The drafting of Jammal Brown will have a domino effect on the offensive line. Veteran free agent Jermane Mayberry can stay at right guard, which is the position he played for most of his career in Philadelphia. Right guard Montrae Holland will shift to left guard, where he'll compete and probably supplant Kendyl Jacox. The staff wasn't happy with Jacox's play last season. He was not in great condition and lost the quickness and agility that made him a top guard during his first two seasons. With Brown, Mayberry and Holland, the line has upgraded three positions. The right side should be particularly powerful with Brown and Mayberry. . . .

Don't be surprised if rookie Alfred Fincher pushes for playing time as a rookie. He has natural leadership skills and is the kind of take-charge leader the unit has lacked in recent years. If nothing else, Fincher will push second-year linebacker Courtney Watson and make him a better player. . . .

Quarterback Aaron Brooks is quietly enjoying one of his best offseasons. He has been a leader in the club's offseason conditioning program and has dedicated himself to being a more vocal leader. The coaching staff is ecstatic with his progress.

SCOUTING REPORT: Running back Deuce McAllister is the heart and soul of the offense, but he needs to dedicate himself more to the weight room and get in better shape.

McAllister has the frame to carry 240 pounds and still be effective, but he's a truly special talent when he plays around 225 pounds. At that weight he retains the breakaway speed that allows him to outrun defensive backs and make big plays. McAllister is more comfortable running between the tackles, but he can also make plays outside. He is an excellent receiver and has improved tremendously as a blocker. Because of his selfless attitude and commitment, he's one of the most respected players on the team. There are few weaknesses in his game.

HARD TRUTH: The Saints did their homework on rookie quarterback Adrian McPherson and were smart to wait until the fifth round to take a chance on him. But there's reason to be concerned about a kid who is still not being open about his involvement with a gambling scandal at Florida State University two years ago. McPherson lied to FSU coach Bobby Bowden, one of the more lenient coaches around. What's to say he won't do the same to Jim Haslett? There's a reason several teams eliminated McPherson entirely from their draft boards.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: C. Brian Young plays with heart and non-stop hustle, but he needs to be complemented by a superior run stuffer. Johnathan Sullivan should have been that guy, but he's been a major bust.