2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook

jeanpierre · 08-07-2015, 03:09 PM

Apparently not; may very well end up with six (6) cornerbacks on the roster...

jeanpierre · 08-09-2015, 05:56 AM

New Orleans Saints mailbag: A look at some tough roster decisions

By Evan Woodbery, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
August 08, 2015 at 12:42 PM, updated August 08, 2015 at 1:55 PM

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- We opened up the New Orleans Saints Twitter mailbag on Saturday to field some questions about training camp...

(On DC Rob Ryan)

There's no doubt that Rob Ryan is an precarious position. If the defense gets better, new senior defensive assistant Dennis Allen will get credit. If it doesn't improve, Ryan will get the blame (and, almost certainly, get fired).

Head coach Sean Payton was extremely critical of the substitution problems both during the scrimmage and in the post-game press conference. That sort of public criticism from the head coach is not a good sign for Ryan...

(On MLB Stephone Anthony, SLB Hau'oli Kikaha)

I've been very impressed with Anthony. He passes the "look test" because he's displaying confidence and intelligence and doesn't look like a rookie out there. Obviously the real test will be in games, but I think the Saints have to be pleased with that pick.

I like Kikaha as a strong-side linebacker, but he'll have to work on the non-pass-rushing aspects of his game...

(On Evans, Lelito, Kelemete)

While I've always seen Kelemete as a dark-horse candidate to fight Lelito for Ben Grubbs' old job, the Saints have spent most of the summer and training camp working him at center. That's good for Kelemete's long-term future (with the Saints and elsewhere) but it won't help him mount a push for a starting guard job.

I'm not sure that I'd say Lelito and Evans are struggling on the basis of a handful of one-on-one pass-rush drills...

(On Running Backs)

I agree that Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller and Khiry Robinson will make the team. As of now, I like Tim Hightower as the fourth running back. Rookie Marcus Murphy is also an option, and he can strengthen his hand if he also wins the punt return job. The Saints also like Edwin Baker, although it would probably take an injury for him to crack the roster.

As of today, I'd put Hightower on the roster and stick Murphy on the practice squad as a possible "call-up" later in the season...

(On Stanley Jean-Baptiste Being Cut After Year Two, Remaining DBs)

Yes, the Saints certainly could, although I think Stanley Jean-Baptiste will make the team...(based) on how he's being used...

The wild cards are the two rookie cornerbacks, P.J. Williams and Damian Swann. We've seen very little of both. Swann has watched from the sidelines since first leaving practice, while we haven't spotted Williams in a while ... don't think Jean-Baptiste, Williams and Swann can all make the team. But if one of the trio gets hurt, that will solve the roster crunch.

The safeties are in a similar situation. Among Kenny Phillips, Pierre Warren and Jamarca Sanford, I think there is room for only one. Right now, I'm giving a slight edge to Phillips. Like Hightower, Phillips will have to prove his durability in preseason games.

(More)

Source: New Orleans Saints mailbag: A look at some tough roster decisions | NOLA.com

jeanpierre · 08-10-2015, 09:47 PM

OFFENSE

POSITION	FIRST TEAM	SECOND	THIRD
Wide Receiver	Brandin Cooks	Brandon Coleman	Willie Snead
		Lance Lewis	Kyle Prater
Left Tackle	Terron Armstead	Bryce Harris	Nick Becton
Left Guard	Tim Lelito	Mike McGlynn	Cyril Lemon
Center	Max Unger	Senio Kelemete	Mike Golic Jr.
Right Guard	Jahri Evans	Sean Hickey	Cole Manhart
Right Tackle	Zach Strief	Andrus Peat	Antonio Johnson
Wide Receiver	Marques Colston	Nick Toon	Seantavius Jones
		Joe Morgan	Josh Morgan
Tight End	Ben Watson	Josh Hill	Orson Charles
		Kevin Brock	Alex Smith
Quarterback	Drew Brees	Luke McCown	Ryan Griffin
			Garrett Grayson
Fullback	Austin Johnson	Erik Lorig	Toben Opurum
Running Back	Mark Ingram	Khiry Robinson	C.J. Spiller
		Tim Hightower	Edwin Baker
			Marcus Murphy

