Things I'm watching:
1. Defensive Tackle
Nick Fairly will he missed. Big time. There isn't a more talented player on the DL. Sheldon Rankins is close. He looked good when he came back from injury last season. But we'll see if he benefitted from Fairly lining up next to him or the other way around. Third year DT Tyler Davidson has quietly become maybe the most consistent inside linemen. Second year DT David Onymata is a gifted athlete at 6'4" 300lbs but he is still raw. He was going to be a specialist this season. Now he's forced into a larger role. At perhaps the most important position on the defense, his development may determine the entire defense's improvement.
*Keep an eye on Justin Zimmer
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1a.O-Line.
When healthy this OL is top 5 in the NFL. Anchored by C Max Unger. Bookended by Terron Armstead and Zach Strief. Together with former #1 draft choice Andreas Peat at LG and FA pick up, G Larry Warford, I'd put the OL against any in the league, However. Unger may not be ready for the season opener and Armstead is out until at least mid season. The Saints are now forced to move rookie Ryan Ramczyk in for Armstead and find a center to fill in until Unger returns. That sucks.
*Keep an eye on Ramczyk, I'm hearing he's been the best thing about camp to date.
3. Defensvie End
Cam Jordan is established as an All Pro type defensive end. Who will be the guy on the other side? The list of candidates run deep. Edge rusher Alex Okafor looks the be the guy now but my guess is rookie 3rd round draft choice Trey Hendrickson, who's making noise, will eventually take over.
*Keep an eye on Mitch Loewen. Solid player keeps hanging around.
3. Defensive Backs
Jairus Byrd is out. Praise the lord. What's left is athletic, young and promising. We just don't know if they can play. Strong safety Kenny Vacccaro is entering a contract year, he'll be fine. But will soph safety Vonn Bell step in or 2nd round pick Marcus Williams get the nod at the other safety spot? I hear Williams has been smart and athletic, he's getting alot of attention. I'm also hearing P.J. Williams and Ken Crawley are looking good at CB. Know who's name I'm not hearing? #1 draft pick Marshawn Lattimore. I'm concerned he hasn't taken over as starter yet. Don't believe the "experts" that hyped this guy during the draft that he'll be fine with some seasoning or perhaps he'd be a nickel DB. No! That is not acceptable. A player rated as the #1 DB in the draft, taken with the 10th pick, should walk in and start from day one. Period. So far he's been unremarkable. Maybe he'll earn the top spot by the season opener. I'll wait and see. Remember, players of need at D-line were still on the board when Lattimore was selected.
*Keep an eye on UFA CB Arthur Maulet. Not big not fast but always around the ball.
4. Running Back.
Tim Hightower is out. Future first ballot HoF'er Adrian Peterson is in. It's said that carries will be split between Peterson and Mark Ingram. I'm not so sure about that. Let's face it, a healthy AP is far superior to Ingram. It's no contest. If he's health he'll be the guy. Rookie Alvin Kamara is very intriguing. He's already drawing high praise and lofty comparisons from HC Sean Payton. He's dynamic out of the backfield and will benefit from running against defenses battered by Ingram and AP. I look forward to his debut season.
*Keep an eye on Kamara. Some say he's the Bush/Sproles type. He's not. He's Pierre Thomas with more speed. I'll take that.
5. Head Coach.
This looks to to be a crossroads season for Sean Payton. Reports are he's been salty since camp began. He should be. Seems he realized the luxury of Greenbriar soften his boys up. Maybe. Or maybe he's embarrassed about the last three seasons. Perhaps. Or maybe (just a hunch) he knows this will be his final season with the Saints. Before you call me crazy, read on. Not a single person will stomach another 7-9 season. Not Drew Brees, not Tom Benson, Mickey Loomis, the fans or Payton himself. If that happens, he's out. Also, let's say the Saints make the playoffs from a very tough NFC South, his stock will once again skyrocket. I believe he'll parlay that into an opportunity elsewhere. He's been looking for a way out the door for the last two years. One way or another he may get his wish.
*Keep your eye on 8-8 or 9-7. That's the only thing that brings him back next season
