Saintaholic's mock off-season - version 1.0 (2 Viewers)

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ballaholic said:
1. QBs - Jamie Martin = worst backup in NFL, no way bro...he's got to go.
2. RBs - Pierre Thomas.....where y'at?
3. LBs - If this is our line-backing core come the season opener...we are f-tooled.
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Pierre is not listed simply because I did not mean for this to be a Final 53 type thing. This is merely a starting line-up with a two deep at some positions that specifically require reserve play. Pierre will play plenty this season.
 
Like it or not this is more realistic than 99% of the ideas you'll read on here. I have a feeling people are going to be very dissapointed once FA comes to an end. It's simply not realistic to go after players like Briggs and Samuels in one off season.
 
Derrick Harvey in the 2nd? The guy's a potential top-10 pick. If, by some unbelievable chance he fell out of the first round, most of the teams picking ahead of us in the 2nd run a 3-4, for which he'd be a perfect fit. HIGHLY unlikely he falls. We might not even be able to get him at 10. The Patriots and Bengals are probably both looking at him.
 
dome patrol said:
Like it or not this is more realistic than 99% of the ideas you'll read on here. I have a feeling people are going to be very dissapointed once FA comes to an end. It's simply not realistic to go after players like Briggs and Samuels in one off season.
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I too would be underwhelmed by this off-season but we both know that this is typically how off-seasons work. I would definitely like to see us go after an Asante Samuel or Briggs but you and I both know, that would be very un-Saint like. I just can't see the team forking over an $80+ million contract with over $25 million in bonuses to a player like Samuel and I also don't know if I see them paying out the wazoo for a Briggs either.

canuckredux said:
Derrick Harvey in the 2nd? The guy's a potential top-10 pick. If, by some unbelievable chance he fell out of the first round, most of the teams picking ahead of us in the 2nd run a 3-4, for which he'd be a perfect fit. HIGHLY unlikely he falls. We might not even be able to get him at 10. The Patriots and Bengals are probably both looking at him.
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No chance Harvey goes top 10...He is late first round at best in my opinion. His lower body and lack of power dictates he won't be top 10 material. He is a third down pass rush specialist at best right now in the NFL. This is just MY opinion of course.

You're right though, it would be a gift for him to be there by the time we pick in round 2 but much stranger things have occurred in drafts over the years. Good call on the point about the 3-4 teams ahead of us in round 2 though. I never thought of that and it would be hard-pressed for him to get through that gauntlet undrafted.
 
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Saintaholic said:
So I was bored this Saturday afternoon and after reading several I decided to do my own. I apologize in advance for any typos. Also just as a disclaimer, this is just a mock predicting IMPACT moves. Of course the team will make other signings and moves to improve depth but I don't think its worth the hassle to try to project something like that.

Saints Mock Off-Season

Key Re-Signings

1. WR David Patten - Capable of starting another year to two years. Gets re-signed to a modest two year contract and will be the starter opposite Colston

2. C Jonathan Goodwin - Not the best center in the world but is adequate and cheap. I don't see Faine re-signing here (doesnt seem like the New Orleans-type and was forced to play here through trade).

3. WR Terrance Copper - Valuable special teams contributor and just an overall good guy to have on your team. Will make a play when least expected and provides good depth. Could start in a pinch.

4. TE Billy Miller - We've seen the best of him already but he is valuable as a pass catcher. Very good depth.

5. LB Matt McCoy - Valuable special teams player. Will get a 1-year tender

6. QB Jamie Martin - Not a big fan but the staff seems to like him. Will sign a 1-year deal for cheap

Extensions

1. WR Marques Colston - No question, this guy needs to be made one of the top 10 highest paid receivers. It'll get done.He wants it and the team wants it.

2. DE Will Smith - If I were in charge I would shop Will Smith's services simply because I do not like the idea of having over $120 million tied up in defensive ends. However I think the team bites the bullet and pays the man. Something else I do not like about the extension is the amount of "real dollars" it eats up but I think the team re-signs him anyway. I would take a low 1st or high 2nd for him.

Impact Free Agent Signings

1. OG Alan Faneca - This would be my big free agent signing. The former LSU product and Houma native will come home. The team struggled running the ball even prior to Deuce's injury. Championships are won in the trenches and this perrenial Pro Bowler will improve the run game tremendously. I am firm in my stance that this player needs to be our proverbial "splash" free agent. Our offensive line underwhelmed me tremndously.

2. LB Zach Thomas - Not the best guy avaiable obviously but should come at a modest price. The Saints should be aggressive here and over pay just a tad bit though. I do not believe there will be a much better linebacker available. I dont see Lofton lasting to round 2 and I do not think any of the other round 2 caliber linebackers are as good as some believe. Also, and I said this in another thread, I think some folks want to see the team sign stars but need to realize that those stars will have to want to sign with the Saints. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.

3. CB Randall Gay - Once again, not the best player available but you do not always get who you want. Another LSU product (no I am not an LSU fan) who will have interest in the Saints. Played for a pretty decent Patriots team and should be ready to become a starter for a year until our first round pick is ready to start and/or McKenzie returns from the ACL mid-season.

4. SS Keith Davis - We tried to sign this guy in 2006 but Dallas matched the offer sheet. He'll add depth and will be a key special teams contributor.

