ScottyRo

WHAT I'LL BE LOOKING FOR AT MINICAMP THIS WEEKEND: With minicamp set to start tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., followed by an open-to-the-public practice at 4 p.m., I have a mental checklist of items I plan to watch for ... Who will step up as the No. 3 receiver? Michael Lewis, Talman Gardner, Devery Henderson and Nate Poole are all in the running. Murmurs around our building suggest that the fleet-footed Henderson has made great strides heading into his second season, though all four bring different skill sets to the table ... While not in full pads, it should be fun to check out the 700-pounds of bulk added to the right side of the offensive line in free agent guard Jermaine Mayberry and rookie tackle Jammal Brown ... With so many "horses" at the tight end position, it should be interesting to see where each guy fits in and who the odd man out might be. Ernie Conwell is fully healthy in his third season with the club. Boo Williams paced the squad with 33 grabs last year. Lamont Hall brings back his blocking skills and veteran locker room presence. Zachary Hilton has honed his skills on the practice squad for two seasons and is an intriguing red zone target at 6-foot-8. Newcomer Shad Meier, a quietly positive free agent addition, brings 25 receptions from 2004 with him from Tennessee ... Defensively the story late last season was the development of a young linebacking corps that included Colby Bockwoldt, Courtney Watson and James Allen. The trio helped hold opponents to just over 15 points per game during the club's 4-0 run to end the season. How have they progressed since then and are they developing cohesion as a unit? ... With three bonafide studs at defensive end -- Darren Howard, Charles Grant and Will Smith -- it will be fun to watch our pass rush from the edge ... Lastly, I want to see how different the offense looks under new coordinator and former quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard. It has been widely reported that things will be simpler with an emphasis on the run. The thought of 25 carries per game must have running back Deuce McAllister chomping at the bit ... Public practices are Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. Gates open about 30 minutes before practice.

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news...articleid=1468

He has a decidedly more positive attitude about some players like D. Henderson and Shad Meier. I hope it's not just the air in the building provoking a euphoria.

Euphoria

OH the potential...