DEFENSE

POSITION	FIRST TEAM	SECOND	THIRD
Left Defensive End	Akiem Hicks	Bobby Richardson	Travaris Barnes
Left Defensive Tackle	John Jenkins	Ashaad Mabry	Lawrence Virgil
Right Defensive Tackle	Kevin Williams	Tyeler Davison	Kaleb Eulls
Right Defensive End	Cam Jordan	Parys Haralson/Anthony Spencer	Marcus Pierce-Brewster
Weakside Linebacker	Dannell Ellerbe	Ramon Humber	Henry Coley
Middle Linebacker	David Hawthorne	Stephone Anthony	Jerry Franklin
Strongside Linebacker	Hau'oli Kikaha	Kasim Edebali	Ronald Powell
			Davis Tull
Cornerback	Keenan Lewis	Stanley Jean-Baptiste	Brian Dixon
		Kyle Wilson	P.J. Williams
Strong Safety	Kenny Vaccaro	Vinnie Sunseri	Jamarca Sanford
Free Safety	Jairus Byrd	Rafael Bush	Kenny Phillips
			Pierre Warren
Cornerback	Brandon Browner	Delvin Breaux	Terrence Frederick
		Damian Swann	Travis Manning

SPECIAL TEAMS

POSITION	FIRST TEAM	SECOND	THIRD
Punter	Thomas Morstead
Kicker	Zach Hocker/Dustin Hopkins
Long Snapper	Justin Drescher	Chris Highland
Holder	Luke McCown
Punt Returner	C.J. Spiller	Brandin Cooks	Jalen Saunders
			Marcus Murphy
Kickoff Returner	C.J. Spiller	Brandin Cooks	Jalen Saunders
			Marcus Murphy
Kickoff	Thomas Morstead	Zach Hocker/Dustin Hopkins

Source: New Orleans Saints listed as 4-3 defense, rookie LB Hau'oli Kikaha starting in first unofficial depth chart | NOLA.com

jeanpierre · 08-10-2015, 09:52 PM

New Orleans Saints 53-man roster projection: Stanley Jean-Baptiste solidifying a spot

By Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on August 06, 2015 at 9:35 AM, updated August 06, 2015 at 10:44 AM

Latest Saints 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (3) In: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Garrett Grayson
Out: Ryan Griffin

Analysis: Griffin has been working with the second-team offense a little more lately than in the first couple of days of camp. He will have to definitively win the job to beat out McCown.

Running back (5)
In: Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller, Khiry Robinson, Marcus Murphy, Austin Johnson
Out: Tim Hightower, Edwin Baker, Toben Opurum, Erik Lorig

Analysis: I really want to find a way to keep Hightower. He's been sprinkled in for snaps throughout every level of the offense anywhere from the ones to the threes to receive a healthy dose of reps. Johnson appears to be with the first team more than Lorig so I'm making the switch at fullback.

Wide receiver (6)
In: Brandin Cooks, Marques Colston, Nick Toon, Brandon Coleman, Seantavius Jones, Jalen Saunders
Out: Josh Morgan, Joe Morgan, R.J. Harris, Lance Lewis, Kyle Prater, Willie Snead

Analysis: I don't quite have the courage to switch out Josh Morgan for Toon quite yet. But I can see that happening soon. To me, Toon really hasn't stood out all too much in camp like normal. Saunders will always be a wild card in the group if he can with a return job. I'm liking Snead for the practice squad among this group.

Tight end (3)
In: Josh Hill, Benjamin Watson, Orson Charles
Out: Kevin Brock, Jack Tabb

Analysis: Hill and Watson are obvious. The rest of this group is a challenge to gauge. Brock looked solid before his injury sidelined him the last few days. Tabb took more snaps with the ones than Charles with Hill out with an injury. Then, Tabb was carted off the field with a knee injury Thursday. The Saints will need to add some healthy body or bodies soon.

Offensive linemen (8)
In: Jahri Evans, Tim Lelito, Max Unger, Terron Armstead, Zach Strief, Andrus Peat, Senio Kelemete, Sean Hickey
Out: Bryce Harris, Mike Golic Jr, Mike McGlynn, Cyril Lemon, Antonio Johnson, Nick Becton, Cole Manhart

Analysis: Maybe the Saints keep nine offensive linemen, but that's not typically how they operate. Peat would be the backup at tackle, but Harris and Becton sat on the 53-man roster for a while last year. This means the Saints might keep a second backup tackle. Kelemete is working at center to be a swing guy and Hickey has been working at guard to be a swing guy at guard and tackle.

