New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com

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. . . .

The re-signing of cornerback Jason Craft was an underrated move. Craft is a versatile, experienced reserve who the staff feels is talented enough to fill in as a spot starter. Craft played well down the stretch once he recovered from a high ankle sprain. His signing improves the team's depth on the perimeter. . . .

The Saints received promising reports from Tennessee officials on free-agent tight end Shad Meier, who recently signed a two-year contract with New Orleans. Titans' personnel men believe Meier has the athletic ability and skills to be a starter in the league if he can stay healthy. Injuries have been a problem for the four-year veteran.

DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS: The addition of free safety Dwight Smith should allow coordinator Rick Venturi to continue the aggressive bump-and-run coverage schemes that were successful down the stretch last season. With the ball-hawking Smith patrolling center field, the Saints hope to get more interceptions and pass break-ups than they did with Tebucky Jones there. If and when the team trades defensive end Darren Howard, Will Smith will be plugged in at right end. The Saints think Smith eventually will be a more productive player than Howard. They'll look to utilize his mobility and pass rush skills by moving him around the line to maximize matchups.

OFFSEASON PROGRAM (March 21): Defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan and cornerback Fred Thomas will be offseason projects. Sullivan needs to improve his conditioning and get his weight down to the 315-pound range. Thomas needs to restore the confidence he lost during a disappointing 2004 season. If the Saints can get anything out of these two talents, their defense should be much improved

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