Draft Time
by nathan.lejeune | 9 years ago | 0 Comments
Draft Time
Saints prepare for GFML draft, on Sunday
The Saints front office has had their hands full this off-season. After coming off a 6 win season, they were quickly hit with a lot of travel, which limited their opportunities to be on the front lines of free agency. Something had to be done about an o-line who didn't block well the whole first half of the season and a defense who gave up too many big plays. They played much better as the season progressed, but they still struggled in closing out games and keeping people healthy. Let's take a look at some of their moves this off-season.
Mike Glennon - Resigned/FA - Saints had several key injuries last season, and one of those was at the quarterback positoin. Zack Mettenburger was placed on IR and Glennon was bought back in after having a try out earlier last offseason. After spending a year off and then not getting much playing time, due to not having a full grasp of the off-season, the Saints bought him back to be the primary back up to Zack. Glennon didn't have as big an arm, but is much better at the deep ball. Mike will be a solid back-up, but don't be surprised if the Saints pick a QB in the draft.
Kerwynn Williams - Resigned/FA - Some of those injuries were also at the halfback position, where the Saints suffered 2 long term injuries to both of their RBs. Kerwynn was signed and played very well for the team down the stretch. He carried the ball 74 times for 353 yard and a 4.8 avergae. That's not bad for a guy who was on the street in the end of the season. Williams won the 3rd RB role over Ingram, which the Saints released at the end of the season last year.
Jeff Demps - Resigned - After a season, last year, which seen Demps average 7.1 yards a carry, 410 yards and 2 TDs, Jeff struggled through injuries and production. After taking over for Smith, Demps struggled and then was injuried for most of the season. Demps averaged 5.3 yards per carry, only 263 yards and 1 TD. Jeff Demps is the change of pace back that the Saints enjoy having, and he was bought back during the season as on of their 5 resigns.
Brice Butler - Resigned - Butler struggled with finding his place last season, but after an injury to Morrison, Butler stepped up and shined. Butler finished with 44 catches, 596 yards and 5 TDs. Butler was resigned as a solid #2 option behing Morrison, but don't be surprised if the Saints look to add to their team in the draft. Butler was one of the Saints 5 resigns.
Blake Annen - Resigned/FA - Annen was a surprise pick up for the Saints several seasons ago and the Saints decided to bring him back this season in free agency. Annen hasn't gotten a lot of playing time behind Wilson and Hill, but look for Annen to get more playing time this season.
Dezmen Southward - Resigned - After being picked up last season in a trade, the Saints quickly worked out a new contract for Southward, who was one of the Saints resigns. Southward moved back to his natural position of FS and began to make a lot of plays. He finished the season with 48 tackles, 1 FF and 2 INTs. Southward is a quick playmaker who the Saints are looking to build around in their back 4.
Marquis Spruill - Resigned/FA - Spruill was a free agent signing late last season and came in to help sure up some back up positions at MLB. After 2 below average seasons with the Colts, Spruill took a second chance with the Saints and impressed the coaches enough to be asked back this off-season. Spruill was signed back and looks to play a primary role as a back up MLB.
Ty Powell - FA - Ty was signed by the Saints 2 seasons ago and then released in the offseason. Ty bring some play making ability and even some experience to a Saints LB corps who is still very young. Ty will also be battling a spot with Spruill for a primary back-up role with the LBs.
Nick Perry - Trade - Three seasons with the GB Packers, Perry took a back seat last season and finished with only 9 tackles as a back-up. Perry comes over to the Saints to play OLB and help shore up some of the pressure and playmaking ability which the Saints struggled with last season. This move allows Gooden to move back to OLB and Perryman back to MLB.
Margus Hunt - FA - Hunt has played the last 3 seasons with the Bengals, but has not seen the filed very often. The veteran player had a carrer low, 1 tackle, last season. Hunt will help lead a Saints DL, which is very young after the departure of Jordan. Hunt brings speed, strength, and playmaking ability. Hunt has a chance to be a primary DE for the saints 3/4 defense.
Saints also moved Jordan for a 1st round pick, along with a 2nd rounder; which gives them 2 1'st and 2 2'nds. The scouting team has been working hard and the Saints are looking to shore up both sides of the OL and DL. Saints are looking to get younger, faster and better play making ability.
It's been one of the most quiet off-seasons which the Saints have had lately, and that will either give the same results as last season and lead to a firing of the staff, or they will turn things around and make a run for the GFML playoffs.
Next up is the draft for the Saints, which takes place on Press Pass Live on Sunday night at 7 pm central.