Defensive linemen (8)
In: Cam Jordan, Akiem Hicks, Kevin Williams, John Jenkins, Kasim Edebali, Lawrence Virgil, Tyeler Davison, Bobby Richardson
Out: Ashaad Mabry, Kaleb Eulls, Tavaris Barnes, Glenn Foster

Analysis: No movement on the defensive front. In fact, Richardson has gained ground more than anything else through one week. He's created pressure at defensive end and defensive tackle in individual and team drills.

Linebacker (8)
In: Stephone Anthony, David Hawthorne, Ronald Powell, Hau'oli Kikaha, Davis Tull, Ramon Humber, Dannell Ellerbe, Parys Haralson
Out: Henry Coley, Jerry Franklin, Anthony Spencer, Marcus Pierce-Brewster

Analysis: Spencer hasn't practiced in a while, and neither has Ellerbe. Both have to be on the bubble. I'm leaving Ellerbe on the roster for now, but the Saints have to be leaning toward Hawthorne at the Will and Anthony staying in the middle. Tull will eventually go on injured reserve, but he has to count toward the 53-man roster right now.

Secondary (9)
In: Keenan Lewis, Brandon Browner, Delvin "Chip" Breaux, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Damian Swann, Jairus Byrd, Kenny Vaccaro, Rafael Bush, Vinnie Sunseri
Out: Kyle Wilson, P.J. Williams, Terrence Frederick, Brian Dixon, Kenny Phillips, Jamarca Sanford, Pierre Warren

Analysis: Adding Jean-Baptiste to the 53-man roster marks the most significant change to this projection. Confidence has grown in him within the coaching staff. He's been playing with the ones more than any other reserve cornerback, and soundly with the twos when Lewis and Browner play. That means I booted a rookie, and it's Williams for now. Phillips has been receiving first-team reps rotating with Bush and being the third safety in that package with Byrd nowhere to be found.

Specialist (3)
In: Thomas Morstead, Justin Drescher, Dustin Hopkins
Out: Zach Hocker, Chris Highland

Analysis: Last week I wrote this: "The Hopkins-Hocker battle is completely up in the air." It's clear Hopkins is the favorite after one week of training camp. Very clear.

K Major · 08-10-2015, 10:47 PM

Ellerbe practiced with the ones today. Well, at least it's a start

.

jeanpierre · 08-11-2015, 06:32 PM

Sean Payton recalls Pierre Thomas' rookie preseason, says four games are 'perfect' | NOLA.com

Camp is camp...

I think guys that are getting more snaps like Jean-Baptiste running with the second team more than others are because they're already on the bubble of making the team...

SaintsBro · 08-14-2015, 08:54 AM

I also would not rule out Grayson going to IR when he mysteriously sprains his index finger while swiping a Surface tablet in the film room. Keeping McCown around could be one of those Payton type moves that I might could see potentially happening, the kind that infuriates or mystifies people....

jeanpierre · 08-16-2015, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by SaintsBro

I also would not rule out Grayson going to IR when he mysteriously sprains his index finger while swiping a Surface tablet in the film room. Keeping McCown around could be one of those Payton type moves that I might could see potentially happening, the kind that infuriates or mystifies people....

Grayson is a players now...

spkb25 · 08-16-2015, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by SaintsBro

I also would not rule out Grayson going to IR when he mysteriously sprains his index finger while swiping a Surface tablet in the film room. Keeping McCown around could be one of those Payton type moves that I might could see potentially happening, the kind that infuriates or mystifies people....

Yeah this s one of ghe most interesting things to me. I want to see what we do here. I guess a lot will depend on how preseason keeps going, but RG looked really good the other night.

jeanpierre · 08-16-2015, 06:03 PM

Griffin gets to play with the ones and then it'll be decided...

It's maddeningly frustrating that Jahri is breaking down at his age and now we have Unger...

We'd better get some youth on that interior line...

08-07-2015, 03:09 PM	#1
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Apparently not; may very well end up with six (6) cornerbacks on the roster...

