Complete Saints Offseason Forecast/Predictions...

Saints re-sign:

C Jeff Faine – I’m not a big fan of Jeff Faine’s, but I think the Saints are… I think he’s a leader on the O-line, and continuity is good.

C/OG Jonathon Goodwin – Goodwin played well in place of a hurt Jeff Faine last season, and his versatility in being able to play both OG and C is valuable. He could step into the starting line-up in place of Jamar Nesbit at LG as well as back-up at C.

WR David Patten – Patten did well in his 1st season with the Saints, and was a solid veteran presence. He has good hands, knows the system, has the trust of the coaching staff, good speed, and a low price tag.

TE Billy Miller – Miller has shown himself to be an effective TE for the Saints, and QB Drew Brees looks for him when he’s out in routes. Eric Johnson was outplayed by Miller, so Miller gets the new deal.

WR Marques Colston (extension) – The Saints really need to take care of both Colston and OG Jahri Evans, but I think it will be Colston first. Evans will get worked out, but it might take a bit longer.

Free-Agent Signings:

WR Drew Carter (Carolina Panthers) - Carter has very good deep speed and great leaping ability to go along with solid hands. He still has some upside, and could fill the role vacated by the departure of the extremely inconsistent Devery Henderson. Carter is a taller target as well, which works well with QB Drew Brees.

DT Ethan Kelley (Cleveland Browns) – At 6’2, 338 and still very young, Kelley would be a nice addition for the Saints. He could play along side Hollis Thomas for a year or two before taking over for the big man.

LB Victor Hobson (New York Jets) – We are all hoping for Vilma from the Jets, but Hobson is the guy we end up with. He can play inside or outside and is still fairly young.

CB Michael Lehan (Miami Dolphins) – The 5th year veteran out of the U. of Minnesota started 14 games for the Dolphins last season, and has pretty good size and speed for the position. Fred Thomas is finished and with Mike McKenzie’s ’08 season status uncertain, the Saints will need someone that can play right now. Lehan is the type of value FA the Saints typically go after.


2008 Draft:

*Top 10 Mock, plus the rest of the Saints draft*

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia

2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

3. Oakland - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

4. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT, Michigan

5. Atlanta - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio St.

7. New England (from San Francisco) - Mike Jenkins, CB, USF

8. Baltimore - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.

9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

10. New Orleans - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami – Phillips will be a top 10 pick after the combine and his workouts. The Saints have bigger needs, but Phillips is the pick at 10. He’s got a chance to be the type of playmaker the Saints defense has been missing for years.

2nd round : Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee – Mayo can play inside or outside, and has loads of potential. The Saints need more athleticism at LB, and Mayo definitely brings that to the table.

3rd round : Chris Ellis, DE, Va. Tech – Ellis is a great value pick here. He brings a great motor and ton of athleticism off of the edge, and should help the Saints pass-rush.

4th round: Tyvon Branch, CB, UConn - Branch played as a DB and return specialist for the Huskies, and could help the Saints out in the return game immediately.

5th round: Jacob Hester, RB/FB, LSU - I know, I know, everyone is going to think this is just a "homer"pick, but it really would make sense at this point for the Saints. Hester can back up at HB and FB, play STs, and has great hands for Payton's pass-happy system.

6th round: Bruce Hocker, WR, Duquesne - Payton and Co. can't resist drafting this small school WR with potential busting out at the seams. Hocker could be a diamond in the rough.

7th round: Kevin Mitchell, SS, Illinois - Mitchell is known for being a fierce hitter. He could help out right away as a STer... provided he makes the team of course.

2008-2009 Starting Line-ups:

Offense:

OLT - Jamaal Brown
OLG - "Pork Chop" Womack
OC - Jeff Faine
ORG - Jahri Evans
ORT - Jonathon Stinchcomb

QB - Drew Brees
RB - Deuce, Reggie, PT
FB - Karney, Hester
WR - Marques Colston, Drew Carter
WR - Robert Meachem, David Patten
TE - Billy Miller

Defense:
DE - Will Smith
DT - Hollis Thomas
DT - Ethan Kelley
DE - Charles Grant

SLB - Scott Fujita
MLB - Victor Hobson
WLB - Jerod Mayo

CB - Mike McKenzie, Michael Lehan, Jason Craft
CB - Jason David, Usama Young, Tyvon Branch

FS - Kenny Phillips, Kevin Kaesviharn/Josh Bullocks
SS - Roman Harper, Kevin Kaesviharn

KR/PR - Tyvon Branch