 Main Menu | | Mike's Draft Corner | | Team Center | | 2008 Draft | | Roster Moves | | | The Latest News | | N.O.'s defensive picks ready for rookie camp Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Today 08:00 AM |  Ellis, Pressley looking to step in and quickly contribute to Saints
Jimmy Smith / New Orleans Times-Picayune
If enthusiasm and self-confidence can translate into ability, the Saints no doubt significantly upgraded their interior defensive line in the recent NFL draft.
Tackles Sedrick Ellis, the team's first-round draft pick from Southern California, and DeMario Pressley, the fifth-round pick from North Carolina State, are both prepared to come into the team's rookie minicamp that begins today to prove they belong in the big leagues and are prepared to step into significant roles immediately.
"I feel like I'm looking for an immediate impact," Ellis said this week. "They made the pick for a reason, and I assume they want me to play as soon as possible. So that's definitely my goal, to get down there and work hard and try to play as soon as I can."
Pressley was equally effusive. Full Story – Picayune | |  | | Payton will put a bet on a long shot Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Today 07:52 AM | Minicamp is first step to roster spot
Larry Holder / Biloxi Sun-Herald
Sean Payton has been adamant about preaching it's not how you arrive at the New Orleans Saints' practice field, but how you fare when you're out there as to whether there's a roster spot open for you.
The proof is already on the Saints' roster that Payton, the Saints' third-year coach, values the three-day, five-practice rookie minicamp that begins today.
"It's interesting when you look at it, there have been a number of free agents that not only have made teams, but have been Pro Bowl players," Payton said. "There's still a fair amount of work to do. We're looking to find a Pierre Thomas, a Steve Weatherford, a Tyler Palko - these are all guys that have made our team. Tony Romo made our team in Dallas when I was there." Full Story - Sun-Herald | | | | Rookies arriving for first minicamp Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Today 07:48 AM | AP / New Orleans Times-Picayune
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints' on-field preparations for the 2008 season begin in earnest this weekend as six draft choices and 16 undrafted free agents arrive for rookie camp.
The players were slated to arrive Thursday night and practice five times between Friday and Sunday at the team's suburban New Orleans headquarters. The practices are closed to the public and the media.
Drafted players and free agents signed in the days following the late April NFL draft will be joined by several dozen other players participating on a tryout basis.
"It's a chance for them to see how we practice, learn our terminology and get them ready to compete for a position on this team," Saints coach Sean Payton said. Full Story – Picayune | | | | Compeition for Roster Spots To Be Fierce Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Today 07:44 AM | Doug Miller / NewOrleansSaints.com
On the eve of the New Orleans Saints’ three-day rookie mini-camp in Metairie, the Black-and-Gold currently has 86 players on their roster.
Or six more players than the team will be able to take training camp in late July.
Competition will be fierce when the 57 players invited to the rookie camp don their uniforms for the first time on Friday morning, as the team’s six 2008 draftees join 16 undrafted free agents that have agreed to terms with the team, as well as 35 non-roster tryout invitees.
The NFL’s mandated training camp roster size of 80 players under contract means that the team will have to pare down the roster before heading to training camp. So the question that many will have is why the team currently has 86 players under contract. Full Story - NewOrleansSaints.com | | | | ISU football: Undrafted Blythe eyes roster spot with Saints Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Yesterday 07:18 AM | Andrew Logue / Des Moines Register
Todd Blythe took his final college exam Wednesday. Today, the former Iowa State receiver is flying to New Orleans in hopes of earning a spot with the NFL's Saints.
"I know going in they're definitely willing to give guys a shot," Blythe said. "Whether you're drafted in the first round or an undrafted free agent, they really don't care once you get into camp."
Blythe, who signed a free-agent contract, will begin practicing with the other Saints rookies Friday. The Cyclones' all-time leader in receptions (176), yards (3,096) and touchdowns (31) was disappointed after not being drafted, but was told his stock slipped when someone issued a report saying he had a partially torn ACL in his right knee.
The Indianola native had surgery on his left knee in 2005. Full Story – Register | | | | Alexander meets, greets Saints brass Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Yesterday 07:13 AM | MikeTriplett / New Orleans Times-Picayune
The Saints completed their visit with free-agent tailback Shaun Alexander on Wednesday, but he returned home to Seattle without a contract offer.
It's unclear how serious the interest is from either side. Alexander, who was released by the Seahawks last month, has just started to test the market. He visited Cincinnati on Sunday and Monday before flying to New Orleans.
