2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook

jeanpierre · 06-26-2016, 07:52 AM

SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 Pre-Training Camp ***UPDATED***

DEFENSIVE LINE

DE (2) 94 - Cameron Jordan, 98 - Bobby Richardson/98 - C.J. Wilson, 77 - D.J. Pettway

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

DT (2) 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 93 - David Onyemata

LEO (3) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 58 - Obum Gwacham, 55 - Davis Tull, *44 - Hau'oli Kikaha

Projected Starter

Reserve/Injured

Reserve/Future/UDRFA

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

Figure on Saints keeping between eight (8), maybe nine (9) defensive linemen on the final (53) intial roster...

[B]Early Rankings of our defensive line would be:

94 - Cameron Jordan - Incorrectly utilized as a weakside DE, Jack LBer and coming off offseason back surgery (which is very serious) should be ready to lead unit.
90 - Nick Fairley - Some guys you just have to keep the carrot in front of 'em; all the talent in the world, does the light finally go off and Fairley finds a home?
99 - Sheldon Rankins - wasn't high on using first round pick to select due to lack of size and for Saints interior need, but he's carried himself well in OTAs...
91 - Kasim Edebali - (music que - Eminem's Lose Yourself) Impressive Sacks/Opportunities ratio, but if ever there was a chance for a guy to control his destiny...
92 - John Jenkins - Bulked up, Lost Weight, changed position and technique and the coaches, who've changed as much, can't understand his stunted progression?
95 - Tyeler Davison - projected NT coming out of college, he's been a top reserve who's learning to a warrior in the NFL trenches...
98 - C.J. Wilson - Late FA addition that won't blow anyone away but is an "innings eater" who'll give quality snaps; part of a Green Bay DL rotation that won a Superbowl
98 - Bobby Richardson - Walk-on who earned a starting gig last season because of lack of depth; he's a liability in pass rush and must change that.
93 - David Onyemata - Good quickness in small area with impressive strength and bulk, but can he be a quickstudy to justify the roster space?
58 - Obum Gwacham - Former WR who's trusted coaches and worked to bulk to 255+, but still looks too lean to anchor the edge - better 3-4 fit.
55 - Davis Tull - Phenomenal athlete, played against lesser collegiate competition, should be receiving more attention but is D.A. even interested?!?
96 - Ashaad Mabry - Man's man from humble background who's worked to learn the NFL game and physically compete, but will the progression be there?
96 - Lawrence Virgil - Disappointing injury led to his release, great size and strength, but raw and inexperienced coming from a small-school program

77 - D.J. Pettway - Buried on a deep Bama, he did practice against some of the best offensive linemen to enter the NFL the past few years

Defensive Linemen to watch who're likely to move up:
55 - Davis Tull
96 - Ashaad Mabry
93 - David Onyemata

Notes/Observations:

*44 - Hau'oli Kikaha is likely lost for most, if not the entire season due to a third lifetime knee injury; he would have been ranked third (3rd)

What will be key is keeping the horses fresh so that the Saints can generate a pass rush with four (4) down linemen...

A unit strength that pops out is that many individual players do have versatility (e.g. 94 - Cameron Jordan, 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 95 - Tyeler Davison & 93 - David Onyemata)...

Of course while having that flexibility will be a plus from week to week, it'll put the onus on D.A. to find best possible match ups...

While Davis Tull was a DE in college and is ideally suited as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL, he could still be shifted to backup Anthony at the SAM...

It seemed early on that the base defense would be a mimic of Seattle's 4-3 under as this scheme would get the top front seven players on the field at one time...

...now with the Kikaha injury, we may see a more traditional 4-3 where you'd have a four-man DE rotation of Jordan, Richardson/Wilson, Edebali and Onyemata and a four-man DT rotation of Fairley, Rankins, Jenkins and Davison...

