Yea or Nay: Saints’ trade options mixed
April 25, 2008
Yea or Nay: Saints’ trade options mixed – David Gladow – New Orleans Sports
Posted by David Gladow, NOLA.com April 24, 2008 3:31PM
Categories: NFL, Saints
AP Photo / Jim MoneJared Allen is all smiles … but will the Vikings be too?We’ve seen a lot of trade activity in the NFL over the past several days, and we’re sure to see even more as the 2008 NFL Draft inches closer and eventually gets underway.Two of the bigger names out there “on the block,” Jared Allen and Pacman Jones, are now spoken for. The Vikings acquired Allen from the Chiefs in exchange for three draft picks (including their first-rounder) and a boatload of cash. Interestingly, Allen is in danger of being suspended for a year (or longer) if he fails another substance abuse test. The other man to recently switch teams, Jones, is already suspended and could only fetch the Titans fourth- and sixth-round picks. So the lesson is clear. If you’re running an NFL franchise and want anything for your troubled superstar, trade him before he gets suspended.
With that in mind, here are some of the bigger names still on the market. We’ll give you odds on the Saints making a play for them … as well as thoughts on whether they should.
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin – Boldin and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, are making noise about wanting out of Arizona, though the Cardinals don’t seem keen on making that happen. They attempted to re-sign him over the winter (he turned them down), and they’ve passed on trade offers from other teams (rumored to be Washington and Philadelphia). Given the apparent difficulty in trying to convince the Cards to make a deal (and the inevitable terror of a contract negotiation with Rosenhaus), the Saints don’t seem liable to bring him aboard.
Chance of Saints acquisition: 3%
Good move?: No.Bengals WR Chad Johnson – Johnson is holding out in Cincinnati, and guess who his agent is? Yep, it’s Rosenhaus. And things have gotten nasty here, with Johnson throwing his coach, his quarterback and anyone willing to listen under the bus in his attempt to force a trade. The Bengals, at least on the surface, aren’t biting. They’ve reportedly turned down a first-round pick from the Redskins already, and the thought process is that they aren’t bluffing about this … they’d just as soon watch Johnson’s career rot away on the sidelines as get something for him from a different team. Barring a sudden change of heart, Johnson looks stuck in Cinci, which given his current foul temperament and lack of maturity, seems like a good thing for New Orleans. Could the Saints use more talent at receiver? Sure. Adding a team cancer (whilst surrendering draft picks to do so) at a position of relative strength, however, does not pass muster.
Chance of Saints acquisition: 1%
Good move?: No.Jets DT Dwayne Robertson – It’s no secret the Jets have been shopping the former top-five draft pick this offseason, as the Bengals and Broncos are rumored to have shown interest (the Bengals nearly acquired him two months ago). The defensive tackle has not lived up to expectations and is not a great fit in the current Jets scheme, but a change of scenery could help him. The Saints have not been tied to Robertson in any fashion to date, meaning the odds of a trade are fairly low, but he wouldn’t be a bad pickup … for the right price. A mid-round pick might be a reasonable price to pay, especially if New Orleans fails to draft a defensive tackle in the top ten.
Chance of Saints acquisition: 10%
Good move?: Yes.Eagles CB Lito Sheppard – The Saints have not been directly tied to Sheppard in trade discussions, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about his acquisition for several months now. The Eagles have made it clear to other teams that Sheppard is available, but whether New Orleans has actually inquired about a possible deal is really anyone’s guess at this point. Sheppard, who has struggled some with injuries in recent seasons, was deemed expendable in Philadelphia thanks to the offseason acquisition of Asante Samuel. But Sheppard is still a young, exceptionally talented (and acclaimed) cornerback … meaning the Saints should explore this possibility thoroughly.
Chance of Saints acquisition: 20%
Good move?: Yes.Giants TE Jeremy Shockey – Much has already been made of Shockey’s unhappiness in New York, the Giants’ willingness to trade him and the Saints’ pursuit of just such a deal. The Saints are confirmed to have interest, and a negotiation has already taken place. The sudden appearance of Seattle on the scene complicates things some, but the Giants still figure to have trouble getting their asking price. If the Saints can come up some on their offer, they’ll have a good chance of acquiring him. But should they? I say look to the Super Bowl – the Giants won the thing without him, and the Saints can too. An upgrade at tight end makes a great deal of sense, but Shockey’s ridiculous antics and “me-first” attitude make him a risky pickup … at best.
