After watching the Saints work for a weekend here's some random thoughts:
1) First round draft pick Malcolm Jenkins, when he arrives, will have a hard time being anything more than the Saints fourth cornerback. Starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are very solid, and Randall Gay is a decent third corner. I never thought I'd say this but here goes: the Saints deepest position on defense is corner. Moving Jenkins to safety might not be such a bad idea.
2) Of the runners auditioning for jobs I like free agent Herb Donaldson from Western Illinois. He has some nice wiggle. Lynell Hamilton has also performed solidly. In a run in Saturday's practice, Hamilton looked inside, then took it around the corner. It was a veteran NFL run. Good stuff.
3) The battle for the Saints punting job will be decided in the exhibition games, I guess. Draft choice Thomas Morstead gets off some big boots, veteran Glenn Pakulak appears to be a little more consistent and a better directional punter.
4) Here's how Gregg Williams' defense can get better: with some run pass balance from the Saints offense. In the past two years, Drew Brees has thrown 35 interceptions. In 2006, Brees tossed only 11 picks. Brees has the longest streak of 200 yards plus passing games, 20. In those 20 games, the Saints have won 10, lost 10.
5) Wide receiver Marques Colston is a stud duck. In practice, Colston walks around like he owns the place (in a good way). He is a big target who catches everything. Colston had 4 touchdowns receptions in the Saints last 3 games of 2008. Expect a huge season from Colston.
Ed Daniels