DE (2) 94 - Cameron Jordan, 93 - David Onyemata

NT (2) 92 - John Jenkins, 95 - Tyeler Davison

DT (2) 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins

DE (3) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 98 - Bobby Richardson/98 - C.J. Wilson

That being the case, if a tremendous impression is made by Tull, Gwachum and/or Pettway, you could see as many as nine (9) defensive linemen make the roster...

Provided there are no more (nevermind)...

Despite the unfortunate, devastating news of the Kikaha injury (God Be With Him), I believe this can be the most improved unit for the team on the talent infusion alone; still would have liked a new defensive line coach...

jeanpierre · 06-26-2016, 11:59 AM

SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 Pre-Camp

LINEBACKERS

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

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

SLB (2) 50 - Stephone Anthony, 56 - Mike Mauti, 57 - Dillon Lee

LEO (3) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 58 - Obum Gwacham, 55 - Davis Tull, *44 - Hau'oli Kikaha

Projected Starter Entering Training Camp

Reserve/Injured

Draft Pick/Future/UDRFA

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

Saints will probably keep six (6), maybe seven (7) linebackers on the final (53) initial roster; the Line/End Linebackers (LEO) were counted against the defensive line group, though either Edebali, Gwachum and/or Tull could be grouped with the linebackers as the Saints have 'em listed...

Early Rankings of our Linebackers would be:

50 - Stephone Anthony - spend a first round pick on a linebacker and voila' - he was outstanding; relieved of MIKE duties in favour of Laurinaitis' experience
53 - James Laurinaitis - one of the better MLB in the game; thought to be on the decline from a shoulder injury; brought in for defensive field general duties...
52 - Craig Robertson - will challenge for the WLB starting position as this guy can run; is also a very capable MLB with great instincts and good preparation
59 - Dannell Ellerbe - if he could only stay healthy, he'd be a pro-bowler, but missing five or more games can't be accepted, no matter the upside...
54 - Nate Stupar - from Penn St LB tradition and when given a chance, hasn't disappointed; will enhance special teams and has started at both WLB or MLB.
91 - Kasim Edebali - Has very limited coverage ability and change of direction, more of a pure pass rusher, smallish Defensive End
55 - Davis Tull - Elite athlete with uphill battle for Allen to make Tull a priority to find him a featured role; an ideal 34 LB, but that's not gonna happen with DA...
56 - Mike Mauti - Legacy player brought in for depth and special teams play; graded well last season when he played, though rarely tested...
57 - Dillon Lee - versatile, team player who sacrificed the spotlight, playing whereever asked and has great experience at all the linebacker positions...
58 - Obum Gwacham - Converted defender who's added muscle, but still looks too lean to anchor the edge as a DE, could better his chances as a SLB
97 - Tony Steward - good athlete who's had injury and personal misfortunes early on in his NFL career, trying to make the show...
51 - Jeff Schoettmer - Carolina MIKE Backer who was a standout leader making sure his teammates were lined up, has minimum NFL athleticism
44 - Hau'oli Kikaha - is likely lost for most, if not the entire season due to a third lifetime knee injury; he would have been ranked third (3rd)

Linebackers to watch who're likely to move up:
52 - Craig Robertson
55 - Davis Tull
57 - Dillon Lee

Notes/Observations:

While Davis Tull was a college DE and is an ideal a 3-4 NFL OLB, he could easily shift to SLB or WLB and has sideline to sideline athleticism as a MLBer...
...with the Kikaha injury, in addition to the recent stockpiling of 4-3 D-linemen in Lawrence Virgil and C.J. Wilson, we're likely to see a traditional 4-3 where linebackers will be expected to be thumpers behind the defensive linemen on running plays and drop back in zone coverage on passing plays...
If I were Dannell Ellerbe, I wouldn't buy property; his inability to stay healthy is probably one of the biggest reasons we signed so many linebackers...
Could you imagine this linebacker corps if we had spent the money on Broncos Linebacker Danny Trevathan instead of Colby Fleener?
When a top ten underrated list of 2016 Free Agent Signings is done next year James Laurinaitis, Craig Robertson and Nate Stupar should be on that list...
Edebali and Gwachum had better be jump out as pass rushers are they're going be quickly on the outside, looking in...
Watch out for LB Dillon Lee out of Alabama, being moved around at Bama did him no favors as a collegiate standout, but will be a big seller in the NFL...
IF Kikaha doesn't hurt himself, we could have looked really poised as a 3-4 front with plenty of depth...
Like many of our defensive linemen, the theme of versatility, being able to play more than one position will also be a characteristic of the linebacking corps..

