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Ridiculously Early 2010 Saints Roster Breakdown: