Danno

Team Report
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Second-year wide receiver Devery Henderson needs a big offseason. The Saints released veteran Jerome Pathon to clear playing time for Henderson as the third receiver. Henderson has great speed and potential, but he struggled to adjust to the pro game last season and was a non-factor. It's time for him to reward the coaches' patience and start to develop into a front-line player. Henderson might be the fastest player on the roster, but his playing time will depend on his ability to master the playbook and catch the ball. Henderson's hands were the main question mark on him coming out of LSU. He struggled with dropped passes in practice and exhibition games as a rookie. At the same time, he showed explosive big-play ability, routinely beating defenders on deep balls. . . .

The Saints would like to add a linebacker in the draft because of the versatility of second-year linebacker Courtney Watson. Ideally, Watson is better suited to play the weak side, but the staff loves his intelligence and leadership skills inside. Because of that, they'd prefer to add a playmaking weakside linebacker in the draft -- perhaps the first round -- and keep Watson in the middle. However, if the top weakside prospects are off the board, they'll look for a middle linebacker in the second or third rounds and move Watson outside.

SCOUTING REPORT: Left tackle Wayne Gandy is no longer a premier player at his position. At 34, he's lost a step and gets by on guile and technique. Gandy has always been a strong pass blocker, where he uses his agility to ward off athletic speed rushers. He's not particularly powerful, so his drive blocking is only average. The Saints think Gandy can play one or two more good seasons before yielding his spot to a younger player.

COMEBACK STORY: Cornerback Fred Thomas wasn't injured physically last season, but he was injured mentally. His mother battled cancer throughout last season, and the ordeal appeared to weigh on him. After signing a lucrative four-year contract in free agency, he lost his starting job midseason and then was beaten out by Jason Craft for the nickel back job. Coaches are hopeful the fearless, competitive Thomas will regain the form that made him a solid starter the previous four seasons. If so, the Saints' secondary will be solid, if not spectacular.