New Orleans SAINTS official thread 2014-15

[treeduck]

Edited April 22, 2014 by treeduck

[treeduck]

Mark Ingram doesn’t know if Saints will exercise 2015 option

 

Posted by Josh Alper on April 22, 2014, 5:17 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/ingram-e1323180721119.jpg?w=250

New Orleans Saints' Ingram celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during their NFL football game in New Orleans

Reuters

 

The Saints had two first-round picks in 2011, leaving them with a pair of decisions to make about fifth-year contract options for the 2015 season.

 

They’ve already exercised defensive end Cam Jordan’s option, guaranteeing that he’ll be on the team for at least two more seasons. There’s been no action in regard to running back Mark Ingram’s contract and the back said Tuesday that he has no idea whether the team will do anything before the May 3 deadline to pick up the option.

 

“I’m not sure if they will pick up the fifth-year option,” Ingram said, via the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “I’m just working one day at a time and I’m just glad I’m on a team that’s a championship contender.”

 

The base salary for Ingram in 2015 if his option is exercised would be just over $5.2 million, which is a hefty sum for a player who had just 85 touches last season while battling a toe injury and failed to run for four yards a carry in his first two seasons. Ingram should be in line for more with Darren Sproles out of the picture, but he’ll still likely split time with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson and that could mean that Ingram’s 2015 fate will be determined by his performance on the field in 2014.

[treeduck]

SAINTS schedule:

 

1 SEP 07 1:00PM ET AT FALCONS

 

2 SEP 14 1:00PM ET AT BROWNS

 

3 SEP 21 1:00PM ET VIKINGS

 

4 SEP 28 8:30PM ET AT COWBOYS

 

5 OCT 05 1:00PM ET BUCCANEERS

 

6 BYE WEEK

 

7 OCT 19 1:00 PM ET AT LIONS

 

8 OCT 26 8:30 PM ET PACKERS

 

9 OCT 30 8:25 PM ET AT PANTHERS

 

10 NOV 09 1:00 PM ET 49ERS

 

11 NOV 16 1:00 PM ET BENGALS

 

12 NOV 24 8:30 PM ET RAVENS

 

13 NOV 30 1:00 PM ET AT STEELERS

 

14 DEC 07 1:00 PM ET PANTHERS

 

15 DEC 15 8:30 PM ET AT BEARS

 

16 DEC 21 1:00 PM ET FALCONS

 

17 DEC 28 1:00 PM ET AT BUCCANEERS

Edited April 24, 2014 by treeduck

[treeduck]

Packers-Saints provide this year’s World Series alternative

 

Posted by Mike Florio on April 23, 2014, 10:49 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/2011-world-series.jpg?w=212

Before 2010, the NFL avoided scheduling Sunday night games on the days reserved for the World Series. That year, the league decided to challenge baseball directly.

 

In every year since then, the NFL has scheduled a Sunday night game against the World Series. This year, the Packers visit the Saints for the Sunday night of Week Eight, against what likely will be Game Four of the World Series.

 

Then, the next night, the Redskins face the Cowboys in Dallas on Monday Night Football. The game will be played against what likely will be Game Five of the Fall Classic, which has in recent years taken a back seat to the Boys of Fall.

 

It’s too bad Mark Cuban never bought a baseball team.

 

[treeduck]

Report: Saints won’t pick up option on Mark Ingram

 

Posted by Curtis Crabtree on April 28, 2014, 11:15 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/mark-ingram.jpg?w=250

 

The New Orleans Saints already expressed their intention to pick up the fifth-year option for defensive end Cam Jordan. However, it doesn’t appear they will give the same treatment to running back Mark Ingram.

 

According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Saints do not intend to pick up the option for Ingram.

 

Ingram was selected by the Saints with the 28th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. As per terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, all draft picks sign four-year contracts with first-round selections having a team option for a fifth season. The deadline for teams to pick up that fifth-year option for players from the 2011 draft is May 3.

 

The Saints electing to pass on picking up the option for Ingram isn’t particularly surprising. He’s started just 12 of the 37 games he’s appeared in the last three seasons. His best year came in 2012 when he rushed for 602 yards and five touchdowns.

[laughedatbytime]

I see Miami in Ingram's future. Running back slow to hit the line, OL that can't open a decent hole? What's not to like?

[treeduck]

I see Miami in Ingram's future. Running back slow to hit the line, OL that can't open a decent hole? What's not to like?

We'll trade him for Dion Jordan...

 

[treeduck]

'Monster' Akiem Hicks could be poised for breakout season with New Orleans Saints

 

http://i.imgur.com/yYjVwFR.jpg

 

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/2013/11/13793261-standard.jpg

 

http://media.knoxnews.com/media/img/photos/2013/12/08/media_5b07dc82f3c44f78822d2f32f0c387fc_t607.jpg

 

http://binaryapi.ap.org/7a56dbccfa3b4d399060512fb8e9d0c2/460x.jpg

 

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan fancies himself as being larger than the average person. Standing 6-foot-4 and 287 pounds, common sense would lean toward Jordan being accurate in his claim.

 

Then he compared himself to defensive line neighbor and good friend Akiem Hicks.

 

"Akiem is a monster," Jordan said. "That dude is a monster. I don't know if you see him. I'm usually big towards a lot of people, and he makes me feel regular. Which makes regular people feel small?"

 

After breakout seasons in 2013 from him and defensive end/linebacker Junior Galette, it would be a challenge to seek someone from the Saints defense to who doesn't think Hicks' major launching point could begin in 2014.

 

The 6-foot-5, 324-pound Hicks displayed glimpses of disruptive play in 2012 after being taking in the third round from the University of Regina. It led to Hicks becoming the no-doubt starter at defensive end (more like defensive tackle) in 2013.

 

Hicks' production on the inside paced a vastly improved Saints defense. He tallied 56 total tackles, fifth among defensive tackles in the NFL last season, along with 4½ sacks, third on the Saints behind Jordan and Galette.

 

"I think he's definitely in a position to break out and be one of the premier (players)," Jordan said. "If they would have labeled him a D-tackle, he would have been an elite D-tackle last year."

 

Hicks, typically, holds no qualms about hyping a teammate. He's not ready to hype himself quite yet, though.

 

"I love seeing the guys on my team, especially when it comes to my position group with the defensive linemen and the linebackers," Hicks said when asked about 2014 potentially being a breakout season for him. "It's a beautiful thing to see those guys perform the way that they do. I'm just going to keep plugging away and doing the things that I've been doing since I've been here."

