The Saints received mixed reviews from defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan at the team's offseason workout program. Sullivan reported at 337 pounds, about 20 above his ideal playing weight but 17 below the weight he reported at a year ago. On the plus side, Sullivan's attitude is better. He appears more committed to becoming a contributor this season and has been an active participant in the weight room. Sullivan's development is an important factor in the defense's improvement. He has the most raw ability by far of any interior lineman on the roster and was basically a non-factor last season while in coach Jim Haslett's doghouse. If he can contribute and become a factor in 2005, it's a bonus. . . .

Saints Coach Jim Haslett is keeping his fingers crossed about another wildcard on defense -- linebacker Cie Grant. The 2003 third-round draft pick has basically been a non-contributor because of lingering knee injuries. Team officials are eager to see how his legs hold up to a full offseason of work. At one time, Grant was considered the best linebacker prospect in the organization. His injury woes have caused him to fall behind young players such as Courtney Watson and Colby Bockwoldt on the depth, but he could challenge for playing time at both weakside or middle linebacker if healthy. If nothing else, team officials believe Grant can become an excellent special teams player. . . .


Look for the Saints to use a second-day draft pick on a quarterback. The club would like to add a young player to compete with back-up Todd Bouman and third-stringer Kliff Kingsbury. The club hasn't drafted a quarterback since J.T. O'Sullivan in 2002, so it wants another young arm on the roster to bolster depth.


SCOUTING REPORT: New free safety Dwight Smith is the versatile playmaker the Saints have lacked in center field in recent years. Smith is aggressive and has good ball skills. He makes a lot of interceptions because of his excellent hands and ability to anticipate. He's also a good tackler. Smith is a cocky trash-talker who plays with a swagger. And that might not be a bad thing for a defense that, other than Charles Grant and Will Smith, has lacked fiery players. The Saints plan to play Smith in a variety of alignments and personnel groupings. They also want to take advantage of his blitzing skills. The Saints have lacked a great blitzer from the secondary since Sammy Knight left. Coach Jim Haslett thinks Smith's explosiveness and 210-pound frame will make him excellent in this department.


DRAFT BUZZ: At No. 16, it's difficult to target a player, but count on this: Whoever it is will be a player that can play right away. Coach Jim Haslett is under the gun to win this season. He needs an impact player and can't afford to select a developmental project. The Saints selected tackle Jon Stinchcomb and wide receiver Devery Henderson in the second rounds of the 2003 and 2004 drafts. Although team officials remain high on both players, neither has contributed much. With the pressure mounting on Haslett to reach the playoffs, don't expect him to waste high picks on anyone that won't contribute immediately.

He (Sullivan) has the most raw ability by far of any interior lineman on the roster

Saints Coach Jim Haslett is keeping his fingers crossed about another wildcard on defense -- linebacker Cie Grant. ...he could challenge for playing time at both weakside or middle linebacker if healthy. If nothing else, team officials believe Grant can become an excellent special teams player. . . .

Look for the Saints to use a second-day draft pick on a quarterback. The club would like to add a young player to compete with back-up Todd Bouman and third-stringer Kliff Kingsbury.

Smith is aggressive and has good ball skills. He makes a lot of interceptions because of his excellent hands and ability to anticipate. He\'s also a good tackler. Smith is a cocky trash-talker who plays with a swagger. And that might not be a bad thing for a defense that, other than Charles Grant and Will Smith, has lacked fiery players.

With the pressure mounting on Haslett to reach the playoffs, don\'t expect him to waste high picks on anyone that won\'t contribute immediately.