Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Here's a snippet from a decent article posted three days ago:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?statsId=18&

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The Saints want to re-sign cornerback Jason Craft, but he could draw some interest on the open market. He's best suited as a third corner in nickel situations, but he played well enough late last season to merit a chance to start. If a team gives him starter money he's likely gone. That would force the Saints to bring in another corner, either through free agency or, more likely, the draft. Depth behind starters Fakhir Brown and Mike McKenzie is questionable. Ashley Ambrose is 34 and coming off a knee injury. Fred Thomas had a terrible 2005 season and can't be counted on to return to his prior form. . . .


Defensive lineman Tony Bryant is another valuable role player the Saints want back but might lose. Bryant is capable of playing both end and tackle and gave the Saints valuable minutes down the stretch in their four-end alignment on passing downs. He's not much of a pass rusher, but at 6-6 he disrupts interior passing lanes. He's no better than the third or fourth end in New Orleans, so he might opt for more playing time elsewhere. . . .


Bryant's re-signing becomes more important if the Saints elect to trade franchise free agent Darren Howard. If they keep him, they'd have more than $10.4 million in salary cap money devoted to defensive ends. Charles Grant and Will Smith, a pair of former first-round draft picks, will count $1.3 million each against the cap. However, they might be willing to trade him for the right offer of a high draft pick or player. Smith and Grant are quality players, but there's little depth behind the pair if Bryant signs elsewhere. Veteran lineman Willie Whitehead can play end but is best suited to play inside at this stage of his career. The odds of moving Howard are 50-50. The Saints want adequate compensation for a pass rusher of his caliber in his prime

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ACTION PLAN: The Saints don't have a lot of cap room available, so they'll probably employ the same strategy they used a year ago in free agency. They'll target a few selected veterans and try to lock them up early. Victor Riley's absence would create an immediate need at right tackle. Veteran reserve Spencer Folau isn't the same player he was before knee surgery last year and is no longer seen as a viable starting candidate. The Saints would be forced to look at the open market for help. Players with starting experience such as Jonas Jennings, Kareem McKenzie, Oliver Ross and Floyd Womack will be the first considered. The Saints plan to re-emphasize the running game under new offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard, so look for the Saints to find a mauler on the right side. Coach Jim Haslett wants tough players with nasty temperaments and won't settle for a finesse player at this spot. . . .


A free safety with ball skills is also high on the priority list. Jay Bellamy is an unrestricted free agent and, at 32, is on the downside of his career. Free safety Tebucky Jones has been a disappointment. The Saints want an upgrade here. The defense evolved into primarily a bump-and-run coverage team at the end of the season and needs a veteran ball hawk with range to patrol centerfield. Unfortunately, there are few of those players available. Baltimore restricted free agent Will Demps is an ideal candidate, but he'll be difficult to pry away from the Ravens. Pittsburgh's Chris Hope is also a possibility. He played for new defensive backs coach Willy Robinson. . . .


If the Saints can land a free safety and right tackle, they'll consider free agency a success. It would allow them to be flexible in the April draft, where they have the No. 16 pick in the first round. At that spot, they could afford to take the best player available, likely a defensive player, either a linebacker or cornerback. . . .


The Saints would like to re-sign strong safety Jay Bellamy, special teams ace Steve Gleason, reserve cornerback Jason Craft, reserve defensive lineman Tony Bryant. Although they want each of them, none of the group is considered irreplaceable.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Sounds good to me... but...

I think we need to move Howard or someone and get a proven stud LB in here and now.

I will consider FA a success if we get an LB (either SLB or MLB) AND an OT. I just think Safety is much less of a concern than LB than they made it seem here. Furthermore, is our pass defense (especially a ball skilled Safety) really that important when the other team can just run the ball on us?

I really wish Mitchell had proven himself last year. That would give us a good option at Safety and allow us to focus on our real need, LB.

[Edited on 24/2/2005 by JKool]

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

I think of trade of Howard is not only necessary, but likely. His cap is just too big, and Smith is ready to start.

So.. we trade him for
A) draft pick(s)
B) another player(s)
C) a combination of the two

How is the end situation in Cleveland? I\'ve seen them taking Johnson in the draft an a lot of boards. Think they\'d trade down if we packaged Howard over to them?

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

An interesting suggestion LOE.

Do you think we can get a move up to CLE\'s spot (from ours) and a second or third rounder for Howard (maybe I\'m just being greedy)?

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Dunno. I don\'t know if they have a need for Howard over there, haven\'t really kept up with the Browns. Not to mention all the changes that are about to happen over there courtesy of Crennel.

If there is a need, I think we might be able to offer them a package they might jump on. They\'re picking 3rd in the draft, and a 16th and Howard likely wouldn\'t be enough for that. It\'s probably take our 2nd as well.

