The Saints are desperate to improve their linebacker corps, but they've struck out so far. They were close to a deal for Ian Gold, but they lost him to Denver. They liked free agent Antonio Pierce but were never in real contention as he signed immediately with the New York Giants. They sought Dat Nguyen as compensation in a proposed trade with Dallas for franchise defensive end Darren Howard but were shot down. They received a visit from talented but troubled linebacker Anthony Simmons in free agency but are wary of his injury history and reputation as a moody player. That leaves the draft. The draft is not deep in quality linebackers so the Saints might look to another position in the first round. The club's best first-round selections have resulted from taking the best talent available -- Deuce McAllister, Will Smith -- and not reaching to fill a position of need.
The Saints aren't enamored with Texas' Derrick Johnson or Georgia's Thomas Davis, the highest rated linebackers on most teams' boards. So look for them to address another position in the first round and address linebacker with a later pick. . . .