2022 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

saintfan · 12-29-2021, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

Lol,

C'mon, guys, Ruiz is an awful lineman. Are we watching the same player?? His entire body of work in 2021 was bad. This off-season, you bring in guys and try to replace (upgrade) him. I wouldn't rule out drafting a guard in the mid-rounds. See Nicks, Evans, McKoy (late 2nd).

To say this guy is about as healthy as you can get, makes me think of how little contact he is making with opponents on a weekly basis. He's not plowing anyone, no lower body strength. Just a bunch of "whiffs".

Drafting Ruiz in the first was an absolute reach.

Was it Tripplet who said after the game we had "a couple guys blocking air"? I believe Ruiz was one and one of these 'off the street' linemen was the other.

Look, things do happen, but you can't block air at this level. If you're 'blocking air' you don't belong up here.

jeanpierre · 12-29-2021, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

Ruiz is in year 2, however, he's starting to look like a reach in the 1st round. He's losing a lot of one on one battles ... all season long.

Wouldn't surprise me to see the Saints go for another O lineman in the 2022 draft. IMO we need better backups as well.

Only backups I'd keep are Throckmartin, Clapp, and Young (if they don't move him to RT)...

Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working...

Have been critical of Armstead's availability vs cap number; funny, it's Ramczyk who's earned first team All Pro, but Armstead gets called All-Pro for a 2nd team recognition...

Armstead had gotten back to missing certain matchups, and with his age, it's time to let Ramczyk be the anchor at Left Tackle...

I'd only keep McCoy, the rest of the starters I'd move for sign and trade cap relief moves, taking Day 3 picks compensation...

It was a mistake to let Sanders go; great value on a WRz cap number; instead of depending on a high a draft pick, rather have a proven veteran opposite @CantGuardMike...

This pushes Ty Montgomery, No.1 and Harris into your 3, 4 and 5 slots, and the remaining talent to compete for that sixth spot...

TreQuan is garbage, let him walk; draft some new WR candidates with Day 2, Day 3 draft picks, likely two new faces with the veteran FA WRz...

K Major · 12-29-2021, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by saintfan

Was it Tripplet who said after the game we had "a couple guys blocking air"? I believe Ruiz was one and one of these 'off the street' linemen was the other.

Look, things do happen, but you can't block air at this level. If you're 'blocking air' you don't belong up here.

Facts.

Yes, you would be correct. Blocking air is a nice term but I like to refer to them as "whiffs". A "whiff" got our Hall of Famer seriously injured. A "whiff" also got Trevor leveled vs Tampa. And we all saw what happened to Ian.

You said it though, at this level of player ... that cannot happen.

The thing with Ruiz though is that he's a repeat offender. Unacceptable productivity from a former 1st rounder.

K Major · 12-29-2021, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Only backups I'd keep are Throckmartin, Clapp, and Young (if they don't move him to RT)...

Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working...

Have been critical of Armstead's availability vs cap number; funny, it's Ramczyk who's earned first team All Pro, but Armstead gets called All-Pro for a 2nd team recognition...

Armstead had gotten back to missing certain matchups, and with his age, it's time to let Ramczyk be the anchor at Left Tackle...

I'd only keep McCoy, the rest of the starters I'd move for sign and trade cap relief moves, taking Day 3 picks compensation...

It was a mistake to let Sanders go; great value on a WRz cap number; instead of depending on a high a draft pick, rather have a proven veteran opposite @CantGuardMike...

This pushes Ty Montgomery, No.1 and Harris into your 3, 4 and 5 slots, and the remaining talent to compete for that sixth spot...

TreQuan is garbage, let him walk; draft some new WR candidates with Day 2, Day 3 draft picks, likely two new faces with the veteran FA WRz...

Agreed.

Saints must get that O-line together this off-season. Via Free agency and/or draft. Our backups have been suspect. Turnstyle play isn't going to cut it.

As for the WR "situation", I've been beating a dead horse on this subject for years now. I wanted Emmanuel on this team (before he signed with San Fran) 4 seasons ago. With Mike T out, we have no route runners on the roster. Guys aren't open because they lack the separation/route ability.

I'm still adamant about going after a young dawg in the 2022 draft ... early on. Last season I was a bit critical of Cincy (they went Free agency for a lineman) taking Chase with their 1st overall selection instead of an O-lineman, however, it's looking like WR was the right move. He's a dawg & helping them win games. Maybe the Saints do the same next season?

As far as Trequan goes, still inconsistent (year 3) & does his weekly disappearing act in meaningful games. Callaway has outshined him and is becoming a legit #3.

Yeah, I'm with you. Let someone else pay Smith next season.

ChrisXVI · 12-29-2021, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working...