On another note....

If Johnson was to fall past the third pick (though I find this unlikely), then perhaps another team would be interested in trading down for Howard.

Howard is definitely trade bait, and we need a stud linebacker.

The possibility has me intrigued.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

That sounds about right to me. I was probably being greedy. Damn.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

i\'d take their 2nd, #33 for howard happily. that will get a crowder-thurman-burnett level lb.

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I think the highest we could move up would be to package Howard and our 16th to move to the 6-8 range

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

When we took Howard, we got him with the 33rd pick that year... that\'d be fitting.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Cleveland needs a QB. If either Smith or Rodgers is there, forget about it.

Not so fast. Look through the top 12 teams and see exactly how many have linebacker high on their list of needs. Cleveland is a possibility, but I doubt it because one of the safest bets will be Miami taking a running back with the 2nd overall pick, which would result in at least one of the top two QB\'s falling to them. Rodgers would need to have a poor showing in camps in order to slip past the Browns.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

B&B

I accept that Cleveland might stick at 3 and draft a quarterback. Of course, it\'s also possible they\'ll get a FA and draft for best talent availabe, but Let\'s assume that the quarterback scenarrio pans out.

In that case, if you were the GM, what would you do? I\'d like to hear your ideas.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

If I was the GM of the Saints? There\'s no way to answer that question. From pick 6 on, it is a complete crapshoot due mostly to trades. Hell, look at the impact the Moss trade will have on the draft. Suddenly, you\'ve moved a team out of the top ten, who\'s main focus was WR/RB, and moved in a team who will most likely pick a defensive player, I\'m thinking a lineman. And I\'m not quick to jump on the, \"they\'ll grab a receiver to replace Moss\" scenario. Burleson is only 23 and is only getting better each year he plays. And Marcus Robinson \"might\" be able to pull it together, and prove that he can be a #1 receiver in this league. Remember, he wasn\'t completely thrilled at the idea of playing for the Vikes initially, but Tice convinced him that he would get a share of touches. And as deep as this draft is a receiver, naw, they\'re first pick will be on the defesive side, and justifiably so.
So, I can\'t really comment at who will be there at #16. Possibly DJ, although I doubt it, possibly Smith, though I doubt it.
Now I ask you this question. What free agent QB has the ability to step in and start for the Browns, if they choose that route? Outside of Garcia, which they already tried, I don\'t see too much out there, unless I\'m missing something. Griese maybe, if he is cut or traded by the Buccs?

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Yep, this draft is deep in WR/RB.
I think there\'s one stud LB, then about 5 or 6 after DJ that are interchangeable. Not much drop off between #2 and #6 LB\'s. Thats good for us. We can still get a solid LB at #40.

I say we implement the best-player-available that isn\'t a DE at 16. Don\'t care if its a QB/RB/OT/TE/LB/CB/S/DT.

We can then shop our excesses around. At least thats what a quality GM should do. The only downside to that is its possible to get into cap problems being over-loaded at one position. But while Loomis may not be a football guy, he is very good at keeping this team out of cap problems.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Good question. Drew Brees. That third pick in the draft might give them enough clout to trade for Brees even with the franchise tag sitting on him. Which further muddles the situation. So then we have to go... what player needs does San Diego have at #3? I don\'t know.

Personally, I feel that our strongest needs are OLB and S. Though a number of players would satisfy me (Thomas Davis, Shazor, Crowder, Burnett, etc), I\'m particularly keen on shooting for Johnson. That guy just has future superstar written all over him. And we haven\'t had one on D in quite a while.

I feel there may be a chance to trade up and grab him (though in my opinion it\'s mostly contingent on Cleveland\'s stategy). In particular, take a look at Tennessee\'s situation... they\'re probably quite willing to trade down and grab extra picks. And that\'d be before Minnesota is on the board at number 7.

Just a possibility, but I wondered what lines of thinking you had in your head. You\'ve expressed valid points.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

I don\'t remember who argued this, but they\'ve made me stop and think: Johnson isn\'t our best option. Our best three linebackers are going to be two Sophomores and one guy who is in his fourth year but has been tremendously inconsistent. Vetran leadership is required at the LB position; while Johson may be a star someday, this option would leave our LBs without on-the-field leadership and/or experience.

It is an interesting point.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

And a valid one.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

i\'m big on a veteran lb to go with the youngsters. the price of moving up to get dj will be quite spendy imo too.

with crennel i could see them taking dj. he is the best overall player. rodgers and smith are both being questioned if they are the quality to be such upper echelon picks. just cuz they are the best qbs doesnt mean they are. any team wanting a qb might just a reasonably wait till round 2 for a charlie frye or andrew walter. the brees to cleveland trade does make a lot of sense. they probably could get the #1 and another from cleveland. sd biggest needs are for a wideout and a sacking de. that pick could get tem edwards or williams.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Haha! So I\'ve got it all figured out.....

