Washington Redskins News - Team Needs: New Orleans Saints

Team Needs: New Orleans Saints

By Bernie Marshall | Category: Washington Redskins News
Originally Posted: 2008-04-03

2007 Results: 7-9
2008 Projected Cap Status: $95,597,100 or $20,402,900 under the projected Cap of $116,000,000

2007 Season Recap:

The 2007 New Orleans Saints had high expectations heading into the year, but a 33-25 loss at Chicago in the final game of the season eliminated them from playoff contention. The Saints finished the 2007 season ranked in the top five in average yards per game (fourth with 361.2) and passing yards per game (third with 269.6) but the defense on the other hand finished in the bottom five in the same categories for yards yielded.

Team Needs:

1. Cornerback – The New Orleans Saints situation at corner is so bad that Kevin Kaesviharn, who should be starting at free safety, was starting at corner. Mike McKenzie is a starting caliber corner but tore the ACL in his right knee in the final game of the 2007 season. Jason David struggled while switching from playing in the Colts' Cover 2 scheme. The Saints face Steve Smith twice a year and only added backup Randall Gay in free agency, so they still need to find a top-flight corner

2. Defensive Tackle – NT Hollis Thomas is an effective run stopper, but isn’t an every-down player. Backups Antwan Lake and Kendrick Clancy also have trouble getting to the quarterback. Free agent Brian Young may re-sign with the team but he is more suited in a 3-4 scheme. The Saints are looking for a player who will be able to rush the passer and defend the run.

3. Offensive Lineman – Center Jeff Faine has left via free agency so the Saints will be looking for someone to anchor the interior line. Jonathan Goodwin is a player who can play either center or guard but is also a unrestricted free agent

2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1, 10th Overall
Round 2, 40th Overall
Round 3, 78th Overall
Round 5, 146th Overall
Round 6, 178th Overall
Round 7, 218th Overall

Free agency status:

Free Agents Signed:

Mark Brunell QB
Randall Gay CB
Bobby McCray DE
Billy Miller TE
Dan Morgan LB

Resigned:

WR Terrance Copper
C/G Jonathan Goodwin
PK Martin Gramatica
TE Eric Johnson
WR David Patten
WR Devery Henderson
TE Billy Miller
OG Jamar Nesbit
MLB Mark Simoneau
RB Aaron Stecker
DT Brian Young

UFA:

C Jeff Faine signed with the Buccaneers
S Jay Bellamy
S Steve Gleason
QB Jamie Martin
CB Fred Thomas
DL Renaldo Wynn
LB Matt McCoy

ERFA:

DE Josh Cooper

This article was released on 2008-04-03.

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