Day 1 Draft Picks

1. CB Mike Jenkins, USF - The Saints have ignored this position for far too long. I thought about going Ryan Clady here as a replacement for Stinchcomb or to move Brown to right tackle but I think the team is satisfied with Zach Strief. Jenkins is considered right now to be the best corner available on most mocks and he should come right in and play nickle this year and start in 2009.

2. DE Derrick Harvey, Florida - This guy looks like a beast off the edge and should help improve the team's pass rush. His presence will allow Charles Grant to move to tackle on pass downs and will be a force down the road.

3. CB/S Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee - I really like this prospect. He is only 5-8 but I like his versatility & 4.35 speed and a couple of years down the road he could turn into a very good nickle corner or play in the box on passing downs a la former Saint Chris Oldham. I also see him being a very good special teams player.

Starting Lineup/Key Contributors

QB Drew Brees/Jamie Martin

RB Deuce McAllister/Reggie Bush (his role will become more defined next season. He'll be a third down back that gets 8-10 carries per game but will play WR most of the time. He'll also finally get his wish and be the team's primary return guy.

FB Mike Karney

WR Marques Colston/Robert Meachem/Terrance Copper
WR David Patten/Reggie Bush (slot)/Lance Moore

TE Mark Campbell (People have forgotten about this guy. Very good run-blocking tight end that will further help improve the run game)

LT Jamaal Brown
LG Alan Faneca
OC Jonathan Goodwin
RG Jahri Evans
RT Zach Strief (Stinchcomb is going into his contract year and Strief will win a camp battle)

DE Will Smith
DT Hollis Thomas/Orien Harris (I think we may have stumbled upon a steal here in signing him late last season)
DT Kendrick Clancy (Another guy people seem to forget about. The team didnt sign this guy to a 4-year deal just days after he was released for nothing.)/Antwan Lake
DE Charles Grant/Derrick Harvey

LB Brian Simmons (Shanle gets moved to the bench where he belongs and Simmons finally decides he still wants to play. I would like to see us sign Kawika Mitchell here because obviously I am not comfortable with Simmons at WLB)
LB Zach Thomas
LB Scott Fujita

CB Mike McKenzie*/Jason Craft/Jason David (even though I don't agree he should be, he may get cut)
CB Randall Gay/Mike Jenkins/Usama Young

FS Kevin Kaesviharn/Josh Bullocks/Jonathan Hefney
SS Roman Harper/ Keith Davis

PK Martin Gramatica
P Steve Weatherford

KR Reggie Bush

PR Reggie Bush

* - Starts season on PUP, available after week 6
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you've upgraded the O-line
you've solidified the WR position
you've added a pass rusher on the front four
you've upgraded the LB corps
you've upgraded the CB position

I'd say that's a pretty good offseason.
 
Starting Lineup/Key Contributors (Please read everything before you assault me)

QB Drew Brees/Derek Anderson (RFA-Cleveland)
RB Deuce McAllister/Reggie Bush
FB Mike Karney

WR Marques Colston/Robert Meachem/Terrance Copper
WR David Patten/Reggie Bush (slot)/Lance Moore

TE Mark Campbell (People have forgotten about this guy. Very good run-blocking tight end that will further help improve the run game)

LT Jamaal Brown
LG Alan Faneca (UFA-Pittsburgh)
OC Jonathan Goodwin
RG Jahri Evans
RT Zach Strief

DE Will Smith
DT Hollis Thomas/Orien Harris (I think we may have stumbled upon a steal here in signing him late last season)
DT Kendrick Clancy/Antwan Lake
DE Charles Grant/Derrick Harvey

LB Kawika Mitchell (UFA-New York Giants)
LB Zach Thomas (yes he's old, but that makes him a teacher. hopefully we will get another one in the draft for him to mentor)
LB Scott Fujita

CB Marcus Trufant (UFA-Seattle)/Mike McKenzie*/Jason Craft
CB Randall Gay/Mike Jenkins(Draft-USF)/Usama Young (There will be a lot of fighting amongst all CBs but that only benefits the team)


FS Kevin Kaesviharn/Josh Bullocks/DaJuan Morgan (Draft #10-NC State)
SS Roman Harper/ Keith Davis

PK Martin Gramatica
P Steve Weatherford

KR Reggie Bush

PR Lance Moore

I have not listed any draft picks past the first one because I don't have any idea who will be left after that round. Otherwise, I like the FA route much more. All the draftees are good, but unproven against the NFL, whereas the FAs are. Also, I think bringing in vets will speed up the SB appearance.
 
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I think this offseason might be different for the Saints. I really do think they'll go after either Samuel, Asomugha, Trufant, C. Williams, or Briggs. I seriously doubt they even consider two, but one at least.

Saying that the Saints don't go after big name guys is a little misleading. Saying they don't go after big name DEFENSIVE guys is more like it but I really think that after last year's performance, MM's injury, and the success in ticket sales....we'll get ONE of those big name guys....I'm hoping Williams and drafting a 1st round CB or Asomugha/Trufant and trading up to get Ellis/Dorsey.

But thanks for all the work and sahring with us, aholic. There's too many variables going on (and many unseen to the average fan) so I appreciate that you would stick your neck out to the mobs to give us a little bit to read and ponder.
 
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Haven't heard anything about Nesbit. The guy is solid. Also, I don't think he had a false star all year. Why not re-sign him?
 
Because we need a quality backup and Martin is servicable (which is to say he knows how to throw a ball) at best.
 
We can get a quality backup without loseing our first round pick though, there will be some good backups that aren't restricted FAs.
 

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