Saints Nation: Alex Brown Signs with Saints!

The Saints have signed Alex Brown, according to ESPN analyst Adam Schefter's twitter account, to a two year deal. More to come as details come in, but the Saints have Charles Grant's replacement and their first unrestricted free agent signing of the offseason.

Saints Nation: No Way Sean Payton Takes An Offensive Player in the 1st Round Again, Right? (Part 2)

Last year I made the bold prediction that the Saints would pick Malcolm Jenkins in the first round. Ok fine, so a lot of people did, but I at least deserve minimal credit for calling that, right? I also wrote a piece last year detailing my reasons why the Saints' draft philosophy is to pick the best player available, as oppose to settling for a need. Similarly, this year, I think the Saints should go with defense, but don't be shocked if they select an offensive player.

This year, the needs have changed a little bit. Going into last year's draft, the Saints were in desperate need of a short yardage back, playmakers on the backend, and pass rushers. Mike Bell and Lynell Hamilton both stepped up this year and did a great job in short yardage situations, but with Bell now gone I would expect the Saints to possibly get a bruising back in the draft. Based on the current regime's ability to land serviceable backs without using high picks, though (see Bell, Hamilton and Pierre Thomas - all undrafted), I wouldn't expect for that to be done early in the draft. Keep in mind that Lynell Hamilton is still on the team, too, and is likely looking at an increased role. As for playmakers on the backend, what a difference a year makes. Granted the Saints will need to re-sign Darren Sharper to be as effective as last year, but with the development of Tracy Porter and the additions of Jabari Greer and Malcolm Jenkins, the Saints are now in terrific shape there. Moving on to pass rushers, that still seems to be the area where the Saints have the biggest need. Depth at tight end would possibly be a place of need, too, as well as getting a good run stuffing defensive tackle. For those reasons, I think a pass rushing linebacker or a stout defensive tackle make the most sense with that first pick based on need. Given the Saints' philosophy, though, don't be surprised when they pick someone you least expected.

I'll be posting my mock draft this week, so stay tuned.

Saints Nation: Alex Brown Visiting the Saints

Ex Chicago Bear defensive end Alex Brown is scheduled to visit the Saints today. Brown was recently released by the Bears, in part because of the high price tag he carried and the recent free agent signing of Julius Peppers. Oddly, the division rival Panthers and Buccaneers seem to be the other teams most interested in Brown's services. Brown has been very steady in his career, posting 6 sacks per year in 4 out of his last 6 seasons. He also posted 7 sacks and 4.5 sacks in separate years during that span. He's not a premiere pass rusher, but he's steady and he's also a capable run stopper. At 30 years old, one would hope he's still got something left in the tank. The best news of all, since he was released by the Bears, is that he won't count against the Saints' ability to sign one free agent.

My knowledgeable Bears' inside source, JLaw, says the following: "I know he will play hard and not be a distraction. Brown was a popular player with his teammates and fans in Chicago. His high salary number for 2010 was one reason given for his release. His reputation as a team player and a hard worker was never in doubt, even when he lost his starting job to one move wonder Mark Anderson. Too bad the Bears overpaid for their recent free agent binge necessitating his release. Wrong side of 30, but the right kind of attitude." Many thanks to him for the scoop.

Personally, I don't know how much it will cost the Saints, but I'd love to see them step up and sign Brown. Based on JLaw's feedback, he'd be a perfect fit for the Saints' high character locker room. He could step in for the loss of Charles Grant and start immediately. I think he'd perform well and be an instant upgrade at defensive end. He's also extremely durable as I believe he's missed 1 game in 9 seasons. That's a far cry from what we were used to with Charles Grant. As it stands the Saints are counting on Bobby McCray and Jeff Charleston to man the starting defensive end spot vacated by Grant, so I think Brown would be a terrific addition to the rotation. It all depends on how much he wants, though.

Saints Nation: McNabb is Headed to Skins, but Who's More Stupid?

I'm actually uncertain what team is more idiotic, Eagles or Redskins? Trading a franchise QB to your bitter enemy, rival, and divisional opponent is the cardinal sin in the NFL. The Eagles just made a team they are in direct competition with better. Few things could be more difficult to understand. On the flip side, the Redskins have had a recent history of mediocrity and they are just continuing down that path. Their blueprint for "success" in the Snyder era, or lack thereof, has been to mortgage their future for older and established NFL veterans. The problem is that the countless number of overpaid veterans they land quickly fizzle out and disappoint them, and they have no crop of young players which cripples their depth.

McNabb was shipped away for the Redskins' second round pick, and a lower pick next year. One common misconception of NFL fans is that 2nd round picks are all worth the same. I think there's mental picture when you hear "2nd round pick", that you're getting a decent prospect... but let's make no mistake, the Saints' 2nd round pick will be for the 64th player in the draft. This pick is 37th. While both picks fall into the "2nd round", there's a pretty major difference there. Granted, one could argue that the Redskins' ability to scout prospects is so bad they'd make a bad pick at 37th overall anyway. Short term, this helps the Redskins for maybe a couple seasons, but once again it sets them back financially and mortgages their future. You think they would've learned by now.

Granted Brees, Sharper and Vilma were all terrific pickups by the Saints, but consider the core of their foundation: Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Roman Harper, Will Smith, Sedrick Ellis, Tracy Porter... all young players drafted by the Saints. Together they've built a SuperBowl champion as the backbone of the franchise. The Redskins have almost no players like that. Some of their best players? Clinton Portis, Albert Haynesworth, McNabb, Satana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Andre Carter, London Fletcher, DeAngelo Hall... These are all players they were held at ransom to acquire, through massive bonuses and/or draft picks. You tell me which way of doing business has made for the better product on the field. I bet the Redskins would trade their entire roster for the Saints' tomorrow. This McNabb acquisition embodies the stupid business model they've been failing with for years.