K Major · 06-28-2016, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 Pre-Camp

LINEBACKERS
[*]Like many of our defensive linemen, the theme of versatility, being able to play more than one position will also be a characteristic of the linebacking corps..[/LIST]

It was good we got VET LB's this off season. We have to TWO gap. Moving Anthony to Sam allows him to play behind Cam Jordan so whatever gap Jordan doesn't penetrate is Anthony's responsibility making his reads cleaner.

Ellerbe/Craig Robertson/Stupar/James L are all good LBs that should have no trouble with their reads at the MLB and WLB position.

Dennis Allen has full control of the D (see Greg W in 2009). Coach em up.

jeanpierre · 07-03-2016, 06:53 AM

SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 Pre-Camp

RUNNING BACKS

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

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

Projected Starter Entering Training Camp

Reserve/Injured

Draft Pick/Future/UDRFA

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

Saints will probably keep five (5), Running Backs and one (1) Full Back on the final (53) initial roster...

Early Rankings of our Running Backs:

22 - Mark Ingram - RB who's had the most invested in him and debatable he's produced to justify those investment; regardless he's a a quality back and fit to this offense...
28 - C.J. Spiller - Disappointing free agent acquisition, he turns it on this season or gets added to the list of FA failures for the Saints; could be real special in this offense...
34 - Tim Hightower - Finally had a healthy season as a Pro, may not have the same first step, agility he had as a Cardinal, but did well behind an underrated Saints offensive line...
35 - Austin Johnson - Not only a quality Fullback, but played linebacker in college making him another quality player on special teams; in today's offenses the fullback has all but disappeared, but he provides advantages at the goal line...
38 - Travaris Cadet - Returned to the Saints while improving himself as an all around player, will need to be special as a returner to make this team...
23 - Marcus Murphy - Surprise 7th round pick who had the misfortune of not being able to play with Darren Sproles, who with more effort on Murphy's part, could develop into that All-Purpose Yards threat...
36 - Daniel Lasco - Injured his senior year and fell in the draft, Lasco comes in the mould of a Roger Craig-type speed back with great hands and ability to turn the corner...
39 - Sione Houma - Houma would be an instant favorite on a team in the 1980's, but there can be only one fullback, if that, and he lacks the speed to contend as a ball carrier...

Running Back most likely to move up:
36 - Daniel Lasco

Notes/Observations:

Mark Ingram's was the absolute right choice for the Saints to re-sign, but Ingram has never really justified the picks it took to select him and that is as much on the coaches/front office as Ingram; it's be nice to see him play sixteen games and finally be an All-Pro...
Spiller has got to find away to step up, man up and stay available on the field; there was some grumbling that he also wasn't as prepared for games as he should be; the Lasco selection could make him expendable...
As mentioned in a comparison earlier, Marcus Murphy has got to develop as intense a work ethic as Darren Sproles had while with the Saints; Saints really screwed the pooch not keeping Sproles, not only for what he brought to the offense, but what he did as a role model in the weight room...
Cadet would be a coach's dream as a No. 3, change of pace running back and may not make this team...
Austin Johnson reminds of a Patriots' type of player, multi-faceted, multi-role and are the kind of players the Saints would be wise to hold on to...
Not many saw that much left in Hightower's game last season; let's see how he does not that people will see him coming this time...
If Daniel Lasco can make the roster as a rookie, watch for him to develop as an absolute star in Payton's offense; he could end up being Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas rolled into one - all on a seventh round pick investment!