1) Cleveland trades its first (#3) and 4th (#106) round picks to San Diego for: Drew Brees and the San Diego\'s first (#12).

2) San Diego trades the #3 to New Orleans for: Darren Howard, this years first round pick (#16), and next year\'s first round pick.
3) Tennessee still trades down, but not with us.....

Reasoning...

1) Clevelands gets it\'s quarterback
2) San Diego gets its pass rushing defensive end, a decent first round pick (receiver), along with a mystery first round pick next year
3) New Orleans (ie Haslett) mortgages the team\'s future future on (what will hopefully be) an impact player now, trying like hell to save his job....
4) Tennessee would\'ve traded with us, but Haslett rolled the dice to get Johnson.

So.... I get my Derrick Johnson. But.....

Derrick Johnson takes two years to adjust... and.... Haslett gets fired. The new head coach is voted coach of the year when Johnson becomes a superstar on a brand new Dome Patrol, three years hence.

See, I\'ve got it all figured out.... LOL

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

My only draft question is , who is Kiper picking for the Saints because Hasbeen would never pick that position .... ;)

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

lord, i dunno if ya saw my master plan...

if we go 8-8 again with me in there it will be a different flavored .500 at least. here\'s my lollapalooza trade/move-

TRADE- Darren Howard and Aaron Brooks to 49ers for
Julian Peterson and 2nd & 3rd Round draft picks.
Niners Reasoning: they avoid having to pick a QB that isn\'t deserving of a #1, still have the pick for Benson, Rolle, or DJ. Howard replaces Peterson for near equal performance at different position. McCarthy convinces Nolan that AB will breakthrough there.
Saints Reasoning: Minus AB/DH add Peterson adds 9million cap space. 5million signs Edge Hartwell, 2million signs Mike McMahon, still a net positive 2mil add to cap. Now have draft picks #s 16, 33, 40, 65, 82 on day one.

16- Jammal Brown OT, instant starter
33- Andrew Walter QB, takes over in \'06
40- Brodney Pool FS, t-buck gone
65 & 82- whatever else not addressed by free agency, db\'s or dt

Watson moves outside, Hartwell middle, Peterson. LB goes from weakness to strength stopping runs and passes.

Abuse Sullivan in practices. Deride him and turn him into a blocking dummy.

Run Deuce 350-400 times for 1540 to 1760 yds. Throw him 69 balls like \'03 not 34 like \'04.

Team goes from 542 passing attempts to 442.

See what devery and stinch are capable of in games.

Benson refuses to move venturi cuz of the pictures with the sheep. He \"coordinates\" but mistuh robisson calls the plays.

A lot for one day but i would try.

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

I love it. LB has been my focus for a couple years or so, and you really took care of it here (and THEN some). I\'d be happy with this scenario. Very happy.

The numbers would work, and it probably makes more sense to do what you\'ve got listed above as opposed to my suggestion (trading up to get DJ, along with zillion dollar signing bonus he\'ll want).

LB, S, QB, and T you\'ve already taken care of. Don\'t forget that we\'ve still got Fred Thomas to trade, and that might be packaged in some way to get us another fairly decent CB via the draft.

Good thing we\'ve got McCarthy over there to convince them about AB!

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

Fred really hurt his stock this past year. what do you think we could get in exchange? I can\'t see anyone giving us anything higher than a 4th round pick.
LKelly\'s scenario mortgages the present, as we wouldn\'t have a decent QB for two years, and LoE\'s scenario mortgages the future by giving up a quality player and two 1st round picks for a one shot player.
I dunno boys, seems like trading, outside of the R. Williams trade to Miami, has done nothing but hurt us in the past. I, like Danno, am a BPA guy. But this year, let\'s try and look past the DE position, cool??? :P

Fox Sports' FA Action Plan
 

[quoteand LoE\'s scenario mortgages the future [/quote:616a4d2481]

Yes, it most definitely does. And I said as much in the post (\"Haz mortgages future\"....).

On that rare occassion when I get what I want, it still backfires. So that post was about figuring out how I could get what I want, but -still- have it backfire. IE, LoE still loses.

I thought I found the scenario pretty well. :P

Running along that vein, with regards to what I would do in practical terms (since I\'m such an incredibly gifted, astute, god of a football expert - that astonishingly enough has never been offered a job by Saints management or any team whatsoever) is take BPA (defense) at 16 (probably Davis) and BPA (defense) in round two. Trading down, in fact, is not outside the realm of choices I\'d consider, with my infinite-wisdom GM hat on.

;)