2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook

jeanpierre · 07-20-2016, 12:58 PM

jeanpierre · 07-20-2016, 08:02 PM

Adds to explanation for signing Darryl Tapp...

jeanpierre · 07-20-2016, 10:30 PM

RANKING ALL 32 NFL OFFENSIVE LINES ENTERING THE 2016 SEASON
Nathan Jahnke ranks all 32 NFL offensive lines entering the 2016 season, with center Travis Frederick and the Cowboys at No. 1

NATHAN JAHNKE | 1 WEEK AGO...

8. New Orleans Saints
Projected starters: LT Terron Armstead, LG Tim Lelito, C Max Unger, RG Andrus Peat, RT Zach Strief

Roster depth: Senio Kelemete, Cyril Lemon, Tyrus Thompson

Key stat: In 2015, the Saints’ offensive line recorded a pass-blocking efficiency of 82.9, the third-best mark in the league.

The Saints have the potential to have one of the better O-lines in 2016—if everything goes right. Terron Armstead was tied for the second-best pass-blocking efficiency among OTs last year, center Max Unger had his best season since 2009 in terms of pass-blocking (though his run-blocking didn’t live up to its reputation), and Andrus Peat is expected to improve after an average rookie campaign. Strief, at his best, was among the best right tackles in the league, but over the last two seasons, has declined to just an above-average tackle. If everything goes right, this can be a top-three line.

Source: https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro...m_campaign=nfl

jeanpierre · 07-20-2016, 10:34 PM

RANKING ALL 32 NFL RECEIVING CORPS
Gordon McGuinness and the PFF analysis team rank every NFL receiving corps, with wide receivers and tight ends included.

GORDON MCGUINNESS | 3 DAYS AGO

Every team needs playmakers to create big-impact moments, be it catching a 40-yard pass downfield, or taking a quick screen and making three defenders miss. Playmakers at wide receiver and tight end come in different shapes and sizes, with some players capable of out-muscling opposing defenders, and others just too tricky to bring down. Some teams are in better shape than others at both positions, though, with the best teams even having starting-quality players in part-time roles on their depth chart.

With that in mind, check out PFF’s ranking of every group of wide receivers and tight ends in the league...

21. New Orleans Saints
Projected starters: WR Brandin Cooks, WR Michael Thomas, WR Willie Snead, TE Coby Fleener

Key depth: WR Brandon Coleman, TE Josh Hill, TE Michael Hoomanawanui

Key stat: No Saints WR averaged more than 1.93 yards per route run last season.

This group has seen plenty of departures in recent years, with Kenny Stills traded to the Miami Dolphins and Jimmy Graham now catching passes from Russell Wilson in Seattle. The Saints have looked to replace them, though, with Brandin Cooks impressive in his second pro season. Dropping just six of the 143 passes thrown his way over the past two years, Cooks has proven to be a reliable option for Drew Brees, as well as a scoring threat, grabbing nine touchdowns a year ago. New Orleans drafted Ohio State’s Michael Thomas in the second round of this year’s NFL draft, and added tight end Coby Fleener through free agency. At 6-foot-6, and despite failing to meet expectations in Indianapolis, the Saints will be expecting Fleener to be the replacement for Jimmy Graham in the red zone in 2016...

Source: https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro...m_campaign=nfl

K Major · 07-21-2016, 07:19 AM

I was expecting a little bit higher of a ranking than #21. Even with a young WR core.

jeanpierre · 07-21-2016, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

I was expecting a little bit higher of a ranking than #21. Even with a young WR core.

Well, the only two returning are Cooks, Snead; and then there's Coleman; so I can see despite adding Thomas and Fleener that they'll have to prove themselves...

hagan714 · 07-22-2016, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

I was expecting a little bit higher of a ranking than #21. Even with a young WR core.

To early to tell just yet. I am waiting to see
Who mans the slot?
Who will step up and help Cook get free?
Still waiting to see if the individual parts are better the whole?
Is Cook handicapped with this group yet again?

WR (3) 13 - Michael Thomas, 16 - Brandon Coleman, 15 - Vincent Brown, 81 - Jordan Williams, 85 - Jared Dangerfield, 12 - Kyle Prater

WR (2) Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Shane Wynn, Reggie Bell, R.J. Harris

Michael Thomas - I was not jumping up and down with the pick but I understand it and hope that the screwed up QB system at OSU was the issue that caused some of my concerns about his play. Route tree and press coverage are my main concerns, Eric Murray shut him down even giving up 4 inches. Feeling optimistic though and will sit back and give this kid the time he needs to develop.

Brandin Cooks I still have as a SP toy. They did not add enough speed to free him up IMO so as Thomas goes so does Cook.

Willie Snead - Is a pleasant surprise and hope for more improvement

Brandon Coleman - Can Brandon take another step in his game? Needs to improvement in running the route tree.

After that I have not seen a enough of the players to pass judgement.

