2007 Results<\/i>: 7-9
\n2008 Projected Cap Status<\/i>: $95,597,100 or $20,402,900 under the projected Cap of $116,000,000 <\/p>\n
2007 Season Recap<\/u>: <\/p>\n
The 2007 New Orleans Saints had high expectations heading into the year, but a 33-25 loss at Chicago in the final game of the season eliminated them from playoff contention. The Saints finished the 2007 season ranked in the top five in average yards per game (fourth with 361.2) and passing yards per game (third with 269.6) but the defense on the other hand finished in the bottom five in the same categories for yards yielded. <\/p>\n
Team Needs<\/u>: <\/p>\n
1. Cornerback<\/i> \u2013 The New Orleans Saints situation at corner is so bad that Kevin Kaesviharn, who should be starting at free safety, was starting at corner. Mike McKenzie is a starting caliber corner but tore the ACL in his right knee in the final game of the 2007 season. Jason David struggled while switching from playing in the Colts’ Cover 2 scheme. The Saints face Steve Smith twice a year and only added backup Randall Gay in free agency, so they still need to find a top-flight corner <\/p>\n
2. Defensive Tackle<\/i> \u2013 NT Hollis Thomas is an effective run stopper, but isn\u2019t an every-down player. Backups Antwan Lake and Kendrick Clancy also have trouble getting to the quarterback. Free agent Brian Young may re-sign with the team but he is more suited in a 3-4 scheme. The Saints are looking for a player who will be able to rush the passer and defend the run. <\/p>\n
3. Offensive Lineman <\/i>\u2013 Center Jeff Faine has left via free agency so the Saints will be looking for someone to anchor the interior line. Jonathan Goodwin is a player who can play either center or guard but is also a unrestricted free agent <\/p>\n
2008 Draft Picks<\/u>: <\/p>\n
Round 1, 10th Overall
\nRound 2, 40th Overall
\nRound 3, 78th Overall
\nRound 5, 146th Overall
\nRound 6, 178th Overall
\nRound 7, 218th Overall <\/p>\n
Free agency status<\/u>: <\/p>\n
Free Agents Signed<\/i>: <\/p>\n
Mark Brunell QB
\nRandall Gay CB
\nBobby McCray DE
\nBilly Miller TE
\nDan Morgan LB <\/p>\n
Resigned<\/i>: <\/p>\n
WR Terrance Copper
\nC\/G Jonathan Goodwin
\nPK Martin Gramatica
\nTE Eric Johnson
\nWR David Patten
\nWR Devery Henderson
\nTE Billy Miller
\nOG Jamar Nesbit
\nMLB Mark Simoneau
\nRB Aaron Stecker
\nDT Brian Young <\/p>\n
UFA<\/i>: <\/p>\n
C Jeff Faine signed with the Buccaneers
\nS Jay Bellamy
\nS Steve Gleason
\nQB Jamie Martin
\nCB Fred Thomas
\nDL Renaldo Wynn
\nLB Matt McCoy <\/p>\n
ERFA<\/i>: <\/p>\n
DE Josh Cooper<\/p>\n
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"