New Orleans Tribune

New Orleans Tribune

Saints 2009 Season
by: John Clayton

This Year the New Orleans Saints will be looking to make an impact on the NFL. After coming off a subpare season (9-7) the Saints were ready to make an impact this off-season, and they did just that. The Saints biggest weakness this year was their weak secondary, besides from CB Mike Mckineze, they had no real starters. Seeing that, their GM SimsZilla made great moves that brought in Cbs Deltha O'Neal, Sam Madison, and Ken Lucas, as well as sought after rookie SS Tom Zibikowski. The word in training camp is that they will move CB Mike Mckineze to start at FS, which will give the saints two extremely talented Safeties. The Saints did however had to trade Outstanding RE Will Smith. But in return they got RE Alex Brown, WR Dewayne Jarrett, and San Frans 09 Rookie First.

Even Though the Saints only had 3 picks in the Rookie Draft, they still have found a way to get rookies. During the UFA period they signed Rookie DT Sedrick Ellis from U.S.C. They also signed rookie LT Brandon Rodd out of Arizona State who will be moved to RT and start right away. They also signed a rookie MLB by the name of Nelson Coleman who will be a solid special teamer and can learn from the Saints Current starter MLB Ronald McKinnon. The saints also picked up rookie Kicker Art Carmondy, Louisville, and RG Alex Mitchell, Michigan.

The Saints also made a huge splash in FA. They signed TE Jerremy Stevens, who will start and be a viable target for Drew Brees. Another great move was signing RB Jamal Lewis who will provide leadership and is a great backup, and if needed, a starter. Another need filled through FA was the DT position. They signed former Saints Brian Young to fill that gap.

The Saints have acquired OLB Derrick Johnson from the Cowboys, who is a stud at the LB position. Johnson and Suggs will be a GREAT combo. The Saints also have acquired 2 year pro LE Tamba Hali. He was a first round pick 2 years ago. They also got veteran WR Joe Jurevicius.

With the off-season and Rookie Draft the New Orleans Saints will be looking to make an impact in the NFC.