Whaaat?! Gotta disagree with you there brother. Hurst is the least of our problems. $3 mil/year for a guy who can competently play four O-Line spots? That’s an excellent depth piece. Far and away better player than Throckmorton and Clapp.

FinSaint · 12-29-2021, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

The thing with Ruiz though is that he's a repeat offender. Unacceptable productivity from a former 1st rounder.

So, maybe the coaching is partly to blame if he keeps doing the same mistakes over and over again while still keeping his spot as a starter?!

He was a good player for Michigan, so what happened?

I remember the verdict being that he was a 1st round talent, but a weird pick for the Saints as they had no need for another center - maybe simply the BPA on the Saints board.

K Major · 12-29-2021, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by FinSaint

So, maybe the coaching is partly to blame if he keeps doing the same mistakes over and over again while still keeping his spot as a starter?!

He was a good player for Michigan, so what happened?

I remember the verdict being that he was a 1st round talent, but a weird pick for the Saints as they had no need for another center - maybe simply the BPA on the Saints board.

Michigan produces great tackles. Interior lineman? ... not so much.

Did you notice his play on Monday? He's looking to block the centers assignment instead of his own (guard). Chris mentioned it in the game day chat but he appears to be confused. Stop looking left <--- while playing guard.

Having studs on his left and right (TA & Ramz) masked his weakness but he's lost. Not just this year either. You can't have these repeated pass protection letdowns. I don't see any other 1st round interior lineman struggling like he is.

Ruiz is going to get another QB seriously injured.

Saints swung and missed on this one. Selecting a guy who played center his whole life and drafting him to be a guard makes no sense.

Lord_Saint83 · 12-29-2021, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

Only backups I'd keep are Throckmartin, Clapp, and Young (if they don't move him to RT)...

Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working...

Have been critical of Armstead's availability vs cap number; funny, it's Ramczyk who's earned first team All Pro, but Armstead gets called All-Pro for a 2nd team recognition...

Armstead had gotten back to missing certain matchups, and with his age, it's time to let Ramczyk be the anchor at Left Tackle...

I'd only keep McCoy, the rest of the starters I'd move for sign and trade cap relief moves, taking Day 3 picks compensation...

It was a mistake to let Sanders go; great value on a WRz cap number; instead of depending on a high a draft pick, rather have a proven veteran opposite @CantGuardMike...

This pushes Ty Montgomery, No.1 and Harris into your 3, 4 and 5 slots, and the remaining talent to compete for that sixth spot...

TreQuan is garbage, let him walk; draft some new WR candidates with Day 2, Day 3 draft picks, likely two new faces with the veteran FA WRz...

I agree with you JP on everything except with Hurst. Hurst is solid in my eyes. He won’t wow you but he’s steady Eddie. Throckmorton’s below average but better than Ruiz though but not by much. He misses a good bit too on blocks.

FinSaint · 12-29-2021, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

Michigan produces great tackles. Interior lineman? ... not so much.

Did you notice his play on Monday? He's looking to block the centers assignment instead of his own (guard). Chris mentioned it in the game day chat but he appears to be confused. Stop looking left <--- while playing guard.

Having studs on his left and right (TA & Ramz) masked his weakness but he's lost. Not just this year either. You can't have these repeated pass protection letdowns. I don't see any other 1st round interior lineman struggling like he is.

Ruiz is going to get another QB seriously injured.

Saints swung and missed on this one. Selecting a guy who played center his whole life and drafting him to be a guard makes no sense.

To be fair, I remember SP stating post-draft that he was picked to be a center and the idea was to move McCoy to guard.

At least that is how I recall it...

I've noticed his mistakes, like everybody watching the games have, but I still hold on hope for there being a chance of redemption with him.

Some guys blossom late, so maybe Ruiz is one of those guys.

AsylumGuido · 12-29-2021, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by FinSaint

To be fair, I remember SP stating post-draft that he was picked to be a center and the idea was to move McCoy to guard.

At least that is how I recall it...

I've noticed his mistakes, like everybody watching the games have, but I still hold on hope for there being a chance of redemption with him.

Some guys blossom late, so maybe Ruiz is one of those guys.

Some degree of continuity on the line could work wonders with the blooming. It's got to be difficult when the guys on either side of him have to wear "Hello My Name Is" name tags.