Alexander's agent, Jim Steiner, said the former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowl player has not set a timetable for choosing a team.
"It all depends on how he feels about the team, the prospects of the team winning a championship, and what his role will be," Steiner said. Full Story – Picayune | | | | Saints minicamp first taste of NFL for rookies Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Yesterday 07:10 AM | Les East / Baton Rouge Advocate
METAIRIE — The New Orleans Saints’ six draft choices and more than 50 other professional football wannabes will get their first taste of life in the NFL when the team conducts a minicamp for rookies and first-year players this weekend.
The players arrive tonight and practice five times between Friday and Sunday at the team’s headquarters. The practices are closed to the public and the media.
The draft choices will be joined by 16 undrafted free agents and 36 other players who will be participating on a tryout basis.
Saints coach Sean Payton said the goal is to “indoctrinate these players into our system.” “It’s a chance for them to see how we practice, learn our terminology and get them ready to compete for a position on this team,” Payton said. “The minicamp is here to teach them about our system, the structure and an introduction of the building and the people that are going to be teaching them and instructing them.” Full Story – Advocate | | | | Henry expresses interest in Saints, Cowboys Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On Yesterday 07:06 AM |  James Walker / ESPN
Frustrated. Disappointed. Eager.
That is the range of emotions former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry says he's feeling right now as he awaits trial for misdemeanor charges of assault and word from the NFL whether he will play again in 2008.
In his first public comments since being released by the Bengals, Henry said he is excited about Tuesday's court ruling that he will be allowed to visit other NFL teams.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no official visits were scheduled. But Henry mentioned a pair of teams at the top of his wish list.
"There are two teams that I would always love to play for: That's New Orleans and Dallas," Henry said. "New Orleans is home for me. That's always been a big dream of mine. Hopefully I can get in there and sit down with the coaches and maybe have an opportunity to get down there. And Dallas is another team that I've always looked up to as a kid and wanted to play for them." Full Story – ESPN | | | | Saints Prepare for Rookie Mini Camp Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-07-2008 07:37 AM | Doug Miller / NewOrleansSaints.com
On Friday, the newest members of the Saints will get their first taste of action as members of the National Football League when they participate in a three-day rookie and first-year players mini-camp at the team’s Metairie headquarters.
The Saints’ six draft choices from the 2008 draft will be joined by 16 rookie free agents and 36 players that have been invited by the team for a tryout.
“The goal is to indoctrinate these players into our system,” said Head Coach Sean Payton. “It’s a chance for them to see how we practice, learn our terminology and get them ready to compete for a position on this team. The mini-camp is here to teach them about our system, the structure and an introduction of the building and the people that are going to be teaching them and instructing them.” Full Story - NewOrleansSaints.com | | | | Alexander could have options beyond Cincy Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-06-2008 09:47 AM | Adam Schefter / NFL Network
Cincinnati is hardly the only team interested in former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander.
New Orleans also is. Denver might be. And now, after looking as if he could be stopped for no gain, Alexander could have options about where to spend the 2008 season.
The most obvious is Cincinnati, which met with Alexander on Sunday and Monday. With Cincinnati failing to draft any running backs, Alexander could provide some depth that the Bengals failed to procure last month. It also helps that Alexander, a former Mr. Kentucky football player, is revered in those parts.
But the Bengals might not be the only bidders. Like Cincinnati, New Orleans also drafted no running backs this year. But that doesn’t mean the Saints will not add any competition for Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas. Full Story – NFL Network | | | | Saints Team Report Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-06-2008 08:02 AM | Mike Triplett / For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: First-round draft pick Sedrick Ellis and fifth-round pick DeMario Pressley are the likely new starters at defensive tackle, but that doesn't necessarily spell doom for incumbents Hollis Thomas and Brian Young. The Saints regularly rotate their tackles to keep them fresh. Ellis played mostly nose tackle in college, and he can blow up running lanes, but he also is athletic enough to play the 3-technique on passing downs. Thomas is a traditional run stuffer, and Young is a conventional 3-technique guy, so Ellis can play alongside either one. The Saints might also move E Charles Grant inside in some pass-rush formations. Backups Kendrick Clancy and Antwan Lake will be fighting for their jobs in training camp. . . .