 

Hicks credited the added attention on Jordan and Galette as a major factor into his increased production in his NFL sophomore season. The pass rushing duo did combine for 24½ sacks en route to leading the Saints in finishing fourth in the NFL in total defense, fourth in scoring defense and second in pass defense.

 

Jordan didn't view Hicks' progression from the same set of sunglasses.

 

"He got a little bit more playing time than he did in the year previous," Jordan said. "What he did was made himself an impact in every play. Whether the ball was coming his way or not, he enforced his will on every O-lineman that I saw."

 

Hicks' path to potential NFL stardom certainly is a path less traveled: Sacramento City College, LSU, DirecTV call center, Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, University of Regina.

 

It all translated into Hicks becoming the Saints' third-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

 

"I'll tell you what, the University of Regina definitely doesn't have this many microphones," Hicks said. "It definitely was a humbling experience to be able to brought in to this organization and be able to play with a team that I've watched since I was a kid."

 

Through the glimpses of stellar play in 2012 came the more consistent punishment of offensive players last season. Hicks said he feels like he's grown gradually as a player and strives not to veer off his current upward trail.

 

During an appearance to open a revitalized recreation room at the NFL Yet Center in New Orleans, Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks comments on today's lifetime ban by NBA commissioner Adam Silver of Clippers' owner Donald Sterling for alleged racial comments.

Jordan said Hicks hasn't even hit the start of hit the start of his climb, and that's a compliment.

 

"What's crazy is that he's still raw," Jordan said. "The way he plays you can see how much power. He just came in raw and every year you've seen him advance.

 

"It's exciting that he's coming into his third year and he's going to be the legitimate starter in our 3-4 system or whatever and he can just relax, focus, not worry about playing time and just focus on creating that much more havoc in the backfield."

 

His teammates may view the potential for Hicks as endless. Hicks shares a similar outlook when it comes to the 2014 Saints defense.

 

"It's all so exciting to see signing like (Jairus) Byrd and to signs like Champ Bailey, a guy that I watched since I was a kid," Hicks said. "It's an amazing thing to see our defense come together and see other players come in and hopefully perform with our team the way that way perform last year and get better."

 

[laughedatbytime]

I see Miami in Ingram's future. Running back slow to hit the line, OL that can't open a decent hole? What's not to like?

We'll trade him for Dion Jordan...

 

In a heartbeat.

[treeduck]

Saints G.M. says option call on Mark Ingram was strictly business

 

Posted by Darin Gantt on May 7, 2014, 1:53 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/350x-6110.jpg?w=250

 

The Saints still like Mark Ingram.

 

But they didn’t like him to the tune of $5.2 million.

 

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said the decision to not pick up the 2015 option on the former first-round running back was simply about dollars and cents.

 

“That’s a financial decision,” Loomis said, via Katherine Terrell of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “The amount of the tender vs what the market for running backs has been. We like Mark, we told Mark before we made that decision that it wasn’t reflective of what we thought about him, it was just a business decision. …

 

“We have high expectations for him and I hope he has a great year.”

 

Of course, the decision was easier with defensive end Cam Jordan, who has performed well enough to justify his $6.97 million option.

 

But Ingram is still in search of a role with the Saints, with 1,462 yards in three seasons.

 

That sets him up to become a free agent after the 2014 season, but he’ll have to excel this year to come anywhere close to that kind of money in the current (depressed) market for running backs.

[treeduck]

Report: NFLPA files franchise tag grievance on behalf of Jimmy Graham

 

Posted by Josh Alper on May 7, 2014, 12:16 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/x350-325-e1353111558482.jpg?w=224

Long before the Saints officially placed a franchise tag on Jimmy Graham, there were discussions about a potential battle over whether Graham should be tagged as a tight end or a wide receiver.

 

Graham was tagged as a tight end and, as expected, that battle is looming. Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on Graham’s behalf to argue that he should be paid like a wideout.

 

The CBA states that a player who receives a franchise tag will receive the salary for the position that he “participated in the most plays” during the previous season. The Saints often split Graham out from the formation, which will likely be the crux of his argument that he should be treated differently than tight ends who regularly line up on the line.

 

The franchise tag for tight ends pays $7.035 million while the figure for wide receivers is $12.312 million, a significant difference that the two sides haven’t been able to bridge in their talks about a long-term contract. If they can’t reach a settlement or agree on a multi-year deal, the grievance would be heard by an arbitrator. Per Pelissero, no date for a hearing has been set.

 

 

Timing of Graham grievance is curious

 

Posted by Mike Florio on May 7, 2014, 3:01 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/350x-150.jpg?w=250

 

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham didn’t immediately file a grievance challenging the amount of his franchise tag, it appeared that he didn’t want to inflame the situation pending efforts to work out an acceptable long-term deal.

 

Ultimately, it appeared that Graham would wait to see whether the Saints sign him to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. Absent a long-term deal, Graham then could have filed his grievance as of July 16.

 

So why file now?

 

Apart from the impact the resolution of the grievance may have on negotiations regarding a long-term deal (and if Graham wins he definitely gets more leverage), the move provides the rest of the league with a clear reminder that, after teams use their first-round picks on Thursday night, they can fatten their offseason haul by signing Graham to an offer that, if not matched by the Saints, would cost first-round picks in 2015 and 2016.

 

For teams with General Managers on the hot seat, signing Graham becomes an intriguing possibility. If the G.M. won’t be around to use the 2015 and 2016 picks anyway, who cares about sending them to the Saints? Given that it’s very rare nowadays for General Managers to be fired by one team and then to become General Managers with another team, guys who have those jobs sometimes need to make bold moves to keep those jobs.

 

Intriguing options include the Texans (who with the right moves in 2014 will be picking a lot lower in 2016), the Browns (who seem to be intent on making a splash, somehow), the Raiders (whose G.M. clearly needs a big year), the Falcons (where snagging Graham from the arch-rivals in New Orleans to replace Tony Gonzalez would send shock waves through the league), the Bills (whose G.M. soon will have a new boss), the Lions (who seem to be intent on finding a Jimmy Graham for new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi), and the Giants (whose G.M. seems to realize that time is running out, and who could use the weapon for Eli Manning).

 

The challenge would be to craft a deal the Saints wouldn’t be able to match. Currently, the Saints have $3.4 million in cap space. Of the team listed above, the Texans have $12.5 million, the Browns have a whopping $29.1 million, the Raiders have $12.7 million, the Falcons have $8.4 million, the Bills have $13.5 million, the Lions have only $1.369 million, and the Giants have $3.9 million.

