FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18

Danno · 04-18-2005, 07:23 AM

The Saints are receiving different results from their two highest picks in the 2003 draft. Offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb has blossomed in the offseason conditioning program and now ranks among the strongest players on the roster. A lack of strength, particularly in the lower body, was one of Stinchcomb's biggest drawbacks when the Saints drafted him in the second round. It's also a major reason why he has played sparingly since then. However, his progress and positive attitude have created optimism among club officials. His progress gives the club confidence that he could fill in at either tackle spot if starters Wayne Gandy or Jermane Mayberry are injured. In fact, it's not out of the question that Stinchcomb could challenge for the starting right tackle spot if Mayberry struggles to make the switch from right guard. . . .
By contrast, Johnathan Sullivan has disappointed team officials with his lack of progress. Entering his third season, the former first-round pick has yet to show the drive and commitment it takes to be a productive starter. His conditioning again ranks among the worst on the team, and his attitude continues to be inconsistent. As a result, the Saints almost certainly will select a defensive tackle at some point in the draft as insurance. The club has little depth at nose tackle behind Howard Green.
SCOUTING REPORT: Safety/special teams ace Steve Gleason is in tremendous shape after a strong offseason of strength and conditioning work in Arizona. Gleason is a Steve Tasker-like force on special teams. He's a sure tackler who plays with great intensity. As a safety, Gleason is a bit of a 'tweener. He's somewhat undersized at strong safety and not quite fast enough and athletic enough to man the free safety spot. Gleason dedicated himself after an injury-filled 2004 season in which he missed time because of a broken hand, concussion and pulled hamstring. The hand injury prevented Gleason from weight-training his upper body, and his weight dropped below 200 pounds. This season he's already at 215 and all of the new weight is muscle.

04-18-2005, 07:23 AM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,748	FOX (TSN) Team Report 4/18 The Saints are receiving different results from their two highest picks in the 2003 draft. Offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb has blossomed in the offseason conditioning program and now ranks among the strongest players on the roster. A lack of strength, particularly in the lower body, was one of Stinchcomb's biggest drawbacks when the Saints drafted him in the second round. It's also a major reason why he has played sparingly since then. However, his progress and positive attitude have created optimism among club officials. His progress gives the club confidence that he could fill in at either tackle spot if starters Wayne Gandy or Jermane Mayberry are injured. In fact, it's not out of the question that Stinchcomb could challenge for the starting right tackle spot if Mayberry struggles to make the switch from right guard. . . . By contrast, Johnathan Sullivan has disappointed team officials with his lack of progress. Entering his third season, the former first-round pick has yet to show the drive and commitment it takes to be a productive starter. His conditioning again ranks among the worst on the team, and his attitude continues to be inconsistent. As a result, the Saints almost certainly will select a defensive tackle at some point in the draft as insurance. The club has little depth at nose tackle behind Howard Green. SCOUTING REPORT: Safety/special teams ace Steve Gleason is in tremendous shape after a strong offseason of strength and conditioning work in Arizona. Gleason is a Steve Tasker-like force on special teams. He's a sure tackler who plays with great intensity. As a safety, Gleason is a bit of a 'tweener. He's somewhat undersized at strong safety and not quite fast enough and athletic enough to man the free safety spot. Gleason dedicated himself after an injury-filled 2004 season in which he missed time because of a broken hand, concussion and pulled hamstring. The hand injury prevented Gleason from weight-training his upper body, and his weight dropped below 200 pounds. This season he's already at 215 and all of the new weight is muscle.