Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason
 

This is Payton's genius and why he's so successful...

...The Saints began the offseason with an idea in mind of the scheme they would like to run offensively and defensively. But as they saw players they liked, it's been shifted a little bit to accommodate them.

Payton used C.J. Spiller as an example of a player that they weren't necessarily looking for in the early part of free agency. Along the way, Spiller became someone they wanted and worked the scheme around...

I especially liked this part...

So when the Saints were drafting players this year, they didn't necessarily look for players to fit in with their scheme. Instead, they wanted hard working, high character guys.

The Saints are going to let the scheme naturally evolve through those players. And if they happen to be rookies, so be it.

Two in particular - Stephone Anthony and Hau'oli Kikaha, already seem to be in those plans.

"He's very mature, it's very important to him, he's a real good communicator, all those things are huge pluses," Payton said of Anthony. "His size, his stature, he's big. This has been a real good exposure for us now, we get to see him articulate the defense, learn the defense. It's all really important to him. And so he's got some of those traits."

As for Kikaha, Payton said his vision for him is "crystal clear."


Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason | NOLA.com

Re: Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason
 

It's 2006 all over again.

In hindsight, drafting 9 picks was not only smart it was necessary.

Training camp is sure to be exciting

Re: Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason
 

Can't wait to see the rookies on the field

Especially Anthony and Kikaha!

Re: Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason
 

:popcorn:

Re: Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason
 

Ryan is an X and O kind of guy. We now have talent for his schemes.

Re: Players, not scheme, the focus for New Orleans Saints in early part of offseason
 

And hopefully he'll create schemes to fit that talent.