Chance of Saints acquisition: 55%
Good move?: No.Dolphins DE Jason Taylor – The Dolphins officially put Taylor onto the trade block this afternoon, even though it’s been pretty apparent for about four months now that he could be had in a deal. The Dolphins are publicly asking for a first-round draft pick … which they’ll never get. If they lower their asking price they’ll start to get some nibbles. Taylor can still contribute at an elite level for whoever picks him up, but for how long? His age and contract are working against him, but if he only costs you a late No. 2 or No. 3 draft choice, he’d make a lot of sense for anyone (pass rushers don’t exactly grow on trees, folks).
Chance of Saints acquisition: 15%
Good move?: Yes.Bears LB Brian Urlacher – The Bears don’t seem to be in a hurry to deal him, but Urlacher has expressed interest in a new contract ever since the team re-signed Lance Briggs. Remember when people were wondering why the Bears weren’t willing to pay Briggs like a Pro Bowler the past two seasons? This is why. Urlacher now wants a deal far beyond what he’s worth … which the Bears will either have to pay or choose to unload the dissatisfied linebacker. From the Saints’ perspective, acquiring another veteran linebacker to team with the three dozen they already have wouldn’t appear to be the sanest course of action on the surface. Add in what’s sure to be a bloated contract, and New Orleans is probably better off addressing the position in the draft … if at all.
Chance of Saints acquisition: 5%
Good move?: No.DT, CB among Saints’ most pressing needs
April 25, 2008
DT, CB among Saints’ most pressing needs – New Orleans Saints Beat – Times-Picayune NFL – NOLA.com
Posted by Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune April 24, 2008 10:08PM
Categories: SaintsThe Saints have no business picking 10th in this year’s draft.
They were supposed to win the NFC South and make a Super Bowl run last season, remember?
Even after that dream died, they still should have the 18th or 19th pick. Instead, they lost their last two games to finish 7-9, while fellow non-contenders like Philadelphia, Arizona, Chicago and Carolina vaulted past them in the standings. Thanks to a series of tiebreakers, the Saints “won” the 10th pick ahead of five other teams with the same record.
That’s still not high enough, though, is it?
Not for everyone in the Saints’ fan base — and maybe even in the front office — who will be going to bed tonight with visions of Glenn Dorsey and Jeremy Shockey dancing in their heads.
Sure, it would be nice for the Saints to have a little more ammunition to work with this weekend. But the 10th pick isn’t bad for a deep, talented, bona-fide contender like the Saints. One or two more impact playmakers could really help push them over the top in 2008.
Even if the Saints stay put with the picks they have, they’ll get a crack at some serious talent. Heading into this weekend, we break down the Saints’ depth chart, ranked in order of team needs, and point out some prospects who might be flying into New Orleans come Saturday night:
1. DEFENSIVE TACKLE
OVERVIEW: The Saints have some decent depth, with their top four players all back from last season. But they need to get younger, more athletic and more disruptive up front. That’s why LSU’s Dorsey would be the dream scenario — the best impact player available at the Saints’ biggest need position.
Don’t get your hopes up, though. Even though the Saints have inquired about moving up in the draft, we don’t see why St. Louis or Atlanta would be willing to drop that far out of the top three — unless the price is astronomical. USC’s Sedrick Ellis is the next best thing, but he won’t fall to No.¤10 either, so the Saints would still have to trade up to get him. If you’re on the Ellis bandwagon, you should root for offensive players like quarterback Matt Ryan and tailback Darren McFadden to go early in the draft. If Ellis slips past the top six picks, the Saints might be able to move up two or three spots to get him.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Hollis Thomas, Brian Young, Antwan Lake, Kendrick Clancy, McKinley Boykin.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: Dorsey, Ellis. Round 2: Notre Dame’s Trevor Laws, Auburn’s Pat Sims, Arkansas’ Marcus Harrison, Maryland’s Dre Moore.
2. CORNERBACK
OVERVIEW: Even after signing free agents Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn this offseason, the Saints still need to upgrade their talent and their playmaking ability. They’ve been getting torched over the top the past two years.
There are a handful of corners who could be worth the 10th pick Saturday — starting with Troy’s Leodis McKelvin, a dynamic athlete who also happens to be one of the best return specialists in the draft. If the Saints don’t trade up, and McKelvin is still available at No.¤10, we think he’ll be the Saints’ pick.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Mike McKenzie, Gay, Jason David, Jason Craft, Glenn, Usama Young, Anwar Phillips, Greg Fassitt.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: McKelvin, Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, South Florida’s Mike Jenkins, Kansas’ Aqib Talib. Round 2: Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers, Indiana’s Tracy Porter, Arizona’s Antoine Cason, Penn State’s Justin King, Iowa’s Charles Godfrey.
3. OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
OVERVIEW: Scott Fujita is entrenched on the strong side, and the Saints should have an interesting competition between Scott Shanle and Dan Morgan on the weak side this summer. Still, they won’t hesitate to add an injection of youth and athleticism into a corps that is more solid than spectacular.
In fact, we’re projecting that USC linebacker Keith Rivers will be the Saints’ first-round pick Saturday if they stay put at No.¤10, since we don’t think Dorsey, Ellis or McKelvin will be available.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Fujita, Shanle, Morgan, Troy Evans.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: Rivers, Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo. Round 2: Auburn’s Quentin Groves, Virginia Tech’s Xavier Adibi, Maryland’s Erin Henderson, Miami’s Tavares Gooden.
4. TIGHT END
OVERVIEW: The Saints have a solid trio on the roster, but Coach Sean Payton misses the old days when he used to work with offensive weapons like Jason Witten in Dallas and Jeremy Shockey. That’s why the Saints have at least inquired about Shockey’s availability in a trade, and why they might just give up their second-round pick to get him. If they keep that second-round pick, the Saints might go ahead and use it on a tight end anyway.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Eric Johnson, Billy Miller, Mark Campbell, Ronnie Ghent, Buck Ortega.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: None. Round 2: Purdue’s Dustin Keller, Texas A&M’s Martellus Bennett, USC’s Fred Davis, Notre Dame’s John Carlson.
5. SAFETY
OVERVIEW: The cornerbacks take most of the blame for the Saints’ secondary issues, but the safeties have given up more than their share of big plays. Although the Saints’ top three safeties have shown talent and potential, this is another spot where the team could upgrade.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Roman Harper, Josh Bullocks, Kevin Kaesviharn, Chris Reis.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: None. Round 2: Miami’s Kenny Phillips, North Carolina State’s DaJuan Morgan, Arkansas State’s Tyrell Johnson.
6. DEFENSIVE END
OVERVIEW: Have we mentioned that the Saints need to get more dynamic and disruptive on defense? The Saints seem pretty well stocked at defensive end after signing free agent Bobby McCray, but they can find a way to get another pass rusher on the field. The Saints’ pass rush was just as guilty as the secondary last year for allowing all those long touchdown passes.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Will Smith, Charles Grant, McCray, Josh Cooper, Orien Harris, Josh Savage.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: Virginia’s Chris Long, Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston, Florida’s Derrick Harvey. Round 2: USC’s Lawrence Jackson, Miami’s Calais Campbell.
7. CENTER/GUARD
OVERVIEW: We’re saving a little newsprint here by combining these two positions because a few of the Saints’ interior linemen have enough versatility to play either position. Ideally, the Saints would like to find a center who can develop behind new starter Jonathan Goodwin and new backup Matt Lehr.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: G Jahri Evans, G Jamar Nesbit, C/G Goodwin, C/G Lehr, G Andy Alleman, G Tim Duckworth.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: Virginia G Branden Albert. Round 2: Arizona State C Mike Pollak.
8. RUNNING BACK
OVERVIEW: The Saints aren’t desperate here. Even if Deuce McAllister is unable to return to form, they have some nice depth behind him. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to add some insurance.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: McAllister, Reggie Bush, Aaron Stecker, Pierre Thomas, Jamaal Branch, Chris Barclay.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: Arkansas’ Darren McFadden, Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall. Round 2: Texas’ Jamaal Charles, Rutgers’ Ray Rice, Tulane’s Matt Forte, East Carolina’s Chris Johnson.
9. MIDDLE LINEBACKER
OVERVIEW: The Saints already made their biggest move of the draft when they traded their fourth-round pick to the Jets for Jonathan Vilma. He’s coming back from knee surgery, though, and he’s only under contract for one more season. So this is another spot where the Saints could look to add some insurance.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Vilma, Mark Simoneau, Marvin Mitchell.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: None. Round 2: Penn State’s Dan Connor, Oklahoma’s Curtis Lofton.
