LKelley67

I was surfing trying to find some hint about drafting a WR in the 4th round and came across this March article I had not seen before...
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For a team that has finished 8-8 over the last two seasons, the Saints have been very quiet during the offseason. Although this is the same team that has composed a 32-32 record over the last four seasons, team officials are of the opinion that the team's four-game winning streak at the end of last season is proof that they are headed in the right direction.

Apparently, Saints' general manager Mickey Loomis isn't too concerned with the fact that his defense finished 27th against the pass and 30th against the run last season. Oh, and when you combine the defensive numbers, New Orleans finished dead last in the league in total defense. No big deal, right Mickey?

Actually, we shouldn't be surprised by the lack of movement. After all, this is the same team that refuses to acknowledge that quarterback Aaron Brooks is as mediocre as they come. His touchdown totals have dropped in each of the last three seasons, he's tossed 39 interceptions during that time, and actually fired a 25-yard pass backwards at one point last year.

For Saints' fans, that four-game winning streak was the worst thing that ever could have happened. Not only did the streak put a halt to the front office and coaching staff changes that were being planned, it also seems to have given team officials a sense of complacency that should not exist.

Needs
Head coach Jim Haslett's job was saved by the four-game winning streak. However, it might be just a matter of time before he's on his way out, especially if he continues to ride the Brooks bandwagon. Although this observer considers the quarterback position to be an area of need, Saints' officials continue to back Brooks, even going so far as to pass the buck to offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, who has been replaced by Mike Sheppard.

The most noise the Saints have made during the free agency period so far came on Wednesday when they released wide receiver Jerome Pathon. Granted, that noise amounted to a mere whimper compared to the big free agency signings made by other teams, but it does leave New Orleans with a spot to fill. Furthermore, there are rumblings that the team is finally losing faith in former first-round pick Donte' Stallworth. The oft-injured wide receiver finally played a full slate of games last season, but reports indicate that he spent most of the season nursing one injury or another.

Although the Saints have no plans to release the speedy Stallworth, don't be surprised if they add another wideout via the draft. Top receiver Joe Horn isn't getting any younger, and a new wideout could give Stallworth and 2004 second-round pick Devery Henderson the push for playing time they need.

The Saints signed veteran offensive lineman Jermane Mayberry on Saturday, and hosted fellow lineman Fred Miller on Friday, so it's obvious they intend to beef up their offensive line, which might lead to a rebound of sorts for running back Deuce McAllister. The big question is whether the Saints can find an offensive lineman who can catch the ball the next time Brooks throws a pass in the wrong direction. Yes, we're joking, but keep in mind that Brooks' infamous backward pass was intended for a 300-pound offensive lineman, whom Brooks somehow mistook for McAllister.
http://www.fanball.com/article.cfm/id.3549