21 is pretty honest and maybe a little generous. not by much though

jeanpierre · 07-22-2016, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by hagan714

To early to tell just yet. I am waiting to see
Who mans the slot?
Who will step up and help Cook get free?
Still waiting to see if the individual parts are better the whole?
Is Cook handicapped with this group yet again?

WR (3) 13 - Michael Thomas, 16 - Brandon Coleman, 15 - Vincent Brown, 81 - Jordan Williams, 85 - Jared Dangerfield, 12 - Kyle Prater

WR (2) Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Shane Wynn, Reggie Bell, R.J. Harris

Michael Thomas - I was not jumping up and down with the pick but I understand it and hope that the screwed up QB system at OSU was the issue that caused some of my concerns about his play. Route tree and press coverage are my main concerns, Eric Murray shut him down even giving up 4 inches. Feeling optimistic though and will sit back and give this kid the time he needs to develop.

Brandin Cooks I still have as a SP toy. They did not add enough speed to free him up IMO so as Thomas goes so does Cook.

Willie Snead - Is a pleasant surprise and hope for more improvement

Brandon Coleman - Can Brandon take another step in his game? Needs to improvement in running the route tree.

After that I have not seen a enough of the players to pass judgement.

21 is pretty honest and maybe a little generous. not by much though

Thomas has the raw ability to be a good No. 1 for this offense; may need to thing about bringing in a veteran or two (e.g. Boldin, Hartline) to transition...

Cooks doesn't need help to get open; he just needs to avoid being contained in space such as a 15 yd field in the red zone...

Snead is a great third complementary receiver and should really keep coverages from rolling up on Cooks or Thomas...

I'm not yet sold we have two other receivers on this roster that could give us the range and variety we need - wait and see...

Because of the aforementioned three, I'd prefer to bring in a vet or two to help the young ones with the other facets of the game...

K Major · 07-22-2016, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Because of the aforementioned three, I'd prefer to bring in a vet or two to help the young ones with the other facets of the game...

I think you have to. After Cooks and Snead ... dicey.

hagan714 · 07-24-2016, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Cooks doesn't need help to get open; he just needs to avoid being contained in space such as a 15 yd field in the red zone...

If Cook had another WR that could take the top off the defense or at least be respected for that ability It would solve the problem of getting contained. He needs help. He is just too short to handle it by himself. Right now I do not see it on the roster.

The saints really do not do a good job of complement drafting or FA signings to max a players skill set.

07-20-2016, 12:58 PM	#1
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Twitter

07-20-2016, 10:30 PM	#3
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Twitter RANKING ALL 32 NFL OFFENSIVE LINES ENTERING THE 2016 SEASON Nathan Jahnke ranks all 32 NFL offensive lines entering the 2016 season, with center Travis Frederick and the Cowboys at No. 1 NATHAN JAHNKE \| 1 WEEK AGO... 8. New Orleans Saints Projected starters: LT Terron Armstead, LG Tim Lelito, C Max Unger, RG Andrus Peat, RT Zach Strief Roster depth: Senio Kelemete, Cyril Lemon, Tyrus Thompson Key stat: In 2015, the Saints’ offensive line recorded a pass-blocking efficiency of 82.9, the third-best mark in the league. The Saints have the potential to have one of the better O-lines in 2016—if everything goes right. Terron Armstead was tied for the second-best pass-blocking efficiency among OTs last year, center Max Unger had his best season since 2009 in terms of pass-blocking (though his run-blocking didn’t live up to its reputation), and Andrus Peat is expected to improve after an average rookie campaign. Strief, at his best, was among the best right tackles in the league, but over the last two seasons, has declined to just an above-average tackle. If everything goes right, this can be a top-three line. Source: https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro...m_campaign=nfl
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

07-20-2016, 10:34 PM	#4
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Twitter RANKING ALL 32 NFL RECEIVING CORPS Gordon McGuinness and the PFF analysis team rank every NFL receiving corps, with wide receivers and tight ends included. GORDON MCGUINNESS \| 3 DAYS AGO Every team needs playmakers to create big-impact moments, be it catching a 40-yard pass downfield, or taking a quick screen and making three defenders miss. Playmakers at wide receiver and tight end come in different shapes and sizes, with some players capable of out-muscling opposing defenders, and others just too tricky to bring down. Some teams are in better shape than others at both positions, though, with the best teams even having starting-quality players in part-time roles on their depth chart. With that in mind, check out PFF’s ranking of every group of wide receivers and tight ends in the league... 21. New Orleans Saints Projected starters: WR Brandin Cooks, WR Michael Thomas, WR Willie Snead, TE Coby Fleener Key depth: WR Brandon Coleman, TE Josh Hill, TE Michael Hoomanawanui Key stat: No Saints WR averaged more than 1.93 yards per route run last season. This group has seen plenty of departures in recent years, with Kenny Stills traded to the Miami Dolphins and Jimmy Graham now catching passes from Russell Wilson in Seattle. The Saints have looked to replace them, though, with Brandin Cooks impressive in his second pro season. Dropping just six of the 143 passes thrown his way over the past two years, Cooks has proven to be a reliable option for Drew Brees, as well as a scoring threat, grabbing nine touchdowns a year ago. New Orleans drafted Ohio State’s Michael Thomas in the second round of this year’s NFL draft, and added tight end Coby Fleener through free agency. At 6-foot-6, and despite failing to meet expectations in Indianapolis, the Saints will be expecting Fleener to be the replacement for Jimmy Graham in the red zone in 2016... Source: https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro...m_campaign=nfl
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

07-21-2016, 07:19 AM	#5
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,797 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook I was expecting a little bit higher of a ranking than #21. Even with a young WR core.

