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

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.