10. WIDE RECEIVER
OVERVIEW: After bringing back their top six receivers from last year, the Saints are plenty deep. Of course, there is plenty of room to upgrade, with only Marques Colston’s name written in ink on the depth chart.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Colston, David Patten, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore, Terrance Copper, Skyler Green, Titus Ryan, Carlton Brewster
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: None. Round 2: Indiana’s James Hardy, Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, Michigan’s Mario Manningham.
11. OFFENSIVE TACKLE
OVERVIEW: Right tackle Jon Stinchcomb is heading into the last year of his contract, and left tackle Jammal Brown has a history of injuries. So it wouldn’t be a complete jaw-dropper to see a value pick here in Round 1 or Round 2. But the Saints really like both of their young backups, Zach Strief and Jermon Bushrod, whom they drafted in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Brown, Stinchcomb, Strief, Bushrod.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams, Pittsburgh’s Jeff Otah. Round 2: USC’s Sam Baker, Virginia Tech’s Duane Brown.
12. QUARTERBACK
OVERVIEW: This depends on how much confidence the Saints have in Tyler Palko as their future backup. Chances are, they’ll give him someone to compete with, either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, Tyler Palko.
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: None.
13. FULLBACK
OVERVIEW: This position hasn’t really been in play since the Saints drafted Mike Karney in 2004, though the team could be on the lookout for a hybrid back who can serve as a short-yardage runner.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: Mike Karney, Kevin Dudley
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: None.
14. SPECIAL TEAMS
OVERVIEW: The Saints will probably sign an undrafted free-agent kicker and punter to compete with incumbents Martin Gramatica and Steve Weatherford, rather than use one of their six picks on a specialist.
They could definitely use an upgrade in the return game, though, so dual threats like McKelvin will be especially attractive.
CURRENT DEPTH CHART: K Gramatica, P Weatherford, LS Kevin Houser, PR Lance Moore, PR Reggie Bush, KR Pierre Thomas, KR Aaron Stecker
POSSIBLE DAY 1 TARGETS: Round 1: CB/PR McKelvin.
Mike Triplett can be reached at mtriplett@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3405.
A closer look at the defensive tackles
April 24, 2008
A closer look at the defensive tackles- NOLA.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008Glenn Dorsey
LSU
6-2, 297
Questions continue to dog Dorsey about the health of his right knee, despite the fact that doctors have given him a clean bill of health. Once considered a lock to be the No. 1 overall pick, but now likely in the top three.
Sedrick Ellis
Southern California
6-1, 309
Ellis’ performance during Senior Bowl week spoke volumes about his ability. He was dominant. Voted by Pacific-10 offensive linemen as the best defensive lineman in the conference.
Kentwan Balmer
North Carolina
6-5, 308
His decision not to participate at the Senior Bowl and some
less-than-impressive numbers at the combine in February in
Indianapolis likely dropped him into the bottom half of the
draft’s first round and cost him plenty of money.Trevor Laws
Notre Dame
6-1, 304
He has a quick first step that teams on the next level look
for in an interior tackle, but that might not be enough to
push him into the end of the first round. Played defensive
end as senior after the Irish switched to 3-4.Pat Sims
Auburn
6-2, 310
He was slowed by a groin injury at the combine, and it
adversely affected his measurables which didn’t improve
at pro day. But it’s hard to ignore the way he played
during his last season in the Southeastern Conference, where
he was dominant.
Dre Moore
Maryland
6-4, 305
He was unimpressive at the Senior Bowl, but he bounced back
and put up good numbers at the combine. Such
inconsistencies, however, have put up a red flag. Still
inexperienced; played just two years of high school
football.Marcus Harrison
Arkansas
6-3, 317
He is troubled by a knee injury and off-the-field issues (an
arrest) that have greatly diminished his value. A mediocre
Senior Bowl showing didn’t help, but he bounced back
nicely at pro day.DeMario Pressley
North Carolina State
6-3, 301
He hasn’t lived up to the potential many scouts thought
he had at the beginning of his college career. He was nagged
by long string of injuries during his senior season, as well
as an unimpressive Senior Bowl.Red Bryant
Texas A&M
6-4, 318
He showed quickness, hustle and decent strength at the
Senior Bowl and bettered his time (4.9 seconds) in the
40-yard dash at the Aggies’ pro day after running a 5.0
at the combine. He’s credited with 12 third-down
tackles as senior.Ahtyba Rubin
Iowa State
6-3, 315
He takes up a lot of space on the inside and has proven to
be a good run stuffer, as well as an adequate pass rusher.