07-21-2016, 11:21 AM	#6
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by K Major I was expecting a little bit higher of a ranking than #21. Even with a young WR core. Well, the only two returning are Cooks, Snead; and then there's Coleman; so I can see despite adding Thomas and Fleener that they'll have to prove themselves... ChrisXVI likes this.
	Last edited by jeanpierre; 07-21-2016 at 04:10 PM..

07-20-2016, 08:02 PM	#2
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Adds to explanation for signing Darryl Tapp... Twitter

07-22-2016, 06:23 AM	#7
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by K Major I was expecting a little bit higher of a ranking than #21. Even with a young WR core. To early to tell just yet. I am waiting to see Who mans the slot? Who will step up and help Cook get free? Still waiting to see if the individual parts are better the whole? Is Cook handicapped with this group yet again? WR (3) 13 - Michael Thomas, 16 - Brandon Coleman, 15 - Vincent Brown, 81 - Jordan Williams, 85 - Jared Dangerfield, 12 - Kyle Prater WR (2) Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Shane Wynn, Reggie Bell, R.J. Harris Michael Thomas - I was not jumping up and down with the pick but I understand it and hope that the screwed up QB system at OSU was the issue that caused some of my concerns about his play. Route tree and press coverage are my main concerns, Eric Murray shut him down even giving up 4 inches. Feeling optimistic though and will sit back and give this kid the time he needs to develop. Brandin Cooks I still have as a SP toy. They did not add enough speed to free him up IMO so as Thomas goes so does Cook. Willie Snead - Is a pleasant surprise and hope for more improvement Brandon Coleman - Can Brandon take another step in his game? Needs to improvement in running the route tree. After that I have not seen a enough of the players to pass judgement. 21 is pretty honest and maybe a little generous. not by much though K Major likes this.
	"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins Last edited by hagan714; 07-22-2016 at 06:49 AM..

07-22-2016, 01:53 PM	#8
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by hagan714 To early to tell just yet. I am waiting to see Who mans the slot? Who will step up and help Cook get free? Still waiting to see if the individual parts are better the whole? Is Cook handicapped with this group yet again? WR (3) 13 - Michael Thomas, 16 - Brandon Coleman, 15 - Vincent Brown, 81 - Jordan Williams, 85 - Jared Dangerfield, 12 - Kyle Prater WR (2) Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Shane Wynn, Reggie Bell, R.J. Harris Michael Thomas - I was not jumping up and down with the pick but I understand it and hope that the screwed up QB system at OSU was the issue that caused some of my concerns about his play. Route tree and press coverage are my main concerns, Eric Murray shut him down even giving up 4 inches. Feeling optimistic though and will sit back and give this kid the time he needs to develop. Brandin Cooks I still have as a SP toy. They did not add enough speed to free him up IMO so as Thomas goes so does Cook. Willie Snead - Is a pleasant surprise and hope for more improvement Brandon Coleman - Can Brandon take another step in his game? Needs to improvement in running the route tree. After that I have not seen a enough of the players to pass judgement. 21 is pretty honest and maybe a little generous. not by much though Thomas has the raw ability to be a good No. 1 for this offense; may need to thing about bringing in a veteran or two (e.g. Boldin, Hartline) to transition... Cooks doesn't need help to get open; he just needs to avoid being contained in space such as a 15 yd field in the red zone... Snead is a great third complementary receiver and should really keep coverages from rolling up on Cooks or Thomas... I'm not yet sold we have two other receivers on this roster that could give us the range and variety we need - wait and see... Because of the aforementioned three, I'd prefer to bring in a vet or two to help the young ones with the other facets of the game...
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

07-22-2016, 03:39 PM	#9
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,797 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by jeanpierre Because of the aforementioned three, I'd prefer to bring in a vet or two to help the young ones with the other facets of the game... I think you have to. After Cooks and Snead ... dicey.

07-24-2016, 09:39 PM	#10
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by jeanpierre Cooks doesn't need help to get open; he just needs to avoid being contained in space such as a 15 yd field in the red zone... If Cook had another WR that could take the top off the defense or at least be respected for that ability It would solve the problem of getting contained. He needs help. He is just too short to handle it by himself. Right now I do not see it on the roster. The saints really do not do a good job of complement drafting or FA signings to max a players skill set.

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