GumboBC

.... Jonathan Sullivan!

Much has been discussed about the defense this offseason. While most of the talk has been about potential free-agents pickups and the upcoming draft, not much has been said about Jonathan Sullivan.

Mentioning Sullivan's name often brings up the dreaded "Bust" label. However, I'm not ready to write Sullivan off just YET!

Sullivan was drafted in 2003 afer the Saints traded away a number one draft choice -acquired with the Ricky Williams trade to the Dolphins- and the Saints moved up to the number 6 spot where they selected Sullivan.

The coahing staff quicky had issues with Sullivan's work ethics and commitment. Grady Jackson was even shipped off to Green Bay because the coaches thought Grady was a bad influence on the youngster!

In his two years as a Saint, Sullivan has only played in 21 games. Only 7 of those games coming last season.

While no one but Jonathan Sullivan can save his career in New Orleans, John Pease has made Sullivan a top priority. Pease is known around the NFL as a master motivator and a great teacher.

Pease has demanded Sullivan remain in New Orleans during the offseason to work on his conditioning and overall game.

If the "switch" finally comes on for Sullivan, it would -IMO- automatically make the Saints front 4 one of the best in the NFL.

With Darren Howard, Will Smith, Charles Grant, and Brian Young, the addition of a movitvated Sullivan would provide that dominant player on the interior of the defensive line where he would draw double-teams thereby freeing up the defensive ends.

As the offseason goes on, we should get reports on Sullivans progress. Knowing that it might be his last shot in New Orleans, don't be surprised to see a different Jonathan Sullivan very soon.




[Edited on 22/2/2005 by GumboBC]