2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook

jeanpierre · 07-20-2016, 11:30 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, 11:34 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, 08:19 AM

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

jeanpierre · 07-21-2016, 12:21 PM

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...

jeanpierre · 07-21-2016, 05:10 PM

jeanpierre · 07-21-2016, 05:37 PM

SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 July PreCamp

OFFENSE

QB (3) 9 -Drew Brees, 7 - Luke McCown, 18 - Garrett Grayson

RB (5) 22 - Mark Ingram, 34 - Tim Hightower, 28 - C.J. Spiller, 38 - Travaris Cadet, 23 - Marcus Murphy, 36 - Daniel Lasco

FB (1) 35 - Austin Johnson, 39 - Sione Houma

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

LT (2) 72 - Terron Armstead, 70 - Ryker Mathews, 79 - Joseph Cheek

LG (2) 68 - Tim Lelito, 65 - Senio Kelemete, 78 - Landon Turner

C (2) 60 - Max Unger, 66 - Jack Allen, 61 - Marcus Henry

RG (1) 75 - Andrus Peat, 62 - Cyril Lemon, 71 - Kaleb Eulls

RT (1) 64 - Zach Strief, 74 - Tyrus Thompson, 67 - Avery Young

TE (3) 82 - Coby Fleener, 89 - Josh Hill, 84 - Michael Hoomanawanui, 88 - RaShaun Allen, 86 - Chris Manhertz

SR (2) 10 - Brandin Cooks, 83 - Willie Snead, 14 - R.J. Harris, 11 - Reggie Bell, 87 - TommyLee Lewis, 19 - Jake Lampmann

DEFENSE

WDE (2) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 58 - Obum Gwacham, 63 - Darryl Tapp, 77 - D.J. Pettway, *44 - Hau'oli Kikaha

NT (2) 92 - John Jenkins, 95 - Tyeler Davison, 96 - Ashaad Mabry, 76 - Lawrence Virgil

DT (2) 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 69 - C.J. Wilson

SDE (2) 94 - Cameron Jordan, 98 - Bobby Richardson, 93 - David Onyemata

WLB (2) 59 - Dannell Ellerbe, 54 - Nate Stupar, 97 - Tony Steward

MLB (2) 53 - James Laurinaitis, 52 - Craig Robertson, 51 - Jeff Schoettmer

SLB (3) 50 - Stephone Anthony, 56 - Mike Mauti, 55 - Davis Tull, 57 - Dillon Lee

RCB (2) 40 - Delvin Breaux, 27 - Damian Swann, 29 - Tony Carter, 46 - Ken Crawley, 49 - De’Vante Harris

FS (3) 31 - Jairus Byrd, 48 - Vonn Bell, 26 - Trae Elston, 42 - Alden Darby

SS (2) 32 - Kenny Vaccaro, 30 - Erik Harris, 41 - Roman Harper

LCB (3) 21 - Keenan Lewis, 25 - P.J. Williams, 20 - Brian Dixon, 37 - Brandon Dixon, 43 - Jimmy Pruitt

KICKING

K (1) 5 - Kai Forbath, 3 - Connor Barth

P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead

LS (1) 47 - Justin Drescher, 45 - Garrett Griffin

RESERVE/INJURED

FS 33 - Jamarca Sanford (Prior to Cut to 75)

CB 24 - Kyle Wilson (Prior to Cut to 75)

DE 76 - Mitchell Loewen (NFIN)

*LB 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha hasn't been officially designated IR nor IR-To Return

Projected Starter

Reserve/Injured

Draft Selection/UDRFA/Future

Note: Jersey Numbers based on Nola.com, Twitter, and NewOrleansSaints.com Images and Reports

Note: Roster Unit Nos.: Offense - 43, Defense - 42, Kicking - 5, Total Roster - 90

saintsfan1976 · 07-21-2016, 07:16 PM

At full health, I love this roster.

jeanpierre · 07-21-2016, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by saintsfan1976

At full health, I love this roster.

Three things that concern me...

First, get the Fleener signing; I've been banging the drum (e.g. Treadwell) about a big target being a key to extending drives on third down and converting drives into touchdowns is more important than the yards we've gained...

however, while I've no doubt Fleener will have some nice numbers, can he be trusted to win battles when we need those conversions?

Second, really like the "steath" linebacker free agent signings; think we'll see a greater improvement because of the football IQ and depth gained...

however, would we have been better signing LB Danny Trevathan than Fleener or found a creative way to sign Trevanthan as we did with Fairley?

Third, realistically we really only have three wide receivers on the roster and that includes the highly drafted unproven Michael Thomas...

however, there are still two quality depth signing veterans who could complement our WR corps in Hartline and Boldin and there's no movement to shore up that position...

K Major · 07-21-2016, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

First, get the Fleener signing; I've been banging the drum (e.g. Treadwell) about a big target being a key to extending drives on third down and converting drives into touchdowns is more important than the yards we've gained...

JP I hear you brother but let's give our new draft pick Michael Thomas a chance. He is a big target , high football IQ and came from a solid program w/good coaches. Michael didn't get the "hype" because OSU isn't a pass first program (very conservative) like Ole Miss and Mr. Treadwell was.

With proper coaching, he will become a serious red zone target. The potential is there but I'll be surprised if Michael Thomas doesn't turn into a solid pro.

Side note - Fleener is going to ball out of control with Brees

.

hagan714 · 07-22-2016, 07:23 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

07-20-2016, 11:30 PM	#431
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, 11:34 PM	#432
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, 08:19 AM	#433
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,624 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, 12:21 PM	#434
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 05:10 PM..

