New Orleans Saints add a LB, but really are in need of a DE

The New Orleans Saints added undrafted free agent linebacker Donavan Robinson to take the roster spot of injured defensive end Greg Romeus, who was release yesterday after tearing his MCL and ACL in his left knee.

Romeus will return to the  team, all be it on the injured reserve list,  once he clears waivers.

Last season the Saints took a chance on drafting Romeus in the seventh round, while he recovered from a torn ACL in his right knee.

Romeus was discussed as potential first or second round pick until injuries in his final season at the University of Pittsburgh resulted in him falling all the way to the seventh.

He may have been a factor for the Saints this year in the defensive end rotation, as early reports from training camp indicated coaches were impressed with his pass rush potential.

With a new defensive coordinator in town, Steve Spagnuolo, New Orleans is seeking ways to improve the pass rush generated by the defensive line, making Romeus’ loss that much more critical.

Taking Romeus’ roster spot is undrafted linebacker Donavan Robinson — a former starter at Jackson State — who has spent part of the offseason with the New York Jets.

Robinson appeared in 31 games at Jackson State, finishing his career with 181 combined tackles and 30 sacks.

Linebacker has become the deepest position on the roster for the Saints after the team went out and signed linebacker’s Curtis Lofton, Chris Chamberlain, and David Hawthorne in free agency.

Signing another linebacker who stands little chance to make the roster seems ill-advised for the Saints who could use help at defensive end.

Former Ram defensive end James Hall, who was released by the team in March, remains un-signed and on the market.

Hall is familiar with Spagnuolo’s defense, registering 50 tackles and 6 sacks last year with the Rams — decently productive numbers for most defensive ends in the NFL today.

He will be entering his 13th NFL season if he catches on with another team, but should still be able to provide a legitimate pass rush when used in a rotation.

With such little depth at defensive end, coupled with Will Smith’s four-game suspension to start the 2012 season, the Saints could use the help.

Taking Smith out of the equations, the Saints officially have four defensive end’s listed on the roster — Cameron Jordan, Turk McBride, Junior Galette, and Braylon Broughton.

Linebacker Martez Wilson has been moved to defensive end, where he has earned high praise during mini-camp practices, but the Saints aren’t ready to call the move permanent.

Why wait any longer to bring in Hall? They need the help, and he needs a job.