08-09-2015, 05:56 AM	#2
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook New Orleans Saints mailbag: A look at some tough roster decisions By Evan Woodbery, NOLA.com \| The Times-Picayune August 08, 2015 at 12:42 PM, updated August 08, 2015 at 1:55 PM WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- We opened up the New Orleans Saints Twitter mailbag on Saturday to field some questions about training camp... (On DC Rob Ryan) There's no doubt that Rob Ryan is an precarious position. If the defense gets better, new senior defensive assistant Dennis Allen will get credit. If it doesn't improve, Ryan will get the blame (and, almost certainly, get fired). Head coach Sean Payton was extremely critical of the substitution problems both during the scrimmage and in the post-game press conference. That sort of public criticism from the head coach is not a good sign for Ryan... (On MLB Stephone Anthony, SLB Hau'oli Kikaha) I've been very impressed with Anthony. He passes the "look test" because he's displaying confidence and intelligence and doesn't look like a rookie out there. Obviously the real test will be in games, but I think the Saints have to be pleased with that pick. I like Kikaha as a strong-side linebacker, but he'll have to work on the non-pass-rushing aspects of his game... (On Evans, Lelito, Kelemete) While I've always seen Kelemete as a dark-horse candidate to fight Lelito for Ben Grubbs' old job, the Saints have spent most of the summer and training camp working him at center. That's good for Kelemete's long-term future (with the Saints and elsewhere) but it won't help him mount a push for a starting guard job. I'm not sure that I'd say Lelito and Evans are struggling on the basis of a handful of one-on-one pass-rush drills... (On Running Backs) I agree that Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller and Khiry Robinson will make the team. As of now, I like Tim Hightower as the fourth running back. Rookie Marcus Murphy is also an option, and he can strengthen his hand if he also wins the punt return job. The Saints also like Edwin Baker, although it would probably take an injury for him to crack the roster. As of today, I'd put Hightower on the roster and stick Murphy on the practice squad as a possible "call-up" later in the season... (On Stanley Jean-Baptiste Being Cut After Year Two, Remaining DBs) Yes, the Saints certainly could, although I think Stanley Jean-Baptiste will make the team...(based) on how he's being used... The wild cards are the two rookie cornerbacks, P.J. Williams and Damian Swann. We've seen very little of both. Swann has watched from the sidelines since first leaving practice, while we haven't spotted Williams in a while ... don't think Jean-Baptiste, Williams and Swann can all make the team. But if one of the trio gets hurt, that will solve the roster crunch. The safeties are in a similar situation. Among Kenny Phillips, Pierre Warren and Jamarca Sanford, I think there is room for only one. Right now, I'm giving a slight edge to Phillips. Like Hightower, Phillips will have to prove his durability in preseason games. (More) Source: New Orleans Saints mailbag: A look at some tough roster decisions \| NOLA.com
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

08-10-2015, 09:52 PM	#4
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook New Orleans Saints 53-man roster projection: Stanley Jean-Baptiste solidifying a spot By Larry Holder, NOLA.com \| The Times-Picayune on August 06, 2015 at 9:35 AM, updated August 06, 2015 at 10:44 AM Latest Saints 53-man roster projection Quarterback (3) In: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Garrett Grayson Out: Ryan Griffin Analysis: Griffin has been working with the second-team offense a little more lately than in the first couple of days of camp. He will have to definitively win the job to beat out McCown. Running back (5) In: Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller, Khiry Robinson, Marcus Murphy, Austin Johnson Out: Tim Hightower, Edwin Baker, Toben Opurum, Erik Lorig Analysis: I really want to find a way to keep Hightower. He's been sprinkled in for snaps throughout every level of the offense anywhere from the ones to the threes to receive a healthy dose of reps. Johnson appears to be with the first team more than Lorig so I'm making the switch at fullback. Wide receiver (6) In: Brandin Cooks, Marques Colston, Nick Toon, Brandon Coleman, Seantavius Jones, Jalen Saunders Out: Josh Morgan, Joe Morgan, R.J. Harris, Lance Lewis, Kyle Prater, Willie Snead Analysis: I don't quite have the courage to switch out Josh Morgan for Toon quite yet. But I can see that happening soon. To me, Toon really hasn't stood out all too much in camp like normal. Saunders will always be a wild card in the group if he can with a return job. I'm liking Snead for the practice squad among this group. Tight end (3) In: Josh Hill, Benjamin Watson, Orson Charles Out: Kevin Brock, Jack Tabb Analysis: Hill and Watson are obvious. The rest of this group is a challenge to gauge. Brock looked solid before his injury sidelined him the last few days. Tabb took more snaps with the ones than Charles with Hill out with an injury. Then, Tabb was carted off the field with a knee injury Thursday. The Saints will need to add some healthy body or bodies soon. Offensive linemen (8) In: Jahri Evans, Tim Lelito, Max Unger, Terron Armstead, Zach Strief, Andrus Peat, Senio Kelemete, Sean Hickey Out: Bryce Harris, Mike Golic Jr, Mike McGlynn, Cyril Lemon, Antonio Johnson, Nick Becton, Cole Manhart Analysis: Maybe the Saints keep nine offensive linemen, but that's not typically how they operate. Peat would be the backup at tackle, but Harris and Becton sat on the 53-man roster for a while last year. This means the Saints might keep a second backup tackle. Kelemete is working at center to be a swing guy and Hickey has been working at guard to be a swing guy at guard and tackle. Defensive linemen (8) In: Cam Jordan, Akiem Hicks, Kevin Williams, John Jenkins, Kasim Edebali, Lawrence Virgil, Tyeler Davison, Bobby Richardson Out: Ashaad Mabry, Kaleb Eulls, Tavaris Barnes, Glenn Foster Analysis: No movement on the defensive front. In fact, Richardson has gained ground more than anything else through one week. He's created pressure at defensive end and defensive tackle in individual and team drills. Linebacker (8) In: Stephone Anthony, David Hawthorne, Ronald Powell, Hau'oli Kikaha, Davis Tull, Ramon Humber, Dannell Ellerbe, Parys Haralson Out: Henry Coley, Jerry Franklin, Anthony Spencer, Marcus Pierce-Brewster Analysis: Spencer hasn't practiced in a while, and neither has Ellerbe. Both have to be on the bubble. I'm leaving Ellerbe on the roster for now, but the Saints have to be leaning toward Hawthorne at the Will and Anthony staying in the middle. Tull will eventually go on injured reserve, but he has to count toward the 53-man roster right now. Secondary (9) In: Keenan Lewis, Brandon Browner, Delvin "Chip" Breaux, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Damian Swann, Jairus Byrd, Kenny Vaccaro, Rafael Bush, Vinnie Sunseri Out: Kyle Wilson, P.J. Williams, Terrence Frederick, Brian Dixon, Kenny Phillips, Jamarca Sanford, Pierre Warren Analysis: Adding Jean-Baptiste to the 53-man roster marks the most significant change to this projection. Confidence has grown in him within the coaching staff. He's been playing with the ones more than any other reserve cornerback, and soundly with the twos when Lewis and Browner play. That means I booted a rookie, and it's Williams for now. Phillips has been receiving first-team reps rotating with Bush and being the third safety in that package with Byrd nowhere to be found. Specialist (3) In: Thomas Morstead, Justin Drescher, Dustin Hopkins Out: Zach Hocker, Chris Highland Analysis: Last week I wrote this: "The Hopkins-Hocker battle is completely up in the air." It's clear Hopkins is the favorite after one week of training camp. Very clear.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

08-10-2015, 10:47 PM	#5
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,830 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Ellerbe practiced with the ones today. Well, at least it's a start . jeanpierre likes this.

08-11-2015, 06:32 PM	#6
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Sean Payton recalls Pierre Thomas' rookie preseason, says four games are 'perfect' \| NOLA.com Camp is camp... I think guys that are getting more snaps like Jean-Baptiste running with the second team more than others are because they're already on the bubble of making the team...

08-14-2015, 08:54 AM	#7
SaintsBro Site Donor Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: in line with my ridiculous CLEAR PLASTIC BAG Posts: 3,650 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook I also would not rule out Grayson going to IR when he mysteriously sprains his index finger while swiping a Surface tablet in the film room. Keeping McCown around could be one of those Payton type moves that I might could see potentially happening, the kind that infuriates or mystifies people....

08-16-2015, 04:07 PM	#8
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by SaintsBro I also would not rule out Grayson going to IR when he mysteriously sprains his index finger while swiping a Surface tablet in the film room. Keeping McCown around could be one of those Payton type moves that I might could see potentially happening, the kind that infuriates or mystifies people.... Grayson is a players now...

08-16-2015, 04:30 PM	#9
spkb25 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 13,144	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by SaintsBro I also would not rule out Grayson going to IR when he mysteriously sprains his index finger while swiping a Surface tablet in the film room. Keeping McCown around could be one of those Payton type moves that I might could see potentially happening, the kind that infuriates or mystifies people.... Yeah this s one of ghe most interesting things to me. I want to see what we do here. I guess a lot will depend on how preseason keeps going, but RG looked really good the other night. jeanpierre likes this.

08-16-2015, 06:03 PM	#10
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2015 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Griffin gets to play with the ones and then it'll be decided... It's maddeningly frustrating that Jahri is breaking down at his age and now we have Unger... We'd better get some youth on that interior line... spkb25 likes this.

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