12-29-2021, 10:08 AM	#1131
saintfan Donated Plasma Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 18,556 Blog Entries: 5	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Lol, C'mon, guys, Ruiz is an awful lineman. Are we watching the same player?? His entire body of work in 2021 was bad. This off-season, you bring in guys and try to replace (upgrade) him. I wouldn't rule out drafting a guard in the mid-rounds. See Nicks, Evans, McKoy (late 2nd). To say this guy is about as healthy as you can get, makes me think of how little contact he is making with opponents on a weekly basis. He's not plowing anyone, no lower body strength. Just a bunch of "whiffs". Drafting Ruiz in the first was an absolute reach. Was it Tripplet who said after the game we had "a couple guys blocking air"? I believe Ruiz was one and one of these 'off the street' linemen was the other. Look, things do happen, but you can't block air at this level. If you're 'blocking air' you don't belong up here. jeanpierre and K Major like this.

12-29-2021, 10:10 AM	#1132
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Ruiz is in year 2, however, he's starting to look like a reach in the 1st round. He's losing a lot of one on one battles ... all season long. Wouldn't surprise me to see the Saints go for another O lineman in the 2022 draft. IMO we need better backups as well. Only backups I'd keep are Throckmartin, Clapp, and Young (if they don't move him to RT)... Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working... Have been critical of Armstead's availability vs cap number; funny, it's Ramczyk who's earned first team All Pro, but Armstead gets called All-Pro for a 2nd team recognition... Armstead had gotten back to missing certain matchups, and with his age, it's time to let Ramczyk be the anchor at Left Tackle... I'd only keep McCoy, the rest of the starters I'd move for sign and trade cap relief moves, taking Day 3 picks compensation... It was a mistake to let Sanders go; great value on a WRz cap number; instead of depending on a high a draft pick, rather have a proven veteran opposite @CantGuardMike... This pushes Ty Montgomery, No.1 and Harris into your 3, 4 and 5 slots, and the remaining talent to compete for that sixth spot... TreQuan is garbage, let him walk; draft some new WR candidates with Day 2, Day 3 draft picks, likely two new faces with the veteran FA WRz... Rugby Saint II, K Major and Lord_Saint83 like this.
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12-29-2021, 10:14 AM	#1133
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,018 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by saintfan Was it Tripplet who said after the game we had "a couple guys blocking air"? I believe Ruiz was one and one of these 'off the street' linemen was the other. Look, things do happen, but you can't block air at this level. If you're 'blocking air' you don't belong up here. Facts. Yes, you would be correct. Blocking air is a nice term but I like to refer to them as "whiffs". A "whiff" got our Hall of Famer seriously injured. A "whiff" also got Trevor leveled vs Tampa. And we all saw what happened to Ian. You said it though, at this level of player ... that cannot happen. The thing with Ruiz though is that he's a repeat offender. Unacceptable productivity from a former 1st rounder. jeanpierre and Rugby Saint II like this.

12-29-2021, 10:29 AM	#1134
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,018 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by jeanpierre Only backups I'd keep are Throckmartin, Clapp, and Young (if they don't move him to RT)... Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working... Have been critical of Armstead's availability vs cap number; funny, it's Ramczyk who's earned first team All Pro, but Armstead gets called All-Pro for a 2nd team recognition... Armstead had gotten back to missing certain matchups, and with his age, it's time to let Ramczyk be the anchor at Left Tackle... I'd only keep McCoy, the rest of the starters I'd move for sign and trade cap relief moves, taking Day 3 picks compensation... It was a mistake to let Sanders go; great value on a WRz cap number; instead of depending on a high a draft pick, rather have a proven veteran opposite @CantGuardMike... This pushes Ty Montgomery, No.1 and Harris into your 3, 4 and 5 slots, and the remaining talent to compete for that sixth spot... TreQuan is garbage, let him walk; draft some new WR candidates with Day 2, Day 3 draft picks, likely two new faces with the veteran FA WRz... Agreed. Saints must get that O-line together this off-season. Via Free agency and/or draft. Our backups have been suspect. Turnstyle play isn't going to cut it. As for the WR "situation", I've been beating a dead horse on this subject for years now. I wanted Emmanuel on this team (before he signed with San Fran) 4 seasons ago. With Mike T out, we have no route runners on the roster. Guys aren't open because they lack the separation/route ability. I'm still adamant about going after a young dawg in the 2022 draft ... early on. Last season I was a bit critical of Cincy (they went Free agency for a lineman) taking Chase with their 1st overall selection instead of an O-lineman, however, it's looking like WR was the right move. He's a dawg & helping them win games. Maybe the Saints do the same next season? As far as Trequan goes, still inconsistent (year 3) & does his weekly disappearing act in meaningful games. Callaway has outshined him and is becoming a legit #3. Yeah, I'm with you. Let someone else pay Smith next season. jeanpierre and Rugby Saint II like this.
	“Winning is a habit, but losing is too.” Russell Wilson

12-29-2021, 10:33 AM	#1135
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by jeanpierre Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working... Whaaat?! Gotta disagree with you there brother. Hurst is the least of our problems. $3 mil/year for a guy who can competently play four O-Line spots? That’s an excellent depth piece. Far and away better player than Throckmorton and Clapp. Lord_Saint83 likes this.