ChrisXVI · 06-11-2016, 02:38 PM

Great D-Line write up JP! I was nervous about that weak side DE position BEFORE Kikaha went down so I'm trying hard to stay optimistic. Not only do these guys have to battle it out against each other but they have to do it against one of the best left tackles in the league in Armstead. We should know REAL quick which guys have any shot at being an adequate starter.

jeanpierre · 06-11-2016, 07:20 PM

Fansided: Saints Hoping the 4-2-5 Can Lead to More W's by Barry Hirstius

jeanpierre · 06-12-2016, 10:46 AM

As was said on another thread, this is a set we should expect to see mucho of this season...

The 4-2-5, the "big nickel" with personnel something like...

DEFENSE

DE 94 - Cameron Jordan, 93 - David Onyemata

NT 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 95 - Tyeler Davison

DT 90 - Nick Fairley, 93 - David Onyemata

LEO 91 - Kasim Edebali, 55 - Davis Tull

WLB 52 - Craig Robertson, 54 - Nate Stupar

MLB 53 - James Laurinaitis, 52 - Craig Robertson, 50 - Stephone Anthony

RCB 40 - Delvin Breaux, 25 - P.J. Williams

RFS 48 - Vonn Bell, 32 - Kenny Vaccaro

SS 32 - Kenny Vaccaro, 30 - Erik Harris

LFS 31 - Jairus Byrd, 27 - Damian Swann

LCB 21 - Keenan Lewis, 27 - Damian Swann

ChrisXVI · 06-12-2016, 12:40 PM

Does anyone know how the Lions D-Line would line up when they had both Suh and Fairley? I know Suh is capable of being moved around but did Fairley get snaps playing the 1 tech/NT? Or did they line up in more of a wide 9 with both Suh and Fairley playing more of a left/right 3 tech?

jeanpierre · 06-12-2016, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI

Does anyone know how the Lions D-Line would line up when they had both Suh and Fairley? I know Suh is capable of being moved around but did Fairley get snaps playing the 1 tech/NT? Or did they line up in more of a wide 9 with both Suh and Fairley playing more of a left/right 3 tech?

Some W-9, but there was some creativity...they'd also run some stunts with the two, whereby one would pull the double-team away while the other would engage the remaining blocker and bull rush that blocker to the passer; the DE would essentially be in one-to-one and would pull the OTs so far out that the DE could run underneath or use the positioning to seal the edge...

Surprisingly SI had a good write-up on it while they played together...

Break It Down: Lions getting creative with Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh | SI.com

ChrisXVI · 06-12-2016, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Some W-9, but there was some creativity...they'd also run some stunts with the two, whereby one would pull the double-team away while the other would engage the remaining blocker and bull rush that blocker to the passer; the DE would essentially be in one-to-one and would pull the OTs so far out that the DE could run underneath or use the positioning to seal the edge...

Surprisingly SI had a good write-up on it while they played together...

Break It Down: Lions getting creative with Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh | SI.com

Good stuff JP! The reason I asked was because I'm wondering if we'll try to get Rankins and Fairley on the field together more often and how might we go about it. Looking at how Detroit used Suh/Fairley might give our coaches some ideas.

06-26-2016, 07:52 AM	#1
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 Pre-Training Camp *UPDATED* DEFENSIVE LINE DE (2) 94 - Cameron Jordan, 98 - Bobby Richardson/98 - C.J. Wilson, 77 - D.J. Pettway NT (2) 92 - John Jenkins, 95 - Tyeler Davison, 96 - Ashaad Mabry, 96 - Lawrence Virgil DT (2) 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 93 - David Onyemata LEO (3) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 58 - Obum Gwacham, 55 - Davis Tull, 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha Projected Starter* Reserve/Injured Reserve/Future/UDRFA Note: Jersey Numbers based on Nola.com, Twitter, and NewOrleansSaints.com Images and Reports Figure on Saints keeping between eight (8), maybe nine (9) defensive linemen on the final (53) intial roster... [B]Early Rankings of our defensive line would be: 94 - Cameron Jordan - Incorrectly utilized as a weakside DE, Jack LBer and coming off offseason back surgery (which is very serious) should be ready to lead unit. 90 - Nick Fairley - Some guys you just have to keep the carrot in front of 'em; all the talent in the world, does the light finally go off and Fairley finds a home? 99 - Sheldon Rankins - wasn't high on using first round pick to select due to lack of size and for Saints interior need, but he's carried himself well in OTAs... *91 - Kasim Edebali - (music que - Eminem's Lose Yourself) Impressive Sacks/Opportunities ratio, but if ever there was a chance for a guy to control his destiny...* 92 - John Jenkins - Bulked up, Lost Weight, changed position and technique and the coaches, who've changed as much, can't understand his stunted progression? 95 - Tyeler Davison - projected NT coming out of college, he's been a top reserve who's learning to a warrior in the NFL trenches... 98 - C.J. Wilson - Late FA addition that won't blow anyone away but is an "innings eater" who'll give quality snaps; part of a Green Bay DL rotation that won a Superbowl 98 - Bobby Richardson - Walk-on who earned a starting gig last season because of lack of depth; he's a liability in pass rush and must change that. 93 - David Onyemata - Good quickness in small area with impressive strength and bulk, but can he be a quickstudy to justify the roster space? 58 - Obum Gwacham - Former WR who's trusted coaches and worked to bulk to 255+, but still looks too lean to anchor the edge - better 3-4 fit. 55 - Davis Tull - Phenomenal athlete, played against lesser collegiate competition, should be receiving more attention but is D.A. even interested?!? 96 - Ashaad Mabry - Man's man from humble background who's worked to learn the NFL game and physically compete, but will the progression be there? 96 - Lawrence Virgil - Disappointing injury led to his release, great size and strength, but raw and inexperienced coming from a small-school program 77 - D.J. Pettway - Buried on a deep Bama, he did practice against some of the best offensive linemen to enter the NFL the past few years Defensive Linemen to watch who're likely to move up: 55 - Davis Tull 96 - Ashaad Mabry 93 - David Onyemata Notes/Observations: 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha is likely lost for most, if not the entire season due to a third lifetime knee injury; he would have been ranked third (3rd) What will be key is keeping the horses fresh so that the Saints can generate a pass rush with four (4) down linemen...* A unit strength that pops out is that many individual players do have versatility (e.g. 94 - Cameron Jordan, 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 95 - Tyeler Davison & 93 - David Onyemata)... Of course while having that flexibility will be a plus from week to week, it'll put the onus on D.A. to find best possible match ups... While Davis Tull was a DE in college and is ideally suited as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL, he could still be shifted to backup Anthony at the SAM... It seemed early on that the base defense would be a mimic of Seattle's 4-3 under as this scheme would get the top front seven players on the field at one time... ...now with the Kikaha injury, we may see a more traditional 4-3 where you'd have a four-man DE rotation of Jordan, Richardson/Wilson, Edebali and Onyemata and a four-man DT rotation of Fairley, Rankins, Jenkins and Davison... DE (2) 94 - Cameron Jordan, 93 - David Onyemata NT (2) 92 - John Jenkins, 95 - Tyeler Davison DT (2) 90 - Nick Fairley, 99 - Sheldon Rankins DE (3) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 98 - Bobby Richardson/98 - C.J. Wilson That being the case, if a tremendous impression is made by Tull, Gwachum and/or Pettway, you could see as many as nine (9) defensive linemen make the roster... Provided there are no more (nevermind)... Despite the unfortunate, devastating news of the Kikaha injury (God Be With Him), I believe this can be the most improved unit for the team on the talent infusion alone; still would have liked a new defensive line coach...
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way... Last edited by jeanpierre; 06-27-2016 at 03:18 AM..

