New Orleans Saints: Several Undrafted Free Agents Heading To The Big Easy

by Free Agency

Most Saints fans will agree the 2010 NFL draft could be considered a bust for the Saints after the team seemingly was unable to fill some of it’s most glaring needs, primarily outside linebacker and defensive lineman.

Although the outcome of how successful a draft truly is cannot be seen usually for a few years upon closer inspection nearly all the players the Saints drafted carried significantly higher draft grades than where they actually were taken.

Call it what you will but the Saints should be commended for trusting their draft board, grading and research to select the players they felt were the best available talent.

There are still plenty of needs the team has on the defensive side that include addressing outside linebacker and upgrading the pass rush, needs the Saints will now look at addressing in free agency.

After scouring for information on what players will be brought in for try outs at the upcoming mini camp her is the most up to date list of the more notable players who will be in attendance.

  • QB A.J. McKenna, Albany State: Strong armed quarterback described as having a ”Howitzer” of an arm, good foot work but lacks accuracy.
  • WR Jamarko Simmons,Western Michigan: Originally signed by the Packers in 2009 as an undrafted free agent Simmons was released after a back injury that required surgery. He finished his career as a Bronco with 260 receptions for 3,019 yards and 17 touchdowns.
  • SS Harry Coleman, LSU: Played in 52 games with the Tigers starting the last 26 at strong safety/linebacker. He ends his career with 183 tackles, 10.5 for loss and 4 sacks. Lacks overall coverage ability but possesses amazing straight line speed and tackling prowess.
  • LB Jason Beauchamp, UNLV: Three year starter at UNLV where he totaled 239 tackles, 14 for loss and 6.5 sacks —voted Second Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2008 and First Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2009. Not superbly quick but very instinctive and will attack the ball without hesitation.
  • LS Clint Gresham, TCU: The only long snapper to get invited to the combine Gresham was three year starter at TCU after transferring from Oklahoma. Consistent with velocity and placement of snaps rarely causing the punter to deviate from his spot.
  • DT Jay Ross, East Carolina: Three year starter that totaled 140 tackles, 18.5 for loss and 8 sacks and is noted for his quickness, strength and agility for such a large frame at 6-3 320.
  • RB Chris Ivory, Washington State: Ivory was a dual threat while at Washington not only performing in the role of a short yardage back but returning kicks as well. In three seasons he rushed for 534 yards on 91 carries and scored 5 touchdowns while also chipping in 524 yards in returns with a long of 68 yards. Not a very elusive back but more of a down hill runner with the strength to burst through lesser tackles.

The Saint are also bringing in Stillman defensive end Junior Galette, Stanford defensive tackle Ekom Udofia, Texas Tech offensive lineman Brandon Carter, Jackson State corner Marcell Young and Vanderbilt safety Ryan Hamilton.

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How can you argue with the guys who got us a Super Bowl ring, WOW, how nice is that, took a lot of hard work and some pretty impressive football minds.

Most fans consider this draft a bust? Most Saints fans I've heard from were somewhat surprised but willing to trust in the FO that just won us a SB. Sean Payton commented saying he felt this was his best draft since arriving in N.O. and that's saying something.

Glad to see the article gave the Saints FO credit cause they deserve it. I know none of this needs to be said (it seems the writer understand this)but if there are any fans reading who hated our draft.. here ya go.

We picked up great value (as mentioned in the article) and filled NEEDS. CB was a need.. after Greer and Porter went down last year, Gay and Jenkins were not producing the same results. Our Pass D dropped from around 12 to 26th. We did pick up a DT to help fill a need AND they found him to be good value at that point. As for LB - the FO mentioned before the draft they felt we had guys on the current roster that are capable of starting. Who are we to question them? This is what they are good at.. evaluating talent. I will trust the guys who just delivered us a SB rather than judgments of mock drafts and guys that are not currently evaluating talent for an NFL team.

Age on the O line is getting up there and many players are only under contract for 1 more year. "Charlie Brown" was EXCELLENT value and could anchor the line for years to come. Same with Matt Tennant. Protecting Brees should always be (and I think is) this team's top priority.

The Saints didn't reach for players to fill needs. Instead, the helped strengthen the O line, grabbed a CB to solidify our secondary, and took a highly touted TE that may one day take over for Shock. The CB pick also gives them the freedom to move Jenkins to FS IF Sharper does not return.

The Jets had a strong secondary, still brought in Cromartie, AND drafted a CB with their top pick. The Vikings also grabbed a CB with their top pick. Dallas' WR's are now: Miles, Crayton, Williams and Dez Bryant. We play them on Thanksgiving. We better have a strong nickle back and secondary in general. As many are saying.. this is a pass happy league and you better be able to stop the pass. For the Saints, who can score at will, they can expect teams to throw to catch up.

Picking for value and grabbing a CB was just smart football and as the article said.. the FO should be commended on their draft overall.

Here are two more recent additions to that list:

Chris Mitchell, WR, LSU (invited to try out)
AJ McKenna, QB, Albany State (Strong Arm & Good Size)