Re: Underwhelmed
 

watching top undrafted players and they just went through John Randle. He was about the same size as Rankins.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

You do realize this is a discussion about football, right? Comparing one's heritage to a football organization which has players who are not in any way related to the players who stunk up the joint in the past, is kind of far fetched, in my opinion.

But more than that, here's where you're really missing my point. I didn't say "forget" the past. Unless you have amnesia, you can't forget that, nor can you "choose" to forget. I asked how long you want us to look 40 years into the past. Meaning, how long before we can stop judging this team based on those teams, in your opinion?

It's fine to remember the past, but you have to move on from it. You're right in one sense... When you say it should be used as motivation. Absolutely. That means not settling for mediocrity, simply because "well, we've had worse". That's the overwhelming sentiment I get from people who constantly use that tired old line, as I described it earlier.

THIS is not THEN. That's the point I'm trying to get across.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

It's no different from the constant racial issues that go on today, because you have those that want to judge white people based on what some bad people used to do.

I sure don't want to be judged by that. I'd rather people move on (not forget) from that and quit acting like someone did them wrong, accept that things are much different than they used to be, and learn to expect better instead of assuming I must be a racist. Not that every black person I meet treats me that way, because they don't, but we all know it happens more than it should.

That's not really a good comparison to football, either, but as long as we're going to turn this into a deep, heritage kind of discussion, I thought I'd throw that example in there.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

-Rankins is penciled in as a starter. We'll see. What worries me is all the "buzz" about the guy was from Senior Bowl drills and combine drills. Not about his actual play on the field.

-Thomas has the size and skills to translate well in the NFL. With a real QB like Brees, he could have a special year.

-Bell will contribute in coverage, which is much needed, and will be given a chance to be the everyday starter in the future. He's not very big and doesn't tackle especially well though.

-Onyemata is a big, strong, athlete. His limited experience in the game and lack of competition against equally talented guys is very concerning. The Saints took a flyer on defense in the 4th. With guys like DT's Billings and Reader, OG's Westerman and Drango, CB Hall, RB's Dixon and Booker, and QB Jones going afterwards, I think they could have done better.

-Lasco is very talented and fits the Saints scheme. But, if he sees the field this year, it will be because he was a steal or a lot of bad things happened to the RB corps. If offense was the direction, WR's Peake or Lawler were better choices in my opinion.

UDFA - There's lots of potential here. Allen and Turner are almost locks to make the team. I personally like Pettway, Elston, Harris, Houma, Dillon, Mathews, Tovell and Young.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

Good stuff but I disagree a tad on a couple of things. Over the last 2 years Rankins graded out better than every NCAA DT except for Aaron Donald. He didn't just show up on the radar after the Senior Bowl.

Oneyamata is a great risk/reward pick in the 4th. We desperately need front 7 help. Its possible that everyone else left at that point graded no better than what we already have at DE/DT. He may not be ready right away, but the payoff is worth the wait if he continues to develop as expected. We didn't just send scouts his pro-day. We sent our D-line coach, who stayed afterwards working with him, giving him tips, and getting to know what type of person he is.

And Lasco, from what I've read, can be a great special teams contributor as well as a weapon at back-up RB. He may be an upgrade to Murphy and might push Spiller for playing time.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

Guys, our new draft picks will be fine!! Rankins will help our interior run and pass defense. Thomas will keep the offense humming at full potential, Bell will help the back 7 and Lasco will increase our special teams production. Stop being negative nancy's!! We rock The Black and Gold not the cowgirl silver.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

I get what you are saying, but I am just of a philosophy that criticizing or basically *****ing and moaning about what goes on with the front office of the Saints is a nonproductive waste of time. I, like the vast majority of fans, know that nothing we say has any affect on what happens with our Saints. Most of us choose to simply enjoy it for what it is ... entertainment. Of course, the more we win the more entertaining it becomes. I remember when three out of four years with a 7-9 record would have been regarded as a winning streak. Do I wish for more? Of course, but why get bent out of shape over it if there is nothing I, or any other fan, can do about it.

What happens with the team will happen and I for one get tired of so much negativity. There seems to be more in recent years than back in the heyday. I'm sure that has to do with heightened expectations, but it still seems to me to be a waste of time and energy to be so critical about something that is completely out of ones control.

People sometimes call me a homer and accuse me of wearing rose colored glasses. I say, fine. I see nothing wrong with either of those things.

:bandg:

Re: Underwhelmed
 

Amen!

Re: Underwhelmed
 

Yeah, and he was a holy terror.

Re: Underwhelmed
 

https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/AAEA...ZWJiODE1OQ.jpg


They didn't draft the guy I wanted.

I hate it I hate it I hate it!