06-26-2016, 11:59 AM	#2
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 Pre-Camp LINEBACKERS WLB (2) 59 - Dannell Ellerbe, 54 - Nate Stupar, 97 - Tony Steward MLB (2) 53 - James Laurinaitis, 52 - Craig Robertson, 51 - Jeff Schoettmer SLB (2) 50 - Stephone Anthony, 56 - Mike Mauti, 57 - Dillon Lee LEO (3) 91 - Kasim Edebali, 58 - Obum Gwacham, 55 - Davis Tull, 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha Projected Starter Entering Training Camp* Reserve/Injured Draft Pick/Future/UDRFA Note: Jersey Numbers based on Nola.com, Twitter, and NewOrleansSaints.com Images and Reports Saints will probably keep six (6), maybe seven (7) linebackers on the final (53) initial roster; the Line/End Linebackers (LEO) were counted against the defensive line group, though either Edebali, Gwachum and/or Tull could be grouped with the linebackers as the Saints have 'em listed... Early Rankings of our Linebackers would be: 50 - Stephone Anthony - spend a first round pick on a linebacker and voila' - he was outstanding; relieved of MIKE duties in favour of Laurinaitis' experience 53 - James Laurinaitis - one of the better MLB in the game; thought to be on the decline from a shoulder injury; brought in for defensive field general duties... 52 - Craig Robertson - will challenge for the WLB starting position as this guy can run; is also a very capable MLB with great instincts and good preparation 59 - Dannell Ellerbe - if he could only stay healthy, he'd be a pro-bowler, but missing five or more games can't be accepted, no matter the upside... 54 - Nate Stupar - from Penn St LB tradition and when given a chance, hasn't disappointed; will enhance special teams and has started at both WLB or MLB. 91 - Kasim Edebali - Has very limited coverage ability and change of direction, more of a pure pass rusher, smallish Defensive End 55 - Davis Tull - Elite athlete with uphill battle for Allen to make Tull a priority to find him a featured role; an ideal 34 LB, but that's not gonna happen with DA... 56 - Mike Mauti - Legacy player brought in for depth and special teams play; graded well last season when he played, though rarely tested... 57 - Dillon Lee - versatile, team player who sacrificed the spotlight, playing whereever asked and has great experience at all the linebacker positions... 58 - Obum Gwacham - Converted defender who's added muscle, but still looks too lean to anchor the edge as a DE, could better his chances as a SLB 97 - Tony Steward - good athlete who's had injury and personal misfortunes early on in his NFL career, trying to make the show... 51 - Jeff Schoettmer - Carolina MIKE Backer who was a standout leader making sure his teammates were lined up, has minimum NFL athleticism 44 - Hau'oli Kikaha - is likely lost for most, if not the entire season due to a third lifetime knee injury; he would have been ranked third (3rd) Linebackers to watch who're likely to move up: 52 - Craig Robertson 55 - Davis Tull 57 - Dillon Lee Notes/Observations: While Davis Tull was a college DE and is an ideal a 3-4 NFL OLB, he could easily shift to SLB or WLB and has sideline to sideline athleticism as a MLBer... ...with the Kikaha injury, in addition to the recent stockpiling of 4-3 D-linemen in Lawrence Virgil and C.J. Wilson, we're likely to see a traditional 4-3 where linebackers will be expected to be thumpers behind the defensive linemen on running plays and drop back in zone coverage on passing plays... If I were Dannell Ellerbe, I wouldn't buy property; his inability to stay healthy is probably one of the biggest reasons we signed so many linebackers... Could you imagine this linebacker corps if we had spent the money on Broncos Linebacker Danny Trevathan instead of Colby Fleener? When a top ten underrated list of 2016 Free Agent Signings is done next year James Laurinaitis, Craig Robertson and Nate Stupar should be on that list... Edebali and Gwachum had better be jump out as pass rushers are they're going be quickly on the outside, looking in... Watch out for LB Dillon Lee out of Alabama, being moved around at Bama did him no favors as a collegiate standout, but will be a big seller in the NFL... IF Kikaha doesn't hurt himself, we could have looked really poised as a 3-4 front with plenty of depth... Like many of our defensive linemen, the theme of versatility, being able to play more than one position will also be a characteristic of the linebacking corps.. Rugby Saint II, ChrisXVI and K Major like this.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way... Last edited by jeanpierre; 06-27-2016 at 03:14 AM..

