiming Sunseri was "very less than impressive at Alabama"

homerj07

Do we have room for another receiver? He will have to be better than Morgan and Toon to have a shot.