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Let's take a breather from talking about the NFL Draft with the New Orleans Saints for a minute or two. Let's also take a break from re-living the Saints' musical chairs within the roster.

The Saints have been one of the hottest topics around the league during this offseason, and rightfully so with shakeups on the roster, the coaching staff and the plan for ownership once Tom Benson dies. It seems like topics surrounding the Saints have been endless (and I've written about all of them at least 20 times by now).

So I came up with a few Saints topics I think have flown a bit under the radar this offseason that will play a significant role in whether the Saints rebound, stagnate or fall in 2015.

1. How secure is Rob Ryan's job?

Remember when the job status of the Saints' defensive coordinator served as the hottest talking point of the offseason. That seems like 50 years ago.

Coach Sean Payton certainly pondered making a change, but ultimately decided Ryan could be part of the solution for a defense falling from fourth overall in 2013 to 31st last season. How short is the leash, though?

The Saints wanted to change the dynamic of the defensive coaching room by adding former Raiders coach Dennis Allen to the mix. Allen began his sharp rise with the Saints as a secondary coach. This makes plenty of sense for Payton to bring back someone he trusts.

What it also shows is that there's some lack of trust with Ryan.

It wouldn't stun me in the least if Payton unloaded Ryan as defensive coordinator and replaced him with Allen if the defense opens the season sour once again. I'm talking about making a move in early October if the unit stumbles out of the gate.

2. How will Max Unger adjust to protecting for Drew Brees?

Quarterbacks and centers undoubtedly need time to figure each other out and act as one. Yes, Max Unger carries with him Pro Bowl credentials from Seattle. But there will be an adjustment period between him and Drew Brees.

Not just handling the snap either. Communication and blocking style will come into play for Unger's maturation within the Saints offense as well.

Unger has run blocking down cold. Marshawn Lynch can attest to that so I anticipate Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller taking advantage of Unger's skillset.

The major similarity between pass blocking for Drew Brees and Russell Wilson seems to be height. Conversely, Wilson seems allergic to passing from the pocket while Brees takes residence there.

I figure pass blocking for Brees has to be less complex and more predictable. I hold no doubt Unger will handle the adjustment without a hitch.




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saintsfan1976

1. How secure is Rob Ryan's job?

As secure as his team's performance. Still can't stop the run? Still can't tackle? Still can't hold em on 3rd down?

Buh-bye...

2. How will Max Unger adjust to protecting for Drew Brees?

He'll love not blocking in wet, slippery, cold conditions all year. I expect the communication adjustment should take a full week of training camp. At least.

3. Kenny Vaccaro's role will be ...?

Live up to expectations.

4. Can Brandin Cooks become a No. 1 WR?

Those don't exist in New Orleans. Next question. And make it a good one...

5. What happens to Khiry Robinson?

Ugh.... The same thing every 3rd RB does in Sean Payton's offense - fill in admirably while #1 or #2 inevitably miss 2 games, then disappear down the depth chart for long stretches. Don't get me wrong, he'll have good games but will never be our full time starting running back.

saintsfan1976

And I LIKE Robinson.

He's a great change of pace from Ingram. Eerily similar to PT in the way he gets YAC.

Marlboro Man

Don't be surprised to see Robinson run away with the lead back role before the season is even halfway over.

RaginCajun83

1. How secure is Rob Ryan's job?

Ryan is skating on thin ice, Defense plays like 2014 team and "Santa" is out of a job again

2. How will Max Unger adjust to protecting for Drew Brees?

LOL, like the All Pro he is, I can't wait to see Brees be able to climb the pocket again and actually have time to find option 2, 3 or 4 again

3. Kenny Vaccaro's role will be ...?

Nickel corner and safety actually whatever Ryan tells him

4. Can Brandin Cooks become a No. 1 WR?

There are no true #1's in the Saints offense, stupid question NEXT

5. What happens to Khiry Robinson?

Traded on draft day if not than he's the 3rd back in the rotation

hagan714

1. How secure is Rob Ryan's job?

waiting with baited breath

2. How will Max Unger adjust to protecting for Drew Brees?

a lot less running around so Max should be a happy camper.

3. Kenny Vaccaro's role will be ...?

Robs legacy seems to be riding on Kenny. I would not be surprised to see this being a make or break year for him also

4. Can Brandin Cooks become a No. 1 WR?

Ok this guy has no idea what a #1 WR by definition is. saints have not had a true #1 in years. At best a #2 but till then he is a utility WR aka toy. DeVante Parker is probably the best #1 WR in the draft. i am liking him more than Cooper lately

5. What happens to Khiry Robinson?

Give him another shot. so far i all i see is media hype with him. draft another RB is not out of the question IMO. best thing about him he is cheap so bang for the buck is there. give him a pay raise and that bang turns into a fizzle pretty quick

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

Seer1

Rob's tenure here is based on mediocrity. If he does poorly, he's walking down the road carrying a box with the stuff from his desk in it. If he does really well, he's flying in a Lear jet to another city with a box with the stuff from his desk in it.

Rugby Saint II

What? No mention of CB?