 

Teams that easily could pilfer Graham with an offer the Saints couldn’t match include the Bengals ($23.7 million), the Jaguars ($27.2 million), the Dolphins ($16.3 million), the Jets ($23.7 million), and the Eagles ($20.2 million). Ultimately, the question for those teams becomes whether there’s a reason to give up first-round picks in 2015 and 2016 at a time when none of their General Managers are in obvious (or grave) danger of being fired.

[laughedatbytime]

Report: NFLPA files franchise tag grievance on behalf of Jimmy Graham

 

Posted by Josh Alper on May 7, 2014, 12:16 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/x350-325-e1353111558482.jpg?w=224

Long before the Saints officially placed a franchise tag on Jimmy Graham, there were discussions about a potential battle over whether Graham should be tagged as a tight end or a wide receiver.

 

Graham was tagged as a tight end and, as expected, that battle is looming. Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on Graham’s behalf to argue that he should be paid like a wideout.

 

The CBA states that a player who receives a franchise tag will receive the salary for the position that he “participated in the most plays” during the previous season. The Saints often split Graham out from the formation, which will likely be the crux of his argument that he should be treated differently than tight ends who regularly line up on the line.

 

The franchise tag for tight ends pays $7.035 million while the figure for wide receivers is $12.312 million, a significant difference that the two sides haven’t been able to bridge in their talks about a long-term contract. If they can’t reach a settlement or agree on a multi-year deal, the grievance would be heard by an arbitrator. Per Pelissero, no date for a hearing has been set.

 

 

Timing of Graham grievance is curious

 

Posted by Mike Florio on May 7, 2014, 3:01 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/350x-150.jpg?w=250

 

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham didn’t immediately file a grievance challenging the amount of his franchise tag, it appeared that he didn’t want to inflame the situation pending efforts to work out an acceptable long-term deal.

 

Ultimately, it appeared that Graham would wait to see whether the Saints sign him to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. Absent a long-term deal, Graham then could have filed his grievance as of July 16.

 

So why file now?

 

Apart from the impact the resolution of the grievance may have on negotiations regarding a long-term deal (and if Graham wins he definitely gets more leverage), the move provides the rest of the league with a clear reminder that, after teams use their first-round picks on Thursday night, they can fatten their offseason haul by signing Graham to an offer that, if not matched by the Saints, would cost first-round picks in 2015 and 2016.

 

For teams with General Managers on the hot seat, signing Graham becomes an intriguing possibility. If the G.M. won’t be around to use the 2015 and 2016 picks anyway, who cares about sending them to the Saints? Given that it’s very rare nowadays for General Managers to be fired by one team and then to become General Managers with another team, guys who have those jobs sometimes need to make bold moves to keep those jobs.

 

Intriguing options include the Texans (who with the right moves in 2014 will be picking a lot lower in 2016), the Browns (who seem to be intent on making a splash, somehow), the Raiders (whose G.M. clearly needs a big year), the Falcons (where snagging Graham from the arch-rivals in New Orleans to replace Tony Gonzalez would send shock waves through the league), the Bills (whose G.M. soon will have a new boss), the Lions (who seem to be intent on finding a Jimmy Graham for new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi), and the Giants (whose G.M. seems to realize that time is running out, and who could use the weapon for Eli Manning).

 

The challenge would be to craft a deal the Saints wouldn’t be able to match. Currently, the Saints have $3.4 million in cap space. Of the team listed above, the Texans have $12.5 million, the Browns have a whopping $29.1 million, the Raiders have $12.7 million, the Falcons have $8.4 million, the Bills have $13.5 million, the Lions have only $1.369 million, and the Giants have $3.9 million.

 

Teams that easily could pilfer Graham with an offer the Saints couldn’t match include the Bengals ($23.7 million), the Jaguars ($27.2 million), the Dolphins ($16.3 million), the Jets ($23.7 million), and the Eagles ($20.2 million). Ultimately, the question for those teams becomes whether there’s a reason to give up first-round picks in 2015 and 2016 at a time when none of their General Managers are in obvious (or grave) danger of being fired.

Could the Clowns end up with Clowney AND Graham?

[treeduck]

Report: NFLPA files franchise tag grievance on behalf of Jimmy Graham

 

Posted by Josh Alper on May 7, 2014, 12:16 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/x350-325-e1353111558482.jpg?w=224

Long before the Saints officially placed a franchise tag on Jimmy Graham, there were discussions about a potential battle over whether Graham should be tagged as a tight end or a wide receiver.

 

Graham was tagged as a tight end and, as expected, that battle is looming. Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on Graham’s behalf to argue that he should be paid like a wideout.

 

The CBA states that a player who receives a franchise tag will receive the salary for the position that he “participated in the most plays” during the previous season. The Saints often split Graham out from the formation, which will likely be the crux of his argument that he should be treated differently than tight ends who regularly line up on the line.

 

The franchise tag for tight ends pays $7.035 million while the figure for wide receivers is $12.312 million, a significant difference that the two sides haven’t been able to bridge in their talks about a long-term contract. If they can’t reach a settlement or agree on a multi-year deal, the grievance would be heard by an arbitrator. Per Pelissero, no date for a hearing has been set.

 

 

Timing of Graham grievance is curious

 

Posted by Mike Florio on May 7, 2014, 3:01 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/350x-150.jpg?w=250

 

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham didn’t immediately file a grievance challenging the amount of his franchise tag, it appeared that he didn’t want to inflame the situation pending efforts to work out an acceptable long-term deal.

 

Ultimately, it appeared that Graham would wait to see whether the Saints sign him to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. Absent a long-term deal, Graham then could have filed his grievance as of July 16.

 

So why file now?

 

Apart from the impact the resolution of the grievance may have on negotiations regarding a long-term deal (and if Graham wins he definitely gets more leverage), the move provides the rest of the league with a clear reminder that, after teams use their first-round picks on Thursday night, they can fatten their offseason haul by signing Graham to an offer that, if not matched by the Saints, would cost first-round picks in 2015 and 2016.

 

For teams with General Managers on the hot seat, signing Graham becomes an intriguing possibility. If the G.M. won’t be around to use the 2015 and 2016 picks anyway, who cares about sending them to the Saints? Given that it’s very rare nowadays for General Managers to be fired by one team and then to become General Managers with another team, guys who have those jobs sometimes need to make bold moves to keep those jobs.

