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2005 Team Report: New Orleans Saints
Quarterbacks
Starter: Aaron Brooks
Starting QB: Aaron Brooks has thrown for at least 3,500 passing yards and totaled 25 TDs each of the past four seasons. Despite being a top ten fantasy QB each of those seasons, Brooks is rarely considered among the NFL's elite. New Orleans has provided Brooks with terrific talent at the skill positions, but the Saints have only ranked in the top ten in scoring once with Brooks as the starter. Brooks has been criticized for not showing any leadership skills, and last year he called out his teammates for the team's lack of success. Despite a lack of maturity and accountability, Brooks is still just twenty-nine years old and has enough weapons around him to constantly be on the verge of a breakout year. The Saints made T Jammal Brown the top lineman selected in the draft, whose strength lies in pass protection.
Backup QB: Todd Bouman didn't get a single snap last year, but this will be his third season backing up Aaron Brooks. Bouman's never played much in his NFL career but has shown the ability to be effective in spurts. He won't cause any problems in the locker room and isn't going to steal Brooks' job (making him a solid backup QB). Because of the talent on the Saints offense, Bouman has the potential to post strong fantasy stats if Brooks gets injured. Adrian McPherson was a surprise fifth round pick for the Saints, but many experts feel that his talent is unmatched. McPherson won a spirited training camp battle with 2nd year vet Kliff Kingsbury for the emergency QB spot.
Running Backs
Starter: Deuce McAllister
Starting RB: Deuce McAllister suffered through injuries last year and missed the Pro Bowl for the first time since being named starter in 2002. McAllister is an every-down RB, and the Saints will give him nearly all of the touches when healthy. Deuce has averaged 4.4 yards per carry for his career, excels in the passing game, and has shown to be a good goal line runner. The Saints have tended to pass quite a bit in the red zone, in the past, but new offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard has promised a heavier dose of Deuce, in all facets. Just 26 years old, McAllister has his best days ahead of him, which explains why the Saints rewarded McAllister with an eight year, $50.1 million contract extension. He was a top eight fantasy RB in 2002 and 2003 and is always a threat to be among the league leaders in yards from scrimmage. Backup RBs: Aaron Stecker was eager to prove that he could handle the starting RB role when Deuce McAllister was injured, and he answered critics with a 106 yard game against the Rams in week three. However, the speedy Stecker hasn't shown the ability to consistently handle a heavy workload and will likely spend the rest of his career as a change of pace back. Antowain Smith won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and comes to New Orleans to provide depth and experience. Smith is a workhorse, and he may benefit more than Stecker if McAllister was to miss time due to injury in 2004.
Fullback: Mike Karney is never going to be a fantasy stud, but he will certainly help Deuce McAllister remain one. Karney is a traditional fullback - a 260 lb. bruiser who is a hard hitting lead blocker in the running game. A rookie in 2004, Karney should continue to improve with experience. He's an effective pass blocker as well and contributes on special teams.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Joe Horn, Donte' Stallworth
Starting WRs: Since 2000, Joe Horn ranks fifth in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and fourth in receiving touchdowns among all wide receivers and has made four Pro Bowl appearances. The 2004 season was Horn's best year yet though, notching career highs in all three major categories. Horn and Brooks have become one of the better QB-WR combinations in the league, and there's no reason to expect that not to continue in 2005. Horn's arrogance and toughness combine to make him one of the most dependable and exciting players at the position. Donte' Stallworth was considered a great talent out of Tennessee in 2002 and started to have the game slow down for him by the end of last year. Entering his fourth season playing with Brooks and Horn, Stallworth should feel extremely comfortable and may be ready to finally live up to the hype. Backup WRs: After flirting with the Chiefs, veteran slot receiver Az-Zahir Hakim signed on with New Orleans. He's a good fit, particularly for the 3rd WR/slot role that departed Jerome Pathon held the last few seasons. Devery Henderson is a younger and less accomplished version of Donte' Stallworth. Henderson failed to make a single reception last year after falling into Jim Haslett's doghouse by holding out for part of training camp. Haslett has sung Henderson's praises of late, however, and the release of WR Jerome Pathon has to be considered at least a small sign of confidence in Henderson. Michael Lewis (nicknamed "The Beer Man" as he used to drive a beer truck before signing with the Saints) is one of the league's electric return men. He's averaged 19.8 yards per reception for his career but is limited as a route runner.
Tight Ends
Starters: Ernie Conwell
Ernie Conwell spent seven years with the Rams and has seen his production decrease with the Saints, but sits atop the depth chart. Now 33 years old, Conwell's unlikely to become a fantasy stud again and he could ultimately be a part-time player if Shad Meier and Zach Hilton both make the final roster. Boo Williams, last year's starter, disappointed many fantasy owners in 2004 after failing to show the promise displayed in the second half of 2003 and will sit out the entire 2005 season with a knee injury. Shad Meier was signed from Tennessee to provide depth to the roster and push Williams and Conwell. Meier has good hands, but he doesn't have play making ability and is average as a blocker. Zach Hilton impressed in camp and ultimately benefited from Boo Williams' injury, making the final 53-man roster as a result. Place Kicker John Carney : If Anderson and Andersen don't come back, then Carney becomes the oldest kicker in the NFL (41). He's a reliable veteran. Since becoming a full time starter, he's had four seasons under 80% on FGs and ten over. Last season featured a memorable three point win in which he kicked five FGs - including two over 50 yards. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Michael Lewis, Aaron Stecker, Devery Henderson The Saints have one of the better return specialists in the NFL. WR Michael Lewis ranked first in 2002, ninth in 2003, and sixth in 2004 among fantasy returners. His 2004 KR numbers were 51 returns, 23.8 avg, and 1 TD. RB Aaron Stecker proved to be a very decent backup last year (18 returns, 26.1 avg, 1 TD). The Saints have yet to utilize WR Devery Henderson on returns, however he averaged 24.7 yards on KRs during college at LSU. Punt Returners: Michael Lewis, Az-Zahir Hakim, Donte' Stallworth Lewis returned 34 punts in 2004, with an impressive 11.2 average. The only other player to return a punt last year was WR Donte' Stallworth (6 returns, and an unimpressive 1.0 avg). WR Az-Zahir Hakim returned punts in his years with both St. Louis and Detroit. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Jammal Brown [r], RG Jermane Mayberry, C LeCharles Bentley, LG Kendyl Jacox, LT Wayne Gandy
The Saints have the makings of a nice offensive line in 2005 with the potential to be outstanding by 2006 when this unit gels together. Rookie right tackle Jammal Brown brings tenacity and effort to the squad and will start right away. There is nice experience littered throughout this group, and this unit should be able to open running lanes for Deuce McAllister and the running game to exploit. Newcomer Jermane Mayberry comes over from the Eagles and brings power and toughness to a group that badly needed both, but his athleticism is limited and his play has declined somewhat with age. The Saints best linemen are center LeCharles Bentley (who has come into his own with his quickness and aggressive play) and veteran tackle Wayne Gandy (who is another athletic player with experience). The weakness amongst this starting five is pass blocking due to limited athletic prowess and quickness, but if the Saints continue to suffer through mediocrity or worse it won't be the fault of these blue-collar workers. Team Defense New Orleans earned the moniker "Aints" by finishing dead last in the NFL in total defense for the 2004 season. While fans didn't go with the retro paper bag over the head look (circa 1980), they may have wished they could (only without the eye slits) so they didn't have to witness the heinous 383.8 YPG allowed. They were rock bottom in the NFC against the run (140.8 YPG) and fared "better" against the pass - tied for last in the NFC (243 YPG). The Bourbon Street denizens tied for second worst in the NFC in scoring defense (25.3 PPG). Middle of the pack in the NFL in sacks (37), they are capable of MUCH better if they can sustain any kind of inside push and chase QBs into the waiting arms of Charles Grant and Will Smith. The Saints didn't hold an opponent under 20 points until late in the season. Needless to say, this is not a good unit. They absolutely have to get better on defense if they expect to compete for the NFC South crown with far more balanced divisional foes such as Atlanta and Carolina. It is unclear if they have done enough in the draft and FA to make the impact they are looking for. Like the Chiefs in '04, they may be relying excessively on internal improvement. The organization is banking on a strong finish that closed out '04 and hoping the team can start '05 the way they ended last season. Defensive Line
Starters: DE Charles Grant, DE Darren Howard, DT Bryan Young, DT Jonathan Sullivan
Starting DL: Darren Howard was on the trading block despite his high level of production in recent years. Ultimately the team didn't see enough value in letting him walk and so he'll instead combine (once again) with Charles Grant and Will Smith to form one of the best DE rotations in football. Howard's five-year sack totals have oscillated (11-6-8-5-11), and he doesn't scare opposing offenses in run support (38 solo tackles in 13 games last season were career high) despite his size. On the other side of the line, Charles Grant uses his RB instincts (he was a prep All-American as a RB) and skills to sift through traffic and find the ball carrier and should be considered the second best young DE in the NFL (after Julius Peppers). Grant is an ascendant player coming off a breakthrough season - three year totals of 31-49-67 solo tackles, 7-10-10.5 sacks (15+ sack potential) and 4-4-3 FFs. Ex-Ram Young is not a specimen like his more heralded DL-mates, but has an outstanding motor and is disruptive (59 tackles). In a story for the ages, Jon Sullivan who seemed destined for the "Bust" label, finally showed a focus in camp commensurate with his natural talents and as a result he not only saved his job, but enters the season as a starter. Backup DL: Will Smith was among the best values in round one of the 2004 draft and he would start for many NFL teams. The Ohio State All-American exceeded expectations with 34 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks and an electrifying 6 FFs (tied for NFL lead)...he makes the ball hit the ground more often than Koren Robinson. Smith runs and tracks ball carriers like a LB at 6'3" 282 lbs. and punishes them when he gets there. He combines with starters Howard and Grant into one of the most imposing pass rushing groups in the NFC. Whitehead turned 32 in the offseason. but is a late bloomer with only six years in the NFL. He is a situational player in the line rotation who gets to the QB a lot for an interior DL (5+ sacks three times in his career).
Linebackers
Starters: WLB Colby Bockwoldt, MLB Courtney Watson, SLB Sedrick Hodge
Starting LBs: Bockwoldt concluded a whirlwind rookie campaign by substituting for an injured Derrick Rodgers (back surgery) and he carried that momentum into a starting role in 2005. Courtney Watson flew out of the gates in the first month of 2004, looking like a serious DROY candidate. After a knee injury, however, he was in and out of the lineup and didn't look like the same player when he did play (making his evaluation difficult). Watson is a former prep RB with the change of direction ability, ball skills, and overall athleticism to be a prototypical three down LB. Some insiders question whether he is physical enough to be the long term answer in the middle though he should be fine if covered up and allowed to fly to the ball. Sedrick Hodge won the strongside job almost by default, he is not considered an asset to the team's overall defensive scheme. For a once proud franchise LB tradition (sent FOUR LBs to the Pro Bowl in '92, including the late Sam Mills), the luster has faded. The Saints have been rebuffed in recent years in their attempts to land a big time difference maker at the position (missing out on Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams and Thomas Davis in the past two drafts), and that's a big reason they finished last against the run in '04. Backup LBs: Al Fincher was rocketing up boards nearing the draft. He is physical and redlines the intensity meter, but he plays under control and is a sure tackler. He has the versatility like Watson to be interchangeable at MLB/OLB. He could be tried at WLB and snatch the starting job - ending a run of misfires on third round LBs (Allen, Hodge, and Cie Grant). Fincher has great intangibles and brings his lunch pail to work every day (celebrated his third round selection by running stairs). That attitude and work ethic will help absorb the level of competition (UConn) shock. Long-time NFL veterans TJ Slaughter and Ron McKinnon broke camp with the team and could play larger than expected roles. They won't make too many impact plays, but they shouldn't make big mistakes either.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Mike McKenzie, CB Fakhir Brown, SS Jay Bellamy, FS Dwight Smith
Starting DBs: McKenzie forced a trade from Green Bay with a holdout to begin the '04 season. He instantly upgraded the Saints DB talent and boosted their team's coverage and run support ability (nine INTs in last 25 games, 64-67-58 tackles '01-'03). Maybe even more importantly, he added a swagger to the secondary. Brown was somewhat of an afterthought to begin '04, but the sixth year UFA and former dime back responded with a career high 56 solo tackles and two INTs after being pressed into service with an Ashley Ambrose injury. Bellamy will be 33 in '05, but New Orleans re-upped. He led the Saints in solo tackles two years ago with 79 (sixth in the NFL for a safety in '03), came in second last season (75), and has averaged over 90 tackles since '02, but he won't be mistaken for Ed Reed in coverage. Ex-Buc Dwight Smith wanted CB money but settled for the FS gig in the Big Easy (displacing FA bust Tebucky Jones). Smith is an ascendant talent with 41-64-75 solo tackles and five FFs since '02. He could have a "missing piece" effect (with McKenzie) that helps elevate other positions and transforms the overall New Orleans defense. Backup DBs: Ex-Jaguar Craft had 50+ solo tackles and a combined five INTs in 2001-'02. He was re-signed in the offseason. and should be the nickel CB. Thomas has lasted a decade despite having less than ideal size (5'9" 185 lbs.). He is fearless in run support - stringing together a fine run in his last two seasons as a starting CB for the Saints (LB-like 73 and 78 solo tackles with nine INTs and four FFs from '02-'03). Bullocks was the second true safety taken in the '05 draft after Brodney Pool (both junior FSs came off the board early in round two). Bullocks wasn't as productive under a new scheme in '04 but got All-American notice in 2003 when he led the nation with 10 INTs (Nebraska record). He could soon be paired with FA Dwight Smith in a futuristic tandem - both can run, hit and cover. Bullocks was a prep RB/sprinter and has exceptional bloodlines (cousin of Olympian Evelyn Ashford). Former Cornhusker Mike Brown is a comparable player in terms of athleticism and skill set. Mitchell was atop the SS depth chart before a preseason ACL tear shelved him for the '03 season, and he may not figure prominently in the Saints future plans anymore.
Last modified: 2005-09-04 21:41:42
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