07-21-2016, 05:10 PM	#435
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Twitter

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07-21-2016, 05:37 PM	#436
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 July PreCamp OFFENSE QB (3) 9 -Drew Brees, 7 - Luke McCown, 18 - Garrett Grayson RB (5) 22 - Mark Ingram, 34 - Tim Hightower, 28 - C.J. Spiller, 38 - Travaris Cadet, 23 - Marcus Murphy, 36 - Daniel Lasco FB (1) 35 - Austin Johnson, 39 - Sione Houma WR (3) 13 - Michael Thomas, 16 - Brandon Coleman, 15 - Vincent Brown, 81 - Jordan Williams, 85 - Jared Dangerfield, 12 - Kyle Prater LT (2) 72 - Terron Armstead, 70 - Ryker Mathews, 79 - Joseph Cheek LG (2) 68 - Tim Lelito, 65 - Senio Kelemete, 78 - Landon Turner C (2) 60 - Max Unger, 66 - Jack Allen, 61 - Marcus Henry RG (1) 75 - Andrus Peat, 62 - Cyril Lemon, 71 - Kaleb Eulls RT (1) 64 - Zach Strief, 74 - Tyrus Thompson, 67 - Avery Young TE (3) 82 - Coby Fleener, 89 - Josh Hill, 84 - Michael Hoomanawanui, 88 - RaShaun Allen, 86 - Chris Manhertz SR (2) 10 - Brandin Cooks, 83 - Willie Snead, 14 - R.J. Harris, 11 - Reggie Bell, 87 - TommyLee Lewis, 19 - Jake Lampmann DEFENSE WDE (2) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 58 - Obum Gwacham, 63 - Darryl Tapp, 77 - D.J. Pettway, 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha NT (2) 92 - John Jenkins, 95 - Tyeler Davison, 96 - Ashaad Mabry, 76 - Lawrence Virgil* DT (2) 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 69 - C.J. Wilson SDE (2) 94 - Cameron Jordan, 98 - Bobby Richardson, 93 - David Onyemata WLB (2) 59 - Dannell Ellerbe, 54 - Nate Stupar, 97 - Tony Steward MLB (2) 53 - James Laurinaitis, 52 - Craig Robertson, 51 - Jeff Schoettmer SLB (3) 50 - Stephone Anthony, 56 - Mike Mauti, 55 - Davis Tull, 57 - Dillon Lee RCB (2) 40 - Delvin Breaux, 27 - Damian Swann, 29 - Tony Carter, 46 - Ken Crawley, 49 - De’Vante Harris FS (3) 31 - Jairus Byrd, 48 - Vonn Bell, 26 - Trae Elston, 42 - Alden Darby SS (2) 32 - Kenny Vaccaro, 30 - Erik Harris, 41 - Roman Harper LCB (3) 21 - Keenan Lewis, 25 - P.J. Williams, 20 - Brian Dixon, 37 - Brandon Dixon, 43 - Jimmy Pruitt KICKING K (1) 5 - Kai Forbath, 3 - Connor Barth P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead LS (1) 47 - Justin Drescher, 45 - Garrett Griffin RESERVE/INJURED FS 33 - Jamarca Sanford (Prior to Cut to 75) CB 24 - Kyle Wilson (Prior to Cut to 75) DE 76 - Mitchell Loewen (NFIN) LB 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha hasn't been officially designated IR nor IR-To Return Projected Starter* Reserve/Injured Draft Selection/UDRFA/Future Note: Jersey Numbers based on Nola.com, Twitter, and NewOrleansSaints.com Images and Reports Note: Roster Unit Nos.: Offense - 43, Defense - 42, Kicking - 5, Total Roster - 90 saintsfan1976 likes this.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

07-21-2016, 07:16 PM	#437
saintsfan1976 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,849 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook At full health, I love this roster.

07-21-2016, 11:15 PM	#438
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 saintsfan1976 At full health, I love this roster. Three things that concern me... First, get the Fleener signing; I've been banging the drum (e.g. Treadwell) about a big target being a key to extending drives on third down and converting drives into touchdowns is more important than the yards we've gained... however, while I've no doubt Fleener will have some nice numbers, can he be trusted to win battles when we need those conversions? Second, really like the "steath" linebacker free agent signings; think we'll see a greater improvement because of the football IQ and depth gained... however, would we have been better signing LB Danny Trevathan than Fleener or found a creative way to sign Trevanthan as we did with Fairley? Third, realistically we really only have three wide receivers on the roster and that includes the highly drafted unproven Michael Thomas... however, there are still two quality depth signing veterans who could complement our WR corps in Hartline and Boldin and there's no movement to shore up that position...
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

07-21-2016, 11:57 PM	#439
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,624 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by jeanpierre First, get the Fleener signing; I've been banging the drum (e.g. Treadwell) about a big target being a key to extending drives on third down and converting drives into touchdowns is more important than the yards we've gained... JP I hear you brother but let's give our new draft pick Michael Thomas a chance. He is a big target , high football IQ and came from a solid program w/good coaches. Michael didn't get the "hype" because OSU isn't a pass first program (very conservative) like Ole Miss and Mr. Treadwell was. With proper coaching, he will become a serious red zone target. The potential is there but I'll be surprised if Michael Thomas doesn't turn into a solid pro. Side note - Fleener is going to ball out of control with Brees . jeanpierre likes this.

07-22-2016, 07:23 AM	#440
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 07:49 AM..

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