 

Intriguing options include the Texans (who with the right moves in 2014 will be picking a lot lower in 2016), the Browns (who seem to be intent on making a splash, somehow), the Raiders (whose G.M. clearly needs a big year), the Falcons (where snagging Graham from the arch-rivals in New Orleans to replace Tony Gonzalez would send shock waves through the league), the Bills (whose G.M. soon will have a new boss), the Lions (who seem to be intent on finding a Jimmy Graham for new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi), and the Giants (whose G.M. seems to realize that time is running out, and who could use the weapon for Eli Manning).

 

The challenge would be to craft a deal the Saints wouldn’t be able to match. Currently, the Saints have $3.4 million in cap space. Of the team listed above, the Texans have $12.5 million, the Browns have a whopping $29.1 million, the Raiders have $12.7 million, the Falcons have $8.4 million, the Bills have $13.5 million, the Lions have only $1.369 million, and the Giants have $3.9 million.

 

Teams that easily could pilfer Graham with an offer the Saints couldn’t match include the Bengals ($23.7 million), the Jaguars ($27.2 million), the Dolphins ($16.3 million), the Jets ($23.7 million), and the Eagles ($20.2 million). Ultimately, the question for those teams becomes whether there’s a reason to give up first-round picks in 2015 and 2016 at a time when none of their General Managers are in obvious (or grave) danger of being fired.

Could the Clowns end up with Clowney AND Graham?

I think the Falcons are going to make some kind of splash move, their GM Dimitroff strikes me as a glory hunter who treats draft day as a big adventure where he can try to make himself look like a genius. I saw a piece about this on NFL network earlier on and he's like a kid in a candy shop. "We have 16 games and this is his big game", said Mike Smith.

[laughedatbytime]

Report: NFLPA files franchise tag grievance on behalf of Jimmy Graham

 

Posted by Josh Alper on May 7, 2014, 12:16 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/x350-325-e1353111558482.jpg?w=224

Long before the Saints officially placed a franchise tag on Jimmy Graham, there were discussions about a potential battle over whether Graham should be tagged as a tight end or a wide receiver.

 

Graham was tagged as a tight end and, as expected, that battle is looming. Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on Graham’s behalf to argue that he should be paid like a wideout.

 

The CBA states that a player who receives a franchise tag will receive the salary for the position that he “participated in the most plays” during the previous season. The Saints often split Graham out from the formation, which will likely be the crux of his argument that he should be treated differently than tight ends who regularly line up on the line.

 

The franchise tag for tight ends pays $7.035 million while the figure for wide receivers is $12.312 million, a significant difference that the two sides haven’t been able to bridge in their talks about a long-term contract. If they can’t reach a settlement or agree on a multi-year deal, the grievance would be heard by an arbitrator. Per Pelissero, no date for a hearing has been set.

 

 

Timing of Graham grievance is curious

 

Posted by Mike Florio on May 7, 2014, 3:01 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/350x-150.jpg?w=250

 

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham didn’t immediately file a grievance challenging the amount of his franchise tag, it appeared that he didn’t want to inflame the situation pending efforts to work out an acceptable long-term deal.

 

Ultimately, it appeared that Graham would wait to see whether the Saints sign him to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. Absent a long-term deal, Graham then could have filed his grievance as of July 16.

 

So why file now?

 

Apart from the impact the resolution of the grievance may have on negotiations regarding a long-term deal (and if Graham wins he definitely gets more leverage), the move provides the rest of the league with a clear reminder that, after teams use their first-round picks on Thursday night, they can fatten their offseason haul by signing Graham to an offer that, if not matched by the Saints, would cost first-round picks in 2015 and 2016.

 

For teams with General Managers on the hot seat, signing Graham becomes an intriguing possibility. If the G.M. won’t be around to use the 2015 and 2016 picks anyway, who cares about sending them to the Saints? Given that it’s very rare nowadays for General Managers to be fired by one team and then to become General Managers with another team, guys who have those jobs sometimes need to make bold moves to keep those jobs.

 

Intriguing options include the Texans (who with the right moves in 2014 will be picking a lot lower in 2016), the Browns (who seem to be intent on making a splash, somehow), the Raiders (whose G.M. clearly needs a big year), the Falcons (where snagging Graham from the arch-rivals in New Orleans to replace Tony Gonzalez would send shock waves through the league), the Bills (whose G.M. soon will have a new boss), the Lions (who seem to be intent on finding a Jimmy Graham for new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi), and the Giants (whose G.M. seems to realize that time is running out, and who could use the weapon for Eli Manning).

 

The challenge would be to craft a deal the Saints wouldn’t be able to match. Currently, the Saints have $3.4 million in cap space. Of the team listed above, the Texans have $12.5 million, the Browns have a whopping $29.1 million, the Raiders have $12.7 million, the Falcons have $8.4 million, the Bills have $13.5 million, the Lions have only $1.369 million, and the Giants have $3.9 million.

 

Teams that easily could pilfer Graham with an offer the Saints couldn’t match include the Bengals ($23.7 million), the Jaguars ($27.2 million), the Dolphins ($16.3 million), the Jets ($23.7 million), and the Eagles ($20.2 million). Ultimately, the question for those teams becomes whether there’s a reason to give up first-round picks in 2015 and 2016 at a time when none of their General Managers are in obvious (or grave) danger of being fired.

Could the Clowns end up with Clowney AND Graham?

I think the Falcons are going to make some kind of splash move, their GM Dimitroff strikes me as a glory hunter who treats draft day as a big adventure where he can try to make himself look like a genius. I saw a piece about this on NFL network earlier on and he's like a kid in a candy shop. "We have 16 games and this is his big game", said Mike Smith.

Because of the Julio move? I can see that. He gave up way too much in my opinion for Jones.

[treeduck]

Report: NFLPA files franchise tag grievance on behalf of Jimmy Graham

 

Posted by Josh Alper on May 7, 2014, 12:16 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/x350-325-e1353111558482.jpg?w=224

Long before the Saints officially placed a franchise tag on Jimmy Graham, there were discussions about a potential battle over whether Graham should be tagged as a tight end or a wide receiver.

 

Graham was tagged as a tight end and, as expected, that battle is looming. Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on Graham’s behalf to argue that he should be paid like a wideout.

 

The CBA states that a player who receives a franchise tag will receive the salary for the position that he “participated in the most plays” during the previous season. The Saints often split Graham out from the formation, which will likely be the crux of his argument that he should be treated differently than tight ends who regularly line up on the line.