He accepted a late invitation to the Senior Bowl and
didn’t waste the opportunity.All-Americans: Dorsey and Ellis (first team).
Award winners: Dorsey — Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski
Award, Vince Lombardi Award.Best underclassman: Sims.
Potential first-round picks: Dorsey, Ellis, Balmer
Sleepers: Colin Ferrell, Kent. He didn’t attend the
combine, but he ran 4.86 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day
and had an impressive 35-inch vertical jump. High-energy
player who could surprise.Best of Louisiana: Dorsey.
Compiled by Jimmy Smith
Times Picayune Mock Draft
April 23, 2008
MOCK DRAFT — Mike Triplett Staff writer- NOLA.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2008You might notice a lack of quarterbacks in The Times-Picayune’s latest mock draft, now that we’ve bumped Louisville’s Brian Brohm. The problem is that we aren’t projecting trades, and we don’t see any teams in the bottom half of the draft who need a quarterback badly enough. The Packers could go with a quarterback at No. 30, but the best guess is that one or two teams trade up into the first round to take Brohm. The competition for Delaware’s Joe Flacco or Michigan’s Chad Henne could get heated between the Falcons, Ravens, Panthers and Bears. The Chargers at No. 27 and the Cowboys at No. 28 would be willing to trade down.
Pick | Team | Player | Pos. | College
1 | Dolphins | Jake Long | OT | Michigan
2 | Rams | Chris Long | DE | Virginia
3 | Falcons | Matt Ryan | QB | Boston College
4 | Raiders | Glenn Dorsey | DT | LSU
5 | Chiefs | Vernon Gholston | DE/LB | Ohio State
6 | Jets | Darren McFadden | RB | Arkansas
7 | Patriots | Sedrick Ellis | DT | USC
8 | Ravens | Leodis McKelvin | CB | Troy
9 | Bengals | Derrick Harvey | DE | Florida
10 | SAINTS | KEITH RIVERS | LB | USC
11 | Bills | Ryan Clady | OT | Boise State
12 | Broncos | Branden Albert | G/T | Virginia
13 | Panthers | Rashard Mendenhall | RB | Illinois
14 | Bears | Chris Williams | OT | Vanderbilt
15 | Lions | Phillip Merling | DE | Clemson
16 | Cardinals | Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | CB | Tenn. State
17 | Vikings | Mike Jenkins | CB | South Florida
18 | Texans | Jonathan Stewart | RB | Oregon
19 | Eagles | Jeff Otah | OT | Pittsburgh
20 | Buccaneers | Devin Thomas | WR | Michigan State
21 | Redskins | Aqib Talib | CB | Kansas
22 | Cowboys | Felix Jones | RB | Arkansas
23 | Steelers | Dan Connor | LB | Penn State
24 | Titans | DeSean Jackson | WR | California
25 | Seahawks | Limas Sweed | WR | Texas
26 | Jaguars | Kentwan Balmer | DT | North Carolina
27 | Chargers | Gosder Cherilus | OT | Boston College
28 | Cowboys | Brandon Flowers | CB | Virginia Tech
29 | 49ers | Quentin Groves | LB | Auburn
30 | Packers | Kenny Phillips | S | Miami
31 | Giants | Jerod Mayo | LB | Tennessee
Loomis previews Saints’ draft
April 23, 2008
Loomis previews Saints’ draft – New Orleans Saints Beat – Times-Picayune NFL – NOLA.com
Posted by Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune April 22, 2008 2:03PM
Categories: SaintsSaints General Manager Mickey Loomis was intentionally non-committal during his pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, not wanting to offer any information to the competition.
But he did admit that the Saints have talked with a number of teams about what it would cost to move up from the No. 10 pick in the draft. And he said he doesn’t foresee the Saints trading down from that spot.
“It’s all preliminary discussion. Nothing concrete,” Loomis said when asked about reports that the Saints have talked with the St. Louis Rams (No. 2) and Atlanta Falcons (No. 3), among other teams. “The first step is to get an idea of what the cost to move forward is going to be. So that’s really what the discussions to date have been. ‘A) Are you interested in moving backwards? B) What’s your thinking in terms of the compensation you’re going to want for that?’”
Loomis was especially cryptic when he was asked if the Saints are targeting a specific player, or if they just like the value near the top of the draft in general.
“Yes,” he said, smiling.
“Yes to what?” he was asked.
“All of it,” he responded.
The speculation is that the Saints covet LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, because he fills their most glaring need. But they might have their eye on tackle Sedrick Ellis or defensive ends Vernon Gholston and Chris Long.
