All Things Saints: Your Daily News 5/5
By John Hendrix
Nov 17, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints nose tackle John Jenkins (92) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Happy Cinco de Mayo Who Dat Nation! I hope everyone has a safe and fun day! Let’s get you caught up on some of the latest buzz for your New Orleans Saints.
Mike Triplett | ESPN | Class of ’13 helps shape Saints offseason
"Safety Kenny Vaccaro (first round), left tackle Terron Armstead (third round), nose tackle John Jenkins (third round), receiver Kenny Stills (fifth round), running back Khiry Robinson (undrafted) and center Tim Lelito (undrafted) are all expected to play major roles this season, among others.From top to bottom, it’s entirely possible that this could wind up being an all-time great draft class for the Saints — though it’s still far too early to bring up any comparisons to 2006, 1985 or 1981."
The class of 2013 has made their mark in just a short time. This success speaks volumes for the future of the team, and we should anticipate that each of these players will have continued growth. These guys are hungry, and it all translates on the field. It will be exciting to see how they play this season.
Fletcher Mackel | WDSU | A draft first for New Orleans Saints?
"Finally, for the sports conspiracy theorists, remember this: the Saints visited with Marcus Martin last Thursday. On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Saints hierarchy felt they’d done enough necessary work for the draft so they decided to spend the weekend in Las Vegas enjoying a little rest and relaxation.Also on Friday, the NFL invited Martin to the NFL draft green room, something usually reserved for players who are going to be first round selections.Call me crazy, but I think Marcus Martin, a center from USC, will be the Saints pick at No. 27 in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft."
I know what you’re thinking: ‘It’s a tough sell to suggest that the Saints will use their 27th pick to fill the need for a center.’ Okay, maybe not those exact words, but when it all comes down to it, I ask: ‘Do I feel comfortable with a rookie hiking the ball to Drew Brees?’ Allow me to respond in this manner: ‘Who felt comfortable with rookie left tackle Terron Armstead protecting Drew’s blind side at first?’
NewOrleansSaints.com | Saints’ 2014 regular season opener in Atlanta is road contest fans are most excited about
"The Falcons contest received 30 percent of the 1,020 votes in the poll. After the Falcons, the Cowboys (29%) and Steelers (13%) rounded out the top three."
Who wouldn’t be excited about this game? I dedicated a whole article talking about Falcons Hate Week being in full effect. It’s not a must win for either side, but you’d think a 4-12 team from a season ago would love nothing more than to spoil a visit from one of their most hated rivals. Is it September yet?
Mike Triplett | ESPN | Saints mailbag: Centered on centers
"@MikeTriplett: I can see it. The only argument against the idea is that there just aren’t that many center prospects out there with first-round grades. Marcus Martin and Colorado State’s Weston Richburg might be the only two possibilities based on what I’ve read and heard. But if a center has the highest grade on the Saints’ board, they wouldn’t hesitate to take one."
There seems to be more buzz in the air around drafting a center. It wouldn’t be the silliest thing the Saints could use their first-round selection on. We have it played out in our minds that the team will select either a cornerback, wide receiver, or edge rusher (defensive lineman/linebacker). A center does make sense, but it will depend on who is available when it’s time for the Saints to pick. Fortunately for us, we’ll know in about three short days.
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