 

The franchise tag for tight ends pays $7.035 million while the figure for wide receivers is $12.312 million, a significant difference that the two sides haven’t been able to bridge in their talks about a long-term contract. If they can’t reach a settlement or agree on a multi-year deal, the grievance would be heard by an arbitrator. Per Pelissero, no date for a hearing has been set.

 

 

Timing of Graham grievance is curious

 

Posted by Mike Florio on May 7, 2014, 3:01 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/350x-150.jpg?w=250

 

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham didn’t immediately file a grievance challenging the amount of his franchise tag, it appeared that he didn’t want to inflame the situation pending efforts to work out an acceptable long-term deal.

 

Ultimately, it appeared that Graham would wait to see whether the Saints sign him to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. Absent a long-term deal, Graham then could have filed his grievance as of July 16.

 

So why file now?

 

Apart from the impact the resolution of the grievance may have on negotiations regarding a long-term deal (and if Graham wins he definitely gets more leverage), the move provides the rest of the league with a clear reminder that, after teams use their first-round picks on Thursday night, they can fatten their offseason haul by signing Graham to an offer that, if not matched by the Saints, would cost first-round picks in 2015 and 2016.

 

For teams with General Managers on the hot seat, signing Graham becomes an intriguing possibility. If the G.M. won’t be around to use the 2015 and 2016 picks anyway, who cares about sending them to the Saints? Given that it’s very rare nowadays for General Managers to be fired by one team and then to become General Managers with another team, guys who have those jobs sometimes need to make bold moves to keep those jobs.

 

Intriguing options include the Texans (who with the right moves in 2014 will be picking a lot lower in 2016), the Browns (who seem to be intent on making a splash, somehow), the Raiders (whose G.M. clearly needs a big year), the Falcons (where snagging Graham from the arch-rivals in New Orleans to replace Tony Gonzalez would send shock waves through the league), the Bills (whose G.M. soon will have a new boss), the Lions (who seem to be intent on finding a Jimmy Graham for new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi), and the Giants (whose G.M. seems to realize that time is running out, and who could use the weapon for Eli Manning).

 

The challenge would be to craft a deal the Saints wouldn’t be able to match. Currently, the Saints have $3.4 million in cap space. Of the team listed above, the Texans have $12.5 million, the Browns have a whopping $29.1 million, the Raiders have $12.7 million, the Falcons have $8.4 million, the Bills have $13.5 million, the Lions have only $1.369 million, and the Giants have $3.9 million.

 

Teams that easily could pilfer Graham with an offer the Saints couldn’t match include the Bengals ($23.7 million), the Jaguars ($27.2 million), the Dolphins ($16.3 million), the Jets ($23.7 million), and the Eagles ($20.2 million). Ultimately, the question for those teams becomes whether there’s a reason to give up first-round picks in 2015 and 2016 at a time when none of their General Managers are in obvious (or grave) danger of being fired.

Could the Clowns end up with Clowney AND Graham?

I think the Falcons are going to make some kind of splash move, their GM Dimitroff strikes me as a glory hunter who treats draft day as a big adventure where he can try to make himself look like a genius. I saw a piece about this on NFL network earlier on and he's like a kid in a candy shop. "We have 16 games and this is his big game", said Mike Smith.

Because of the Julio move? I can see that. He gave up way too much in my opinion for Jones.

Yeah this is the reason they ended up 4-12 after a lucky 13-3 year with a string of last minute FG wins.

 

It's not just that though, you need to hear this guy talk he doesn't care about the team he cares about him being the reason they win a super bowl, which is not gonna happen.

[treeduck]

So here's the SAINTS first round pick, Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State:

 

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/13/files/2014/04/brandin-cooks-ncaa-football-washington-oregon-state.jpg

 

http://oi61.tinypic.com/2hwfj44.jpg

 

5'10"

HEIGHT

 

30 3/4"

 

ARM LENGTH

189LBS.

 

WEIGHT

9 5/8"

HANDS

 

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3425119/13.10.20-Brandin_Cooks.jpg

 

 

STRENGTHS: Special athlete with explosive feet and natural burst - springs in his legs. Fluid body control with excellent start/stop moves, open-field vision and patient hesitation to elude defenders - joystick moves with loose hips and joints. Beautiful acceleration with speed to burn - electric after the catch.

Quick hands to adjust and pluck with very good coordination to look the ball into his mitts. Quick footwork to set up his routes and fool defenders - has worked hard to fine-tune this area. Works hard to max out his frame.

 

Strong football character. Tough individual - has never missed a game at any level. Experience on special teams as a return man - became full-time punt returner in 2013 (6.0 average). Very productive and 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner as nation's top receiver - set Oregon State and Pac-12 records for catches (128) and receiving yards (1,730), also setting new school record for touchdown catches (24).

 

WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal size with below average height and length for the position. Limited strength, muscle and overall growth potential. Struggles with physical defenders and doesn't have ideal body strength - will be overwhelmed in man coverage. Looks to avoid contact and would much rather escape out of bounds or go around defenses. Needs to secure the ball through the process to eliminate drops and fumbles. Smallish target for quarterbacks.

 

COMPARES TO: Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams - Cooks is a slightly bigger, not as fast version of Austin due to explosive feet, open-field moves and natural athleticism that makes him a home-run threat whenever he touches the ball.

 

—Dane Brugler (1/2/14)

 

PLAYER OVERVIEW

 

Cooks grew up in Stockton, Calif. and went on to become a three-sport start at Lincoln High School, where he also played basketball and competed as a sprinter while earning the nickname of "Sonic Boom."

Rated as the No. 22 receiver in the nation by Rivals.com, Cooks committed to Oregon State and played in all 12 games with three starts as a freshman.

 

Cooks really burst onto the scene in 2012 as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award after posting 1,151 receiving yards. Anyone concerned that Cooks' numbers were inflated while playing opposite Markus Wheaton had their fears curbed in 2013, when Cooks won the Biletnikoff Award after leading the FBS with 1,670 receiving yards during the regular season.

 

At just 5-10 and 186 pounds, he lacks elite size for the position, but he shines with his natural athleticism and dynamic ability before and after he touches the ball.

 

http://oi60.tinypic.com/332qxb4.jpg

 

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Brandin+Cooks+Oregon+State+v+Washington+State+UPazp-9c-zXl.jpg

 

n the day the NFL draft’s circus visits Johnny Manziel in College Station, Brandin Cooks half-watches the big top from the couch of his sparsely decorated apartment in Oregon. On this rainy afternoon, just as Cooks clicks to ESPN, his name appears onscreen in a list of Mel Kiper’s top five receivers available in this year’s draft.

 

“I don’t pay attention to it much,” Cooks says. “But it’s cool to have [happen], because I would be hot if they wasn’t talking about me!”

 

Cooks is third on Kiper’s board, behind likely top-10 picks Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans. It’s a quantum leap from where he was just four months ago. Few players have aced the barrage of pre-draft tests like Cooks has. As a junior at Oregon State, he smashed both school and Pac-12 records for receptions and yards in a season. But when Cooks declared for the draft, the NFL’s advisory board slapped him with a second-round grade. All he’s done since is run the fastest 40 among receivers at the combine. Now, he may be gone in the top half of the first round. It’s still not enough for Cooks.

 

“Wherever I go,” Cooks says, “I know I’m going to do it better than those guys considered top-five, top-10 picks.” This is how Cooks talks. At 20, he’s young, but he never seems brash. He isn’t trying to convince anyone of anything. He already knows.

 

Just ask Brian Gray. Six weeks before the combine, Cooks was back in his hometown of Stockton, California, having lunch with Gray, his former coach at Lincoln High School. They were talking about the 40-yard dash, and what Cooks expected to run: “He said, ‘Coach, I’m going to force some people to make some tough decisions when I pull off this 4.3.’” It’s the same tone Cooks used when he told Gray he was ready to play varsity football as a 14-year-old sophomore.

 

“His confidence is very direct,” Gray says. “He wasn’t going to tell you how good he was going to be; he was going to show you. But if you asked him, ‘Do you think you can do it?,’ he would tell you yes. And he would look you right in the eye.”

 

Cooks didn’t waver as he got older. When asked about his college plans before he’d received a single offer, Cooks told everyone he’d end up at a Pac-10 school. He did. Before he even got to campus, he told people he planned to leave Oregon State after his junior year. He did that, too. “He’s so focused on where he wants to go,” OSU receivers coach Brent Brennan says. “He’s not leaving anything to chance.” No one could blame him.

 

Cooks was 6 years old when his father, only 48, died of a heart attack at home “He pushed us, hard,” Cooks’s brother Worth Jr. says. “Every Pop Warner practice, every game, he was there. And he got the most out of you.” The chasm left by his death affected the four Cooks boys in different ways. Fred, the eldest, was a father by 18. Worth had his first child at 15. Andre, three years Cooks’s senior, is currently serving time at a federal corrections facility in Fort Bragg, California, for violating parole. Since his conviction on a weapons charge at age 18, he hasn’t been out of prison for more than a few months at a time.

 

Cooks was barely a teenager when he realized where Andre was headed and what it was doing to his mother. When Cooks neared adulthood, his brothers urged him to avoid their mistakes. So Cooks did all he could to piece together the education his brothers never had. “An aggressive learner,” the man who recruited Cooks to Oregon State called him, and it’s a quality that goes far beyond route trees. Cooks is confident in his answers because he has asked every question.

 

With Kiper and Todd McShay bickering in the background, Cooks explains the reason for asking all those those questions: “It was going to end with me, or it was going to start with me.”

 

http://oi61.tinypic.com/2ijkf8l.jpg

 

Brandin Cooks

Position: Wide Receiver

Height/Weight: 5-10, 189

School: Oregon State

 

One name that continues to build momentum and ascend on NFL draft boards is Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Nicknamed “Sonic Boom” for his explosive speed and game-breaking ability, Cooks showcased his dynamic skill set at the combine in February and made quite the impression on the scouting community. He was timed at a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, put up 16 reps on the bench, and generated a 36-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump.

 

A two-year starter at Oregon State, Cooks was an ultra-productive weapon for the Beavers during his time in Corvallis. This past season, he enjoyed a breakout junior campaign when he hauled in an amazing 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns. And, for his efforts, he was recognized as the nation’s top wide receiver and awarded the 2013 Biletnikoff Award.

 

While Cooks was acknowledged as the top wide receiver this past season, he’s not regarded as the top receiver in the draft. Sammy Watkins, Marqise Lee and Mike Evans lead the way in what is the strongest class of wide receiver prospects in draft history; as many as eight receivers could be selected in the first round.

 

The abundance of talent available in this year’s draft, not just at the wide receiver position, but at multiple positions, could be great news for a team like the Eagles. With the recent release of DeSean Jackson, Cooks could be the explosive deep threat the team needs if he slides a bit in the draft and falls into their lap at 22nd overall.

 

Strengths

Cooks is an exceptional all-around receiver who displays consistent pass-catching ability, possesses a dynamic skill set, and has the ability to score from any angle on the field. He’s a special athlete who demonstrates an incredible burst off the line, vision, and elusiveness in the open field. He’s a versatile playmaker who can line up on the perimeter or in the slot and impact a game on special teams. He’s a confident, durable and feisty performer who embraces the physical approach of the opposition and believes he can beat anyone that lines up in front of him. He has great body control and balance and is able to tightrope the sideline to gain extra yardage. He was respected by teammates and won’t be 21 years old until Sept. 25.

 

Weaknesses

Although Cooks is a dynamic presence who features plenty of positives, he lacks the stature scouts covet and doesn’t offer a quarterback a large target. For his size, he has good strength and will get stronger, but he can be overwhelmed in man coverage and taken out of the action. He’s a willing blocker but lacks body strength, consistency and technique.

 

How he’d fit with the Eagles

The Eagles' decision to release Jackson this past Friday hit Philadelphia harder than the snowy weather this winter. And while the reasoning behind the release is understandable from an organizational standpoint, it’s a major risk from a football perspective, as the most explosive piece is now missing from one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses a year ago.

 

With Jackson no longer with the Eagles, Riley Cooper, Jeremy Maclin and Darren Sproles will be counted on to make an impact in the passing game this season. But the draft is loaded at the wide receiver position and there’s a great opportunity for the Eagles to find a young receiver who has the ability to keep defenses honest and to make the others around him even better.

 

There are a handful of receivers that the Eagles could target in the first round, but Cooks is a suitable replacement for Jackson and an ideal fit in Kelly’s offense. Cooks’ ability to attract double teams, stretch the field, and take a short pass the distance for six represents what the Eagles have lost in Jackson. Also, Cooks’ hardworking, team-first attitude will go over well with the entire Eagles organization and earn the respect of his coaches and veteran teammates.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjNHpFNA6J0

[treeduck]

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/media-center/videos/Brandin-Cooks-on-joining-the-New-Orleans-Saints/d8bf4a93-2e30-41ef-98d0-06b2bde3f4fe?campaign=no:fanshare:twitter

[treeduck]

Stanley Jean Baptiste, CB, Nebraska

 

http://www.miketunsil.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/11sjb.jpg

 

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/1022/ncf_u_baptiste_kh_600x400.jpg

 

6'3"

HEIGHT

 

32 3/8"

ARM LENGTH

 

218LBS.

WEIGHT

 

8 5/8"

HANDS

 

 

STRENGTHS: Boasts excellent height and length for the position. Gets a strong initial jam to re-route receivers when playing press-man coverage. Often asked to play off-man principles, as well, showing the patience to allow receivers to get near him before beginning his turning motion. By doing so, Jean-Baptiste is able to sneak a peek toward the quarterback and break quickly on short and intermediate routes.

Uses his long arms and strong hands to bat away passes as they arrive, demonstrating good hand-eye coordination and leaping ability. Uses his long arms very effectively to rip free from blockers. Surprisingly fluid hips for a cornerback of his size. Capable of changing directions well to maintain close proximity to the receiver. Good ball skills, including the ability to extend and pluck outside of his frame.

 

WEAKNESSES: Not nearly as physical as his size would indicate, especially when tackling. Frequently relies on ducking his head and swiping at the legs of ballcarriers. Could be viewed by some as a potential safety convert but hasn't played this position before and will need to develop more physicality and reliability as an open-field tackler.

 

While fluid in changing directions, is susceptible to double-moves because he doesn't possess ideal initial burst and possesses just fair straight-line speed, overall.

 

COMPARES TO: Brandon Browner, Seattle Seahawks - Like Browner, Jean-Baptiste combines size, ball skills and surprising fluidity to intrigue as a super-sized cornerback. Browner only re-emerged as an NFL player in recent years, however, after languishing in the CFL in part due to a lack of straight-line speed inconsistent effectiveness as an open-field tackler. Should the light turn on for Jean-Baptiste, he could stick in the NFL. Without greater reliability as a tackler, however, his time in the league could be short.

 

—Rob Rang (12/30/13)

 

PLAYER OVERVIEW

 

Jean-Baptiste spent one year as a wide receiver at North Carolina Tech Prep after finishing his high school career in Miami and then redshirted the 2009 season at Fort Scott Community College before finally arriving at Nebraska.

He did not see any action in 2010, and had one reception the following season before making the transition to cornerback before the start of Big Ten play. Jean-Baptiste played in nine games, including his first career start, in 2011.

 

Finally established at cornerback, Jean-Baptiste started five of 14 games he saw action in as a junior. The Cornhuskers led the nation in opponent completion percentage, and Jean-Baptiste led the team with nine pass breakups.

 

He was voted to the second-team All-Big Ten squad by the league's coaches in 3013. Jean-Baptiste played in all 12 games, again leading the team with 11 pass breakups. He also tied for the team lead with four interceptions, which he returned for a combined 134 yards.

 

[treeduck]

This is the latest SAINT:

 

http://i0.wp.com/www.dailycal.org/assets/uploads/2013/08/fortt5.janffonline.jpg?226874

 

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/26/426386e7-6fdb-5aad-9b34-4e7c479a1ee3/52a20d3b8903f.image.jpg

 

http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/165/572/572165.jpg

 

 

Khairi Fortt | OLB, California

 

Fortt wasn´t the producer at Cal that he appeared to be at Penn State, before transferring, but he´s a really good athlete who´s fluid enough to drop into coverage, but also possesses toughness, anticipation and solid fundamentals to be a solid run defender in the box.

B+

[treeduck]

New Orleans Saints ?@Saints 40s

DB Stanley Jean-Baptiste will wear jersey No. 33 and LB Khairi Fortt will be No. 54 #SaintsDraft

 

Cooks meanwhile is wearing No. 10.

[treeduck]

UDFA's signed by the Saints so far:

 

Pierre Warren, S Jacksonville ST

Ty Zimmerman, S Kansas State

Tim Flanders, RB Sam Houston State

Chidera Uzo-Diribe, DE Colorado

Logan Kilgore, QB MTSU

Micajah Reynolds, DE Michigan State

Je'Ron Hamm, WR ULM

Treshaun Nixon, LB New Mexico State

George Uko, DT USC

Matt Armstrong, C Grand Valley State

Spencer Hadley, OLB BYU

Jerome Cunningham, TE Southern Connecticut

Seantavious Jones, WR Valdosta State

Brian Dixon, CB Northwestern Missouri State

Derrick Strozier, DB Tulane

Lawerence Virgil, DT Valdosta State

Brandon Coleman, WR Rutgers

Kasim Edebali, OLB Boston College

Brandon McCray DE Louisiana-Lafayette

Mike Golic Jr. OL Notre Dame

Sergio Castillo, K West Texas A&M

Edited May 11, 2014 by treeduck

[treeduck]

An updated list of UDFAs:

 

1. Pierre Warren, S Jacksonville State 6'0", 194 lbs

2. Ty Zimmerman, S Kansas State 6'1", 202 lbs

3. Tim Flanders, RB Sam Houston State 5'9", 207 lbs

4. Chidera Uzo-Diribe, OLB Colorado 6'2", 252 lbs

5. Logan Kilgore, QB Middle Tennessee State 6'2", 213 lbs

6. Je'Ron Hamm, WR UL-Monroe 6'3", 236 lbs

7. Micajah Reynolds, NT/G Michigan State 6'4", 327 lbs

8. Trashaun Nixon, ILB New Mexico State 6'1", 235 lbs

9. George Uko, DE USC 6'3", 284 lbs

10. Matt Armstrong, C Grand Valley State 6'2", 302 lbs

11. Spencer Hadley, ILB BYU 6'1", 228 lbs

12. Jerome Cunningham, TE Southern Connecticut State 6'3", 250 lbs

13. Seantavious Jones, WR Valdosta State 6'3", 208 lbs

14. Brian Dixon, CB Northwestern Missouri State 6'0", 196 lbs

15. Derrick Strozier, CB/RB/KR Tulane 5'7", 180 lbs

16. Brandon Coleman, WR Rutgers 6'6", 225 lbs

17. Lawrence Virgil, DE Valdosta State 6'4", 281 lbs

18. Kasim Edebali, OLB Boston College 6'2", 253 lbs

19. Sergio Castillo, K West Texas A&M 5'11", 195 lbs

20. Brandon McCray, DL Louisiana-Lafayette 6'5", 318 lbs

21. Shawn Jackson, ILB Tulsa, 6'0", 251 lbs

22. Nic Jacobs, TE McNeese State 6'5", 269 lbs

23. Mike Golic Jr., C/G Notre Dame, 6'3", 300 lbs

 

 

Tryout Invites

1. John Hubert, RB Kansas State, 5'7", 202 lbs

2. Steve Hull, WR Illinois, 6'1", 198 lbs

3. Spencer Harris, WR Illinois, 6'3", 205 lbs

[treeduck]

Here's some good analysis of the SAINTS 1st and 2nd round picks.

 

 

1. Brandin Cooks - WR

 

Blazing speed, ballerina balance and nimble agility. Cooks' only weakness would be his height, if you consider that a weakness, if you produce, then you produce, but as far as being a WR theres nothing he can't do. He is a superb route runner and can run any and every route. This is why I have been calling him a supercharged wes welker not a tevon austin or desean jackson. Austin is more of a gadget player and desean jackson isn't a good route runner. Cooks is as good in space as these 2, but he is stronger, just as fast, better hands, and twice the route runner either of them are. He is blazing fast, official 4.33 with unofficials of 4.31 and 4.29. Compared to Desean's 4.35 and Austin's 4.34. He will be one of the fastest players in the NFL. He is tought and durable, he will never shy away from contact going after a ball and is fearless when going up for the big catch in traffic.

 

People keep asking, how will Sean use him, in the slot, on the outside? The answer is all of these. Do not for a second think he will only be a slot guy. Marques Colston is used on the outside and the slot. The same will be for Cooks. Just how Antonio Bryant is the Steelers outside WR and a deep threat. Don't think cooks can't be, who is the same size, only faster.

 

Another great thing about his game is he almost always draws a double team. Sean Payton even referenced this and said when you watched his games he always draws safety help. I watched every snap he played at Oregon St., and it is true, he was never left 1v1, and when he was, his speed and route running was simply too much for the DB. While being double teamed he still produced the best #'s in college football with terrible QB play. If he would have had one of the better QB's in college it wouldn't have even been fair, I have seen so many snaps where he destroyed his man by 10 yards and had to come back for the ball, through a double team in traffic and still make the catch! The ONLY db who gave him trouble was Orgeon's corner Ifo who is currently the #1 corner in next year's draft, but they still put safety help over him and bracket coveraged him. And to say he gave him trouble is overstating it, Cooks had 10 catches and 110 yards. There were some plays when I even saw triple coverage. This will either give Graham or Colston 1 on 1 to abuse linebackers and go over the middle, give Kenny stills 1v1 where he can burn players for the deep ball, or if Cooks does get 1 on 1 he is such a great route runner and has such great speed that he can burn you for the deep ball or run any route, specifically he is great at slants, curls and out routes.

 

Bottom line Cooks will improve our offense a ton, even if it isn't statistically through his own statistical #'s. This is why SP wanted a deep threat. He will make every WR around him better

 

 

Stanley Jean-Baptiste - CB

 

Not only is he huge at 6"3 218, but he has very long arms and a 42" vertical, add to that he has incredible ball skills, maybe the best in the draft, to go along with his great hands from being a former WR and also great play recognition. He had a natural knack for jumping routes constantly for the INT or if when he did get beat he made up for his average speed with his superb length and jumping and constantly high pointed the ball for the pass deflection.

 

It is true, sometimes he shows stiff hips and would get beat. But IMO it wasn't because he has bad hips, they are average if not above average for someone his size. It is because he likes to gamble and try and jump routes for the INT. This made him susceptible to double moves because he is a ball hawk. One problem in nebraska is they simply didn't run a man press often, their main defense was off man, which isn't his game. He is best in a man press or cover 2, this allows him to use his size and beat up on the WR at the line of scrimmage and then stay close to them and then read and react to the throw.

 

Also remember, he won't be asked to cover guys like mike wallace and desean jackson. He will be covering guys that actually benefit his playing style, the Mike Evans, Alshon Jefferys and the Kelvin Benjamins, players who are not good route runners and basically go up and get it guys. This will cancel out his limited hip quickness.

 

SP has also said he will be used in the nickel almost in a strong nickel type of way where he can positively effect the running game, or use his aggressiveness and natural read and react ball hawking skills to make plays and jump routes.

 

If put in the right system (Man Press or Cover 2 with a safety over top) he will flourish, this will allow him to use his best attributes and he could absolutely wreak havoc. He will not have to worry about getting beat deep and be his natural aggressive self. He actually was even fine in cover 3, when he knew it was his job not to let his man get behind him and would ride him down the field and use his jumping to knock the ball away in the end zone. I just didn't like him in off man because since he likes to jump routes he would bite on double moves and then get beat, even though he recovered many times.

 

He looked suspect at times at Nebraska because the off-man and occasional cover 3 isn't his game. But according to every single Senior Bowl report he absolutely shined in Press coverage at the Senior bowl and in drills constantly locking up his WR at the line of scrimmage, and some said he was the best corner back there. When Nebraska used him correctly he looked unbeatable, but you can't simply cater your defense to only 1 player, so it's a give and take. Give him a year to learn the system and the position and he will be a stud. His potential is endless. Reminds me of Brandon Browner.

 

Another thing is he tends to arm tackle at times and go way too high, but also sometimes in the run game he shows very good technique and brings the RB down. He will be coached up in this department. He also absolutely lays the wood when he has the kill shot, another reason I compared him to Brandon Browner.

 

Do not worry about SJB, rob ryan will absolutely put him in a position to succeed where his best skills and attributes are used, this kid is going to be a monster.

 

The Saints being on the clock for only 30 seconds tells me they absolutely wanted him as a Saint.

 

Oh ya he's been playing corner back for only 2 years, when the light finally clicks, watch out!!!

[Principled Man]

Here's some good analysis of the SAINTS 1st and 2nd round picks:

 

 

They ain't close to being as good as the Packers' first two picks..... :nya nya: :nya nya: ;)

[treeduck]

Here's some good analysis of the SAINTS 1st and 2nd round picks:

 

 

They ain't close to being as good as the Packers' first two picks..... :nya nya: :nya nya: ;)

Hey PM! :hi: :hi: :hi: :madra: