New Orleans Saints Division: NFC South

1) Carolina Panthers (15-1) 2) Atlanta Falcons (8-8) 3) New Orleans Saints (7-9) 4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)

Coaching Changes

Dennis Allen, DC: Former Raiders Head Coach. Taking over for Rob Ryan

Dan Campbell, Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends: Former Miami Dolphins Interim Head Coach.

Aaron Glenn, Secondary:

Joe Lombardi, Quarterbacks:

Player Position New team Marques Colston WR Free Agent Jahri Evans G Free Agent Benjamin Watson TE Ravens Khiry Robinson RB Jets Rafael Bush FS Lions Ramon Humber OLB Patriots Brandon Browner CB Seahawks Ryan Seymour G Giants Tavaris Barnes DE Seahawks Ronald Curry, Senior Offensive Assistant: Perer Guinta, Senior Defensive Assistant:

Free Agency Players lost/cut Saints moved on from two stalwarts of their glory days, Colston and Evans. In recent years, it was clear their best days were indeed behind them, and it’s proven by the fact that they are still unsigned. Still, I’m sure the leadership will be missed.

Watson had a terrific year at 34, and cashed in with the Ravens this offseason. A wise move by the team, as there is no reason to overpay for old tight end.

The team probably couldn’t wait to see Browner go after the year he had. The corner committed 24 penalties, the most individual penalties in NFL history. Browner went back to Seattle, where he hopes to regain his form after two poor seasons away from the team. Players signed Player Position Old Team Length Salary Coby Fleener TE Colts 5 36 Nick Fairley DT Rams 1 3 James Laurinaitis ILB Rams 3 8.25 Nathan Stupar OLB Falcons 3 5 Craig Robertson ILB Browns 3 5 Josh Skobee K Steelers 1
Luke McCown QB Saints 2 3 Tim Hightower RB Saints 1 840K

Terron Armstead: The Saints’ franchise left tackle received a longterm contract extension this offseason.

Coby Fleener: The former collegiate star never seemed to live up to his draft status playing along college teammate Andrew Luck. Colts opted to retain Dwayne Allen, and let Fleener walk. The contract says that Fleener will be a big part of the offense over the next few seasons. He’s a natural route runner, but he’s not an upper tier athlete and his hands can be faulty at times. Still, he’ll put up big numbers alongside Brees and Cooks.

James Laurinaitis: The longtime Rams middle linebacker was cut alongside other veterans this offseason. Never an elite ILB, he was a solid, productive player for the Rams over the last 7 seasons. His play has declined, and he’s expected to help quarterback the Saints defense this season. He’s most comparable to Jaguars LB Paul Poslusney. Both have accrued lots of tackles over their careers but neither have ever been standout players.

Nick Fairley: Another Rams player who was not retained this offseason. Fairley, once thought to be worthy of the #1 overall pick, has languished the past two offseasons only generating lukewarm interest. He has talent, and can be an effective three technique, but there’s something to be said about his previous two teams not valuing him.

Draft Round Number Player Position School/Region 1 12 Sheldon Rankins DT South Carolina 2 45 Michael Thomas WR Ohio State 2 61 Vonn Bell S Ohio State 4 122 David Onyemata DT Canada 7 237 Daniel Lasco RB Cal

Sheldon Rankins: A. I love Sheldon Rankins. He’s a terrific 1-gap penetrator who has the potential to cause havoc for opposing offensive coordinators. He’s often been compared to Aaron Donald, but that might be a little lofty. Rankins isn’t as explosive as Donald. Also, don’t be surprised if you see Rankins playing LDE on 1st downs. He’s not big enough to be able to stave off double teams.

Michael Thomas: B+. Not a bad pick. Thomas was one of the better WR prospects in the draft, and I felt he should’ve gone higher than other WR prospects (ahem, Will Fuller). He’ll take over the Marques colston role in this offense. I expect him to be very productive in intermediate yardage. But he is not a burner, and will have to earn Bree’s trust to win jump balls down the field.

Vonn Bell: B+. Good value where they got him. He does a lot of things well, but nothing exceptional. Not a terrific athlete, and doesn’t play that fast. But he has skill set of a corner, and he’ll likely play early for them.

David Onyemata: C. From Canada. Don’t know much about him, other than that he’s a great athlete and a project. For a team that ended up with only 5 picks, using 1 on a project is likely not a good idea. The Saints have a 37 year-old quarterback, and need to focus on winning now.

Daniel Lasco: B. Good, shifty back. Good production in a competitive Pac-12. If he performs well in camp, don’t be surprise if a notable player (ahem, CJ Spiller) gets cut. Otherwise, he’ll be a practice squad player this season.

Overall Grade: C. Having only 5 picks in the entire draft is not a good way to build a roster, especially a team coming off two non-winning seasons. I thought the Saints drafted good players, but only Rankins has the chance to be a true star. Other Offseason News that Affected the Team

Drew Brees contract extension looming. Brees, 37, is entering the final year of a 5 year, 100 million dollar contract. There’s little doubt that Brees and the team will getting something done, but it’s far from a guarantee. Brees is still an elite quarterback, but investing more than 3 years in his next contract could prove to be a mistake.

Could the Saints move on? GM Mickey Loomis has managed the cap poorly in recent years and has led the league in dead money the last two years, leaving little money for top free agents. The Saints have been building to win now with lukewarm results. Perhaps it’s time for a rebuild than (likely) three more 6-10 to 9-7 seasons.

The Golden Trio: Tom Benson, Mickey Loomis, Sean Payton: Benson has been mired in a bitter battle with members of his family, after they accused his wife of taking advantage of his mental state. Benson fired back, and took several grandchildren out of his will.

Loomis doesn’t make a lot of noise, but he’s one of the most interesting people in sports. Not only is he the GM of the team, he also runs the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. It’s fair to wonder if Loomis basically has a lifetime agreement with Benson. He seems to be managing the Saints like a fantasy football auction. Pay the premium for one player, worry about the roster later.

Payton signed a contract extension this offseason ensuring his future with the team. Along with Brees, he’s the face of the franchise, and a bonafide Super Bowl winning coach. But it’s fair to wonder about his coaching and personnel decisions (yes, he has clout) in recent years. Rob Ryan and the defense has been a disaster the last two years, and the drafts have been underwhelming. One more 7-9 season, and his popularity in New Orleans may begin to wane.

Projected Starting Lineup Position Player 1 Player 2 Player 3 QB Drew Brees Luke McCown Garrett Grayson RB Mark Ingram CJ Spiller Tim Hightower WR 1 Brandin Cooks Brandon Coleman Reggie Bell WR 2 Michael Thomas (R) Willie Snead
TE Coby Fleener Josh Hill Michael Hoomanawanui LT Terron Armstead Tyrus Thompson
LG Tim Lelito Cyril Lemon C Max Unger Jack Allen (R)
RG Andrus Peat Senio Kelemete
RT Zach Strief Andrus Peat Defense
LDE Bobby Richardson David Onyemata
NT John Jenkins Tyeler Davison
DT Sheldon Rankins (R) Nick Fairley
RDE Cameron Jordan Obum Gwacham
SLB Stephone Anthony Hau’oli Kikaha
ILB James Laurinaitis Michael Mauti
WLB Dannell Ellerbe Davis Tull
LCB Delvin Breax Keenan Lewis
RCB P.J. Williams Damian Swann
SS Kenny Vaccaro Alden Darby FS Jairus Byrd Vonn Bell (R)
Special Teams
P Thomas Morstead
K Kai Forbath Conner Barth
KR CJ Spiller
PR Brandin Cooks