The Saints want a more dynamic return game after not returning a kick for a touchdown last year. They'll start by using RB Reggie Bush more often on punt returns. They wanted to do that last year, but he became too valuable on offense after RB Deuce McAllister's knee injury. Bush then injured his knee around midseason. Second-round draft pick Tracy Porter could return punts or kickoffs, and the team could try to get more out of WR Lance Moore or RB Pierre Thomas, both of whom were adequate last year in their first full pro seasons. Full Story – Sporting News | | | | Alexander to visit Saints after Bengals Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-06-2008 07:57 AM | Ex-MVP has missed 12 games in 2 years
MikeTriplett / New Orleans Times-Picayune
The Saints will bring in free-agent tailback Shaun Alexander for a visit this week, a sign that they're still in the market for some insurance in case Deuce McAllister is unable to return to form.
Alexander, 30, was released by the Seattle Seahawks last month after two disappointing, injury-plagued seasons. The former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowl player was scheduled to make his first free-agent visit with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday.
Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed Alexander's visit, but he declined further comment. McAllister said he wouldn't be surprised or opposed if the Saints add another tailback before training camp. Full Story – Picayune | | | | Benson Buys WVUE Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-06-2008 07:53 AM | "I think it's going to show outsiders, 'Hey, this is a good place to invest.' "
Dave Walker / New Orleans Times-Picayune
New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson announced Monday that he will purchase local Fox network affiliate WVUE-Channel 8 for $41 million, a purchase that Benson said could be seen as an indicator that the Saints' long-term future in New Orleans is secure.
The team is negotiating with the state on a package of inducements to keep the team in the Louisiana Superdome beyond the 2010 season.
"Certainly, this shows another commitment on our part," Benson said. "The old saying is, 'We're putting the money where our mouth is.' "
The deal requires Federal Communications Commission approval, but it is expected to close late this summer. Full Story – Picayune | | | | Report: RB Alexander to visit Saints Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-06-2008 07:48 AM | Larry Holder / Biloxi Sun-Herald
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said following the NFL draft less than two weeks ago that he may add another body in the running back mix. Reportedly, the Saints are interested in a former NFL MVP to compete for a roster spot.
Former Seattle running back Shaun Alexander will follow up a scheduled trip to Cincinnati with one to New Orleans to talk with the Saints, according to report from the NFL Network.
Jim Steiner, who represents both Alexander and current Saints running back Deuce McAllister, did not immediately return a phone call placed by the Sun Herald to his office Monday afternoon. Full Story - Sun-Herald | | | | Benson puts his mouth where his money is Posted By: Dan in Lafayette Posted On 05-06-2008 07:46 AM | Jim Mashek / Biloxi Sun-Herald
If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em.
That seems to be the approach of Tom Benson, the New Orleans Saints' miserly owner.
Benson made headlines Monday by purchasing one of New Orleans' television stations, WVUE-TV Fox 8, and creating his own Louisiana Media Company.
Benson's move, according to a memo released by his fledgling media venture, shows his "unwavering belief in the recovery and rebirth of his native city."
That's just the half of it. Full Story - Sun-Herald | | | | Original Stories |  Ask Mike – March 27, 2008 Posted On 03-27-2008  Ask Mike – March 27, 2008 Read More... | Mike Detillier's Early March Mock Draft Posted On 03-13-2008  Mike Detillier's Early March Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins, Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St Louis Rams, Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Atlanta Falcons, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
4. Oakland Raiders, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
6. New York Jets, Vernon Gholston, DE / OLB, Ohio State
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco), Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
8. Baltimore Ravens, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9. Cincinnati Bengals, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
10. New Orleans Saints, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
11. Buffalo Bills, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos, Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
13. Carolina Panthers, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
14. Chicago Bears, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
15. Detroit Lions, Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
16. Arizona Cardinals, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
17. Minnesota Vikings, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
18. Houston Texans, Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
19. Philadelphia Eagles, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
21. Washington Redskins, Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla )
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland), Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
23. Pittsburgh Steelers, Branden Albert, OG / OT, Virginia
24. Tennessee Titans, DeSean Jackson, WR / KR, California
25. Seattle Seahawks, Devin Thomas, WR / KR, Michigan State
26. Jacksonville Jaguars, Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
27. San Diego Chargers, Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
28. Dallas Cowboys, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indy), Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
30. Green Bay Packers, Reggie Smith, CB / S, Oklahoma
31. New England Patriots, Forfeited pick
32. New York Giants, Dan Connor, LB, Penn State Read More... | | | Message Boards | | Text Chat | | Latest Poll | | Google Ads | | Active Threads | | Past News | | Affiliate Links | | Members Birthdays | |