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12-29-2021, 01:23 PM	#1136
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,955	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major The thing with Ruiz though is that he's a repeat offender. Unacceptable productivity from a former 1st rounder. So, maybe the coaching is partly to blame if he keeps doing the same mistakes over and over again while still keeping his spot as a starter?! He was a good player for Michigan, so what happened? I remember the verdict being that he was a 1st round talent, but a weird pick for the Saints as they had no need for another center - maybe simply the BPA on the Saints board.

12-29-2021, 01:34 PM	#1137
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,018 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by FinSaint So, maybe the coaching is partly to blame if he keeps doing the same mistakes over and over again while still keeping his spot as a starter?! He was a good player for Michigan, so what happened? I remember the verdict being that he was a 1st round talent, but a weird pick for the Saints as they had no need for another center - maybe simply the BPA on the Saints board. Michigan produces great tackles. Interior lineman? ... not so much. Did you notice his play on Monday? He's looking to block the centers assignment instead of his own (guard). Chris mentioned it in the game day chat but he appears to be confused. Stop looking left <--- while playing guard. Having studs on his left and right (TA & Ramz) masked his weakness but he's lost. Not just this year either. You can't have these repeated pass protection letdowns. I don't see any other 1st round interior lineman struggling like he is. Ruiz is going to get another QB seriously injured. Saints swung and missed on this one. Selecting a guy who played center his whole life and drafting him to be a guard makes no sense. jeanpierre and Rugby Saint II like this.
	“Winning is a habit, but losing is too.” Russell Wilson

12-29-2021, 02:14 PM	#1138
Lord_Saint83 100% Blunt Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Saint Gabriel, La Posts: 2,754	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by jeanpierre Only backups I'd keep are Throckmartin, Clapp, and Young (if they don't move him to RT)... Hurst is garbage - can't get movement on the inside, can defend the edge, and for FA money? No this isn't working... Have been critical of Armstead's availability vs cap number; funny, it's Ramczyk who's earned first team All Pro, but Armstead gets called All-Pro for a 2nd team recognition... Armstead had gotten back to missing certain matchups, and with his age, it's time to let Ramczyk be the anchor at Left Tackle... I'd only keep McCoy, the rest of the starters I'd move for sign and trade cap relief moves, taking Day 3 picks compensation... It was a mistake to let Sanders go; great value on a WRz cap number; instead of depending on a high a draft pick, rather have a proven veteran opposite @CantGuardMike... This pushes Ty Montgomery, No.1 and Harris into your 3, 4 and 5 slots, and the remaining talent to compete for that sixth spot... TreQuan is garbage, let him walk; draft some new WR candidates with Day 2, Day 3 draft picks, likely two new faces with the veteran FA WRz... I agree with you JP on everything except with Hurst. Hurst is solid in my eyes. He won’t wow you but he’s steady Eddie. Throckmorton’s below average but better than Ruiz though but not by much. He misses a good bit too on blocks.

12-29-2021, 02:31 PM	#1139
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,955	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Michigan produces great tackles. Interior lineman? ... not so much. Did you notice his play on Monday? He's looking to block the centers assignment instead of his own (guard). Chris mentioned it in the game day chat but he appears to be confused. Stop looking left <--- while playing guard. Having studs on his left and right (TA & Ramz) masked his weakness but he's lost. Not just this year either. You can't have these repeated pass protection letdowns. I don't see any other 1st round interior lineman struggling like he is. Ruiz is going to get another QB seriously injured. Saints swung and missed on this one. Selecting a guy who played center his whole life and drafting him to be a guard makes no sense. To be fair, I remember SP stating post-draft that he was picked to be a center and the idea was to move McCoy to guard. At least that is how I recall it... I've noticed his mistakes, like everybody watching the games have, but I still hold on hope for there being a chance of redemption with him. Some guys blossom late, so maybe Ruiz is one of those guys. AsylumGuido, Rugby Saint II and ChrisXVI like this.

12-29-2021, 03:35 PM	#1140
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 24,391	Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by FinSaint To be fair, I remember SP stating post-draft that he was picked to be a center and the idea was to move McCoy to guard. At least that is how I recall it... I've noticed his mistakes, like everybody watching the games have, but I still hold on hope for there being a chance of redemption with him. Some guys blossom late, so maybe Ruiz is one of those guys. Some degree of continuity on the line could work wonders with the blooming. It's got to be difficult when the guys on either side of him have to wear "Hello My Name Is" name tags.