Loomis declined to address reports that the Saints have discussed trading for New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, saying he did not want to talk about any players on other teams.
Saints’ GM Loomis evasive in tipping off Saints’ draft plans
April 22, 2008
Associated Press
METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Saints are interested in dealing for a draft pick higher than their current No. 10 slot in the first round, but have had only informal talks about it, general manager Mickey Loomis said Tuesday.“We’ve talked to a number of teams in front of us about the possibility of moving forward. It’s all preliminary discussion,” Loomis said. “We’ve just expressed a desire to talk about it with a number of teams.”
Loomis was evasive while meeting with reporters at the Saints’ training headquarters, apologetically saying that he did not want to tip off other teams to the Saints’ draft plans.
Loomis also declined to discuss players under contract with any other team, which meant he would not address reports that the Saints had explored the possibility of a trade with the New York Giants to acquire disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey.
Loomis declined to say which teams he had spoken with about trading up in the draft or what their initial demands were for compensation.
After the Saints went 7-9 last season, head coach Sean Payton said the Saints would need to improve their defense in the offseason. Through free agency, they have acquired linebackers Jonathan Vilma in a trade with the Jets for their fourth-round draft pick and signed free agent Dan Morgan. The Saints also brought in free agent defensive end Bobby McCray.
Looking to bolster their pass rush, the Saints still could use a defensive tackle such as LSU standout and Louisiana native Glenn Dorsey, who’s expected to be taken higher than 10th.
Loomis said whether the Saints move up “depends on the value of what it costs to move.”
“The first step is to get an idea of what the cost to move forward is going to be,” Loomis said. “So that’s really what the discussions to date have been.”
The Saints also would consider moving back in the draft if approached with a good offer, but no team picking behind New Orleans has made such an inquiry with the Saints yet, Loomis said.
Only one pick in the draft is certain so far. The Miami Dolphins announced Tuesday they had agreed to contract terms with their intended first overall selection, Michigan left tackle Jake Long.
Long’s deal with Miami “will impact the discussions that we’ll have,” Loomis said, but again declined to get specific.
SOLID BACKING
April 22, 2008
Keith Rivers is the latest standout linebacker from Southern Cal, and likely will be the first in that position taken in the NFL draft
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
By Jimmy SmithIn an exercise where numbers matter, perhaps the most important digits one can apply to Southern California linebacker Keith Rivers aren’t his speed in the 40-yard dash, or the number of bench-press repetitions he managed at the National Scouting Combine or the total tackles he made for the Trojans.
It’s 55 — Rivers’ college number — a uniform reserved in Los Angeles and passed down to individuals worthy of notoriety, praise and potential.
It’s the same one once worn by Junior Seau, Willie McGinest and Chris Claiborne.
“It’s a great little club,” Rivers said in Indianapolis at the combine. “A little fraternity we have with No. 55. That’s a big tradition (at Southern California). Great linebackers have worn it and made it proud. I was honored to have it and tried to do my best to live up to it.”
Of course, Rivers’ draft-day measurables have made him the top prospect in a thin draft at the linebacker position, one that the past three years has been unsettled for the Saints despite the fact that the team has had the same starting trio in successive regular seasons. Nevertheless, for the second consecutive year, the Saints have concentrated their offseason efforts on bringing in linebackers (Jonathan Vilma, Dan Morgan in 2008; the departed Brian Simmons in 2007) to bolster a unit the team evidently believes is less than spectacular.
That could make Rivers a possible first-round choice for New Orleans if the Saints are impressed enough with his 40 speed (4.54), his bench press reps (24 at 225 pounds) or his 42-inch vertical jump.
“When it comes down to it, projections don’t even matter,” said Rivers, who was recruited to USC by new Saints defensive line coach Ed Orgeron. “What matters is what happens on draft day. Until then, I’m just working out and trying to get better each day.”
Rivers was unable to work out at the combine in February because of an ankle injury, saving his effort until the Trojans’ pro day at the beginning of this month. The wait didn’t do anything to diminish his draft-day stock, though Rivers said he’s aware that any chatter leading up to Saturday’s first round is nothing more than idle speculation.
“I’ve had meetings,” he said, “but who knows? The draft is kind of like playing cards. Everybody’s got their hands folded, and they’ve got their poker faces on.”
It seems likely that Rivers will be the first linebacker selected Saturday. At the Senior Bowl in January, he worked at all three linebacker spots in a 4-3 scheme, giving scouts and personnel men a glimpse of what he might be able to do on the next level at each position, though he said he prefers to play on the strong side.
“I think every linebacker (in the draft) has a goal to be the first linebacker picked,” he said. “And that’s definitely mine. And to compete at the highest level and do my best.”
Yet beyond numbers, looking past what might transpire this weekend, Rivers said there’s something that motivates him even more.
“Going into my junior year, (former Trojans safety) Ronnie Lott spoke to the defense, asking us what we loved about the game,” Rivers recalled. “One thing he touched on that I kind of picked up and used for my own thing was every time you stepped on the field you wanted to get respect.
“I feel that way as well. That’s the reason why I love playing this game. As my older brothers played, I wanted to get their respect. Now whenever I step on the field, every play I want to gain the respect of the guy I’m playing against.”
LINEBACKERS
1 Keith Rivers, OLB
Southern California
Available when the Saints pick at No. 10?
Yes
2 Dan Connor, ILB
Penn State
Available? Yes
3 Jerod Mayo, ILB
Tennessee
Available? Yes
4 Quintin Groves, OLB
Auburn
Available? Yes
5 Curtis Lofton, ILB
Oklahoma
Available? Yes
New Orleans Saints Draft History
April 21, 2008
New Orleans Saints Draft Histroy from 1967 – 2007.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=3300&type=team
New Orleans Saints 1st round draft history
http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=3300&type=roundbyteam
New Orleans Saints 2008 Draft Fest
April 21, 2008
My friend Anthony has invited everyone in the New Orleans Tailgaters to participate in a free crawfish boil with his tailgating crew(www.gotsaints.com) at the Saints Draft Fest. His crew will also be providing free beer. The draft festivities are taking place at zephyr’s field and there will also be bands playing and other entertainment.
http://wwl.itmftp.com/DraftFest/website/index.html
Shockey value? The Saints want to know
April 20, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
These Jeremy Shockey-to-the-Saints rumors won’t go away, especially in the wake of recent reports that Shockey wants out of New York.
The New York Daily News reported Friday that Shockey has been sounding off about his frustrations with the Giants and has told friends he would welcome a trade to New Orleans. And the Newark Star-Ledger reported Saturday that Shockey told the Giants as far back as December that he wanted a changed role in the offense or a trade. The Star-Ledger, citing an unnamed source, said Shockey threatened to sit out the 2008 season if neither request was granted.
But it has been more than a month now since the Giants reportedly turned down the Saints’ offer of a second-round draft pick. And Giants General Manager Jerry Reese continues to insist that the team is not eager to trade its volatile tight end.
“Right now, all I can say on Jeremy Shockey is that he is our starting tight end,” Reese said in a conference call with the New York media this week, admitting that “there have been conversations” with other teams, but stressing that he has not been the one to initiate them.
“There is always a lot of chatter going on during this time of year,” Reese continued. “Right now, Jeremy is our starting tight end, and that is really my stance on it.”
Obviously, Reese left a lot of wiggle room in that statement, using the qualifier, “Right now.” And his mind can definitely be swayed if Shockey continues to make waves.
So it’s entirely possible that come draft day, if the Giants like what’s on the board when the Saints’ second-round pick is approaching (No. 40 overall), this deal could become a reality.
Or it’s possible that the Saints are no longer interested. The Saints have never confirmed the Shockey trade talks. And since that time, they re-signed free-agent tight ends Eric Johnson and Billy Miller — though Shockey would still be an upgrade, on the field at least.
It’s likely that the Saints wanted to see if New York was looking to unload Shockey at a discount price after the Giants went on their Super Bowl run without him. Shockey broke his leg last December and was replaced in the starting lineup by impressive rookie Kevin Boss.
Reportedly, the Giants made it clear to the Saints that the price would be high — either a first-round pick, or the second-rounder plus a player. According to various reports, the Giants asked for safety Roman Harper, plus the second-round pick, and the Saints said no.
Other reports said that the Saints offered Harper, and the Giants said no. But it appears that the first scenario is the accurate one.
The Daily News’ report quoted an unnamed team source, who confirmed the Saints’ offer of a second-round pick and said, “We’re not just going to give him away.”
Shockey, 27, has four years remaining on his contract, which was extended in 2005.
The 6-foot-5, 251-pounder would seem to be a natural fit in New Orleans because of his history with Coach Sean Payton. Shockey had his most productive season as a rookie in 2002, catching 74 passes for 894 yards and two touchdowns, when Payton was the Giants’ offensive coordinator.
Payton then went on to work with talented tight end Jason Witten in Dallas, and he clearly likes to use the tight end in his offense. In New Orleans, though, Payton has been unable to find a consistent, go-to receiver at tight end.
If the Saints don’t trade for Shockey, there’s an excellent chance they could be looking at a tight end such as Purdue’s Dustin Keller, Texas A&M’s Martellus Bennett or USC’s Fred Davis with that second-round pick.
SHEPPARD AVAILABLE: The Saints have not been linked to Philadelphia cornerback Lito Sheppard like they have been with Shockey. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Saints make a run at him on or before draft day.
Sheppard, who turned 27 this month, became expendable when the Eagles spent big money on free-agent Asante Samuel. Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowler (2004 and 2006), is a terrific talent, though he has been plagued by a series of nagging injuries in the past three years. He also reportedly has expressed unhappiness with his contract, which runs through 2011.
Eagles President Joe Banner said this week the team has received “significant interest” in Sheppard, but said it’s no sure thing he will be traded.
“You don’t see many 27-year-old Pro Bowl players who there is even a possibility of acquiring,” Banner said. “If you look at the history of player trades, you’ll see a very short list of players that age, that caliber of player, that kind of character.
“There is significant interest, but the reason there is interest is because he’s a good player, which is a compelling reason, also, to keep him. We’ll just have to weigh the options of keeping him or whatever else is available, and in the end, (Coach Andy Reid) will make a decision as to which he thinks is better.”
In other words, the asking price could be high. It’s possible the Saints could get Sheppard by swapping picks in the first round of the draft (New Orleans picks 10th, the Eagles pick 19th). But it might take more than that.
TRADING UP? According to a report by the NFL Network, the Saints have made inquiries with the Rams about what it would take to trade up to the No. 2 spot in the draft. The report characterized the talks as more “informal” than substantive.
This scenario seems to be the least likely of all the Saints’ trade rumors. No doubt, they are interested in a big-time defensive playmaker like LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey or Ohio State end/linebacker Vernon Gholston. But why the Rams would consider it.
St. Louis Coach Scott Linehan is on the hot seat, and he needs to win this season. Why trade down to stockpile extra picks? Plus, to move up that many spots in the first round, the Saints might have to offer their 2009 first-round draft choice. That really wouldn’t do Linehan any good.
PLAYER VISITS: The Saints don’t release the names of draft prospects who come in for visits, but here is an incomplete list of players who have either visited or were scheduled to visit, according to sources and reports from around the league:
Troy CB Leodis McKelvin, Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers, Indiana CB Tracy Porter, San Jose State CB Dwight Lowery, Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo, Miami LB Tavares Gooden, UNLV LB Beau Bell, Gholston, Auburn DE Quentin Groves, North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer, Keller, Davis and Tulane RB Matt Fortè.
You can’t read too much into the list. Teams always practice the art of misdirection around draft time, and sometimes they think they know enough about a player already, so they don’t bring him in for a visit. USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis said that was the case when the Saints canceled a scheduled visit with him earlier this month after spending some quality time with him at USC’s Pro Day.
‘LIAR’S MONTH’ Speaking of the misdirection that goes on around the league this time of year, Miami General Manager Jeff Ireland had a very interesting slip of the tongue this week. When talking in general terms about the Dolphins’ draft research, he referred to their future No. 1 pick by saying, “You hope that he’s a pillar of your defense for a long time.”
Perhaps it was a clever, calculated move on his part. But if so, he’s a pretty good actor. His face turned bright red when someone pointed out his mistake. Ireland called it a “Freudian slip.”
We decided to keep Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long as the Dolphins’ No. 1 pick in our mock draft, but Ireland has definitely shaken our confidence.
That’s basically the point this time of year. Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith described it bluntly this week in the San Diego Union-Tribune:
“You know I’m not a liar,” Smith said. “But forgive me, it’s April. If there’s a GM who tells the truth during the month of April, he’s making a mistake. April . . . I’ve always called it Liar’s Month. All GMs should be forgiven in April.”
IN THE COMMUNITY: Saints offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb taught a science class at O. Perry Walker High School this week as part of Teach For America Week. . . . Defensive tackle Brian Young spoke to a group of junior football players at Pelican Park in Mandeville as part of the Saints’ Junior Player Development Program.
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