Well, it's that time. I'll start. Saints meet with a few WR's after South practice http://www.wwl.com/Kristian--Saints-meet-with-a-few-WR-s-after-South-/10773651?pid=377709
I've already seen a mock draft that has the Saints taking J. Landry in the 3rd round. This would make me very happy, as Landry could fill the role of physical downfield target as Meachem did in the Super Bowl run. Colston can still do his thing, Morgan (assuming he comes all the way back) can be the speedster, ala Henderson, and Stills appears to be grooming to succeed Moore in the slot. Additional on Jarvis Landry as a Saint: Combine Landry's ability to battle corners for the ball and make highlight reel catches with Brees' confidence that he can "throw a receiver open"? Must-see TV.
I see Landry as an Anquan Boldin type WR. A reliable, possession type receiver that can outphysical a CB and outrun a LB or S. I'd LOVE for the Saints to get him.
All the guys whose better days are behind them and count too much on the cap have to go, Thomas, Colston, and others...
@diamondheadtiger I'm not ready to see Colston gone just yet. His production has slipped some, but we still don't have anyone in the wings who can do it better. And the thing with Colston is, his performance was never based on speed, but his hands and the ability to use his size against his opponent. He still has those qualities going for him. While I appreciate everything PT has done for the Saints, I think his time is running out. And another who is beginning to slip is Sproles. Read somewhere that releasing PT and DS would clear 6 million in cap space.
Colston caught 11 balls against Seattle. He is far from done. Don't forget Joe Morgan is coming back which will really help take the top off the defensive backfields. Stills and Meachem did a good job in his absence but Morgan is a real speed burner that we don't currently have. We still need a physical receiver.
Jimmy Graham says it would be "unfortunate" if the Saints placed the franchise tag on him. The franchise tag guarantees that a player will be paid at the top of the heap for his position (nola.com says Graham would be guaranteed about $6.7 million next year). What the player loses is the right to go shop himself on the open market. But Graham is the guy who, a couple of seasons ago, famously announced he would retire before he would play with any QB other than Drew Brees. Since Brees isn't going anywhere, why should the Saints guaranteeing Graham's position with the team, at a top salary, be "unfortunate?"
He's posturing. The 'business' thing for the Saints to do is franchise him. The right thing to do would be to pay him what he's worth. As for Colston, no way he's done. He just missed a 1000 yard season, even though he missed a few games. He did disappear at times though, when he was playing, so that's worrisome. Also not ready to give up on PT or Sproles. If any RB has to go, it's Ingram, even though he did start coming on late. Hopefully, Parcells is right at Khiry Robinson is the next Curtis Martin. If they want to clear space, it's time to say goodbye to Vilma, Smith, and Harper. Not sure how much space that would clear, but it ain't chump change.
Vilma and Smith are certainly gone, and probably Harper as well. Ingram isn't going anywhere, and neither is Sproles. As for him, I'm just saying that I think I see him starting to decline. Or maybe he just set an impossible standard in '11. Just a few IMO's.