06-28-2016, 06:50 PM	#3
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,831 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by jeanpierre SAINTS DEPTH CHART - 2016 Pre-Camp LINEBACKERS []Like many of our defensive linemen, the theme of versatility, being able to play more than one position will also be a characteristic of the linebacking corps..*[/LIST] It was good we got VET LB's this off season. We have to TWO gap. Moving Anthony to Sam allows him to play behind Cam Jordan so whatever gap Jordan doesn't penetrate is Anthony's responsibility making his reads cleaner. Ellerbe/Craig Robertson/Stupar/James L are all good LBs that should have no trouble with their reads at the MLB and WLB position. Dennis Allen has full control of the D (see Greg W in 2009). Coach em up.

07-03-2016, 06:53 AM	#4
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 Pre-Camp RUNNING BACKS RB (5) 22 - Mark Ingram, 28 - C.J. Spiller, 34 - Tim Hightower, 38 - Travaris Cadet, 23 - Marcus Murphy, 36 - Daniel Lasco FB (1) 35 - Austin Johnson, 39 - Sione Houma Projected Starter Entering Training Camp Reserve/Injured Draft Pick/Future/UDRFA Note: Jersey Numbers based on Nola.com, Twitter, and NewOrleansSaints.com Images and Reports Saints will probably keep five (5), Running Backs and one (1) Full Back on the final (53) initial roster... Early Rankings of our Running Backs: 22 - Mark Ingram - RB who's had the most invested in him and debatable he's produced to justify those investment; regardless he's a a quality back and fit to this offense... 28 - C.J. Spiller - Disappointing free agent acquisition, he turns it on this season or gets added to the list of FA failures for the Saints; could be real special in this offense... 34 - Tim Hightower - Finally had a healthy season as a Pro, may not have the same first step, agility he had as a Cardinal, but did well behind an underrated Saints offensive line... 35 - Austin Johnson - Not only a quality Fullback, but played linebacker in college making him another quality player on special teams; in today's offenses the fullback has all but disappeared, but he provides advantages at the goal line... 38 - Travaris Cadet - Returned to the Saints while improving himself as an all around player, will need to be special as a returner to make this team... 23 - Marcus Murphy - Surprise 7th round pick who had the misfortune of not being able to play with Darren Sproles, who with more effort on Murphy's part, could develop into that All-Purpose Yards threat... 36 - Daniel Lasco - Injured his senior year and fell in the draft, Lasco comes in the mould of a Roger Craig-type speed back with great hands and ability to turn the corner... 39 - Sione Houma - Houma would be an instant favorite on a team in the 1980's, but there can be only one fullback, if that, and he lacks the speed to contend as a ball carrier... Running Back most likely to move up: 36 - Daniel Lasco Notes/Observations: Mark Ingram's was the absolute right choice for the Saints to re-sign, but Ingram has never really justified the picks it took to select him and that is as much on the coaches/front office as Ingram; it's be nice to see him play sixteen games and finally be an All-Pro... Spiller has got to find away to step up, man up and stay available on the field; there was some grumbling that he also wasn't as prepared for games as he should be; the Lasco selection could make him expendable... As mentioned in a comparison earlier, Marcus Murphy has got to develop as intense a work ethic as Darren Sproles had while with the Saints; Saints really screwed the pooch not keeping Sproles, not only for what he brought to the offense, but what he did as a role model in the weight room... Cadet would be a coach's dream as a No. 3, change of pace running back and may not make this team... Austin Johnson reminds of a Patriots' type of player, multi-faceted, multi-role and are the kind of players the Saints would be wise to hold on to... Not many saw that much left in Hightower's game last season; let's see how he does not that people will see him coming this time... If Daniel Lasco can make the roster as a rookie, watch for him to develop as an absolute star in Payton's offense; he could end up being Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas rolled into one - all on a seventh round pick investment! hagan714 likes this.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

06-11-2016, 02:38 PM	#5
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Great D-Line write up JP! I was nervous about that weak side DE position BEFORE Kikaha went down so I'm trying hard to stay optimistic. Not only do these guys have to battle it out against each other but they have to do it against one of the best left tackles in the league in Armstead. We should know REAL quick which guys have any shot at being an adequate starter. jeanpierre likes this.

06-11-2016, 07:20 PM	#6
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Fansided: Saints Hoping the 4-2-5 Can Lead to More W's by Barry Hirstius hagan714 likes this.

06-12-2016, 10:46 AM	#7
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook As was said on another thread, this is a set we should expect to see mucho of this season... The 4-2-5, the "big nickel" with personnel something like... DEFENSE DE 94 - Cameron Jordan, 93 - David Onyemata NT 99 - Sheldon Rankins, 95 - Tyeler Davison DT 90 - Nick Fairley, 93 - David Onyemata LEO 91 - Kasim Edebali, 55 - Davis Tull WLB 52 - Craig Robertson, 54 - Nate Stupar MLB 53 - James Laurinaitis, 52 - Craig Robertson, 50 - Stephone Anthony RCB 40 - Delvin Breaux, 25 - P.J. Williams RFS 48 - Vonn Bell, 32 - Kenny Vaccaro SS 32 - Kenny Vaccaro, 30 - Erik Harris LFS 31 - Jairus Byrd, 27 - Damian Swann LCB 21 - Keenan Lewis, 27 - Damian Swann hagan714 and Rugby Saint II like this.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

06-12-2016, 12:40 PM	#8
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Does anyone know how the Lions D-Line would line up when they had both Suh and Fairley? I know Suh is capable of being moved around but did Fairley get snaps playing the 1 tech/NT? Or did they line up in more of a wide 9 with both Suh and Fairley playing more of a left/right 3 tech? hagan714 likes this.

06-12-2016, 01:44 PM	#9
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 ChrisXVI Does anyone know how the Lions D-Line would line up when they had both Suh and Fairley? I know Suh is capable of being moved around but did Fairley get snaps playing the 1 tech/NT? Or did they line up in more of a wide 9 with both Suh and Fairley playing more of a left/right 3 tech? Some W-9, but there was some creativity...they'd also run some stunts with the two, whereby one would pull the double-team away while the other would engage the remaining blocker and bull rush that blocker to the passer; the DE would essentially be in one-to-one and would pull the OTs so far out that the DE could run underneath or use the positioning to seal the edge... Surprisingly SI had a good write-up on it while they played together... Break It Down: Lions getting creative with Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh \| SI.com hagan714 and ChrisXVI like this.

06-12-2016, 04:46 PM	#10
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	Re: 2016 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by jeanpierre Some W-9, but there was some creativity...they'd also run some stunts with the two, whereby one would pull the double-team away while the other would engage the remaining blocker and bull rush that blocker to the passer; the DE would essentially be in one-to-one and would pull the OTs so far out that the DE could run underneath or use the positioning to seal the edge... Surprisingly SI had a good write-up on it while they played together... Break It Down: Lions getting creative with Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh \| SI.com Good stuff JP! The reason I asked was because I'm wondering if we'll try to get Rankins and Fairley on the field together more often and how might we go about it. Looking at how Detroit used Suh/Fairley might give our coaches some ideas. hagan714 likes this.

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