ChrisXVI

Underhill's Day 5 Observations:

ATTENDANCE: S Erik Harris, S Alden Darby, DL Darryl Tapp and DL Nick Fairley were either not spotted or on the sidelines prior to practice. CB Keenan Lewis and OL Terron Armstead remain on the PUP list. WR Kyle Prater and WR Jake Lampman left the session due to injury.

BREAUX SHOW: Delvin Breaux has been really impressive in one-on-one passing drills. His physicality at the line of scrimmage has made it difficult for players to get into their routes, and he's done a good job defending the ball the down the field. It's even more impressive when you consider that the drill is designed to favor the offense.

GRAYSON PROGRESS: This was probably Garrett Grayson's best day at camp -- maybe even since he's gotten here. Yesterday contained some of his finer moments. Today was probably his best practice as a whole. It's not fair to grade him against Drew Brees. It is fair to expect him to build on each practice, and it seems like that's what he's doing right now. Maybe the best thing we saw from Grayson on Monday was when he quickly identified that wide receiver Tommylee Lewis was being covered by a linebacker and quickly took advantage of the mismatch.

FUMBLES: After fumbling on Sunday, rookie running back Daniel Lasco put the ball on the ground again during Monday's session. Mark Ingram also fumbled later in the practice when he was stripped by safety Roman Harper. Ingram doesn't have to worry much. Lasco, however, is battling to make the team. He can't afford to make mistakes.

MIKE THOMAS HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: The rookie wide receiver had a fantastic rep during team drills when he beat Damian Swann off the line and got wide open. In team, he lined up often in the slot and was able to do damage on crossing routes. The rookie has shown the ability to run just about every route on the tree and has looked good doing it.


DAVISON RISING: Keep an eye on second-year defensive tackle Tyeler Davison. He continued to work with the first-team defense and blew up a run and got into the backfield a few times. Davison had some moments last season, but it seems like he's taken the next step in his development and is going to give John Jenkins a run for his money at nose tackle.

ONE-ON-ONES: No question the best moment during one-on-one pass-rush drills came when rookie Sheldon Rankins gained leverage on guard Senio Kelemete and pushed him into the backfield. It almost looked like Kelemete was standing backward on a conveyer belt. The other guys we marked down as having decisive wins were Kasim Edebali, Davis Tull, Ashaad Mabry and Bobby Richardson. Tackle Andrus Peat continues to have Obum Gwacham's number in the drill.

DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS: The defense continues to find ways to make plays. Several guys broke up passes, including De'Vante Harris, Michael Mauti, Brian Dixon and P.J. Williams. Dillon Lee, Edebali, Jeff Schoettmer and David Onyemata were among those who recorded sacks.

QUICK STUDY: It was noted here yesterday that Onyemata was having trouble with the snap count. That appeared to be fixed today, and he responded by having a sack and a solid showing in one-on-one pass-rush drills.

GOOD BLOCKS: Willie Snead had a great block on a screen that sprung Brandin Cooks free. Later, tight end Chris Manhertz, who has otherwise had a solid camp, missed one and let the same play get blown up. Tim Hightower's ability in blitz pickup was questioned last season. He showed up today by picking up a blitz through the middle.

UP NEXT: The Saints are off on Tuesday. They return to action on Wednesday.

"When you get into one of these groups, there's only a couple of ways you can get out. One, is death; the other, is mental institutions."