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I saved the Linebackers for last because it is in my opinion without question the group that both needed, and got, the most attention in the offseason. I have actually found it a little disturbing how little attention the Saints horrendous linebacker position has gotten over the last few seasons. A solid group of linebackers is every bit as important to a defense as a QB is to an offense. I truly and completely believe that, and that is why I was so very pleased with the Saints approach to the position this offseason. With a combination of second-year players, veterans, and young and talented rookies the Saints are trying to massively increase the talent level of their Linebacker unit.

Let’s see what they did.

LINEBACKERS:

Additions: Dannell Ellerbe, Stephone Anthony, Anthony Spencer, Hau’oli Kikaha, Davis Tull.

Losses: Curtis Lofton.

Dannell Ellerbe: The move to get Dannell Ellerbe is at worst a horizontal one, but the real question is whether he is the guy who was hurt and playing out of position in MIA, or the guy who was one of the catalysts of the Ravens SB team. I believe the Saints are prepared for the former and hoping for the latter. The things that made Ellerbe so tantalizing to the Dolphins when they signed him was the fact that he was very fast to the ball and a consistent difference maker in the Ravens Defense. Part of why he was a failure in MIA was the fact that he got banged up, and part of it stemmed from the fact that he was clearly playing out of position going from a 34 defense to a 43. I believe that if Ellerbe is a healthy he can/will be an instant upgrade over David Hawthorne from last year. Hawthorne is moving over to the ‘middle’ which probably fits him a bit better (if he can keep the job that is), but to be honest it would be very difficult for Ellerbe to NOT be an improvement over Hawthorne from last year. I hope to see great play from both, but regardless I like the acquisition as it offers an immediate improvement with the potential for it being a significant one.

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.