So who's more stupid, the Eagles or the Redskins?

Saints Nation: Anthony Hargrove Signs Back with Saints

Here's a piece of good news: Anthony Hargrove has elected to sign his restricted free agent contract tender by the Saints. He's now on board for the team in 2010. Hargrove had visited with the Lions and apparently received a good amount of interest, but in the end he opted to stick around with the Saints. Good to have him back! With Charles Grant released, Hargrove's return was even more vital to the Saints' defensive line.

More news on the signing can be found HERE.

Saints Nation: Revisiting the Saints' 2008 Draft

Every year in April, I go back to two year's prior to see how past draft classes have panned out. It's always extremely tough to grade a draft class the week they are picked because one has little idea how their career will truly pan out. One could argue you can't fully grade a draft class until 10 years later. I looked at the 2007 draft class a year ago, and thought that class turned out to be a disaster. To their credit, a year later, Jermon Bushrod and Robert Meachem have made huge strides. There's no question with the 2008 class, though, as the Saints bounced back to make some crucial picks. Let's take a look:

1. Sedrick Ellis: While Ellis has yet to have what I would characterize as a truly outstanding season, but there's no question he's a respected NFL starter that's blossoming into a star. Ellis has gotten banged up in each of his first two seasons with knee issues, but when he's played he's been effective and powerful. There's been a clear difference in the Saints' ability to stop the run when Ellis plays, and he's registered 6 sacks in two seasons, showing he can get after the passer. Ellis is a huge part of the team's future success and he's only going to get better.

2. Tracy Porter (pictured): With the plays Porter made in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl, all NFL fans in the country know who he is. His prowess goes deeper than two big time plays in big moments, though, as he's solidified himself as one of the top young corners in the NFL. His first season was cut short by a broken wrist, but he showed a lot of promise before the injury, and his second season was phenomenal. I wouldn't be surprised to see him command a massive contract sometime in the very near future. He's arguably the best young cornerback the Saints have ever had.

5a. DeMario Pressley: The jury is still out on Pressley. He sat out the entirely of 2008 with an injury in training camp that landed him on injured reserve. After not making the final cuts in 2009, Pressley was placed on the practice squad before getting a midseason call up thanks to the injury veteran Kendrick Clancy. Once he got on the field, Pressley showed a lot of promise in limited action. It seemed like every time he came on the field, he showed a lot of grit and energy. I'm looking forward to seeing more out of him, but if he can stay healthy there's no reason to think he won't contribute.

5b. Carl Nicks: Nicks is another draftee the Saints hit a monster homerun with. Nicks stepped in for Jamar Nesbit halfway through his rookie season at starting left guard, once Nesbit received a 4 game suspension for taking the same water pills that threatened suspensions on Will Smith, Deuce and Charles Grant. Nesbit elected to serve his suspension to get it over with, and when he came back he never got his starting job back. Nicks is a premiere young NFL guard. It sounds redundant because I keep describing our 2008 draft picks that way, but it's true. Nicks was elected as a pro bowl alternate in his first full season as a starter. The NFL has a program that rewards underpaid players with bonuses, and Nicks has received the most of any player in the NFL the past two years. What that means is he's outperforming his contract more than any other young player in the league. Pretty good value if you ask me, but it's clear Nicks will be commanding a big payday soon. Nicks is a stalwart on the Saints' offensive line, and a very valuable run blocker that mauls the opposition.

6. Taylor Mehlhaff: Mehlhaff was a promising young kicker that was supposed to become what Garrett Hartley has become for the Saints. Mehlhaff in limited reps with the Saints was a complete disaster and utter liability. Every time he went out there to kick it was an adventure, extra points included. He is no longer in the league, but will likely be looking for a job somewhere in 2010.

7. Adrian Arrington: Like Pressley, Arrington spent the entirely of 2008 on injured reserve, despite showing lots of promise in preseason prior to getting hurt. Arrington is still a promising receiver, though he spent the majority of 2009 on the practice squad and never really had a chance to show what he can do, it's not impossible he'll make the team in 2010 and contribute. That said, I have a hard time seeing him play much as he's stuck behind a very experienced and deep receiving core for the Saints.

All in all the 2008 draft was an excellent one, and it showed that the Saints' braintrust know what they're doing. It was a nice rebound from a shaky 2007 draft, and it rivals 2006 as arguably one of the best Saints' draft classes in history. Remember, 2006 brought us Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, Jahri Evans and Roman Harper, among others.

Breaking News: Reggie Bush Traded to Steelers for a 4th Round Draft Choice

Pretty shocking news coming out of Saints camp today, as Reggie Bush's love affair with the city of New Orleans came to an abrupt end. EPSN is reporting that the Saints have agreed in principle to send Bush to Pittsburgh for a 4th round draft choice. I, for one, am floored by this news. I guess his celebration of the Super Bowl victory will be short lived. Word also has it the Saints are shopping Jeremy Shockey and could part with him as soon as Saturday.







APRIL FOOLS!!!!! Hahaha. On a serious note today is Saints Nation's first birthday today. What a crazy year it's been. Over 650 followers on twitter, over 1,500 friends on facebook, and a Super Bowl victory. Thank you for all of your support this year, it's been a wild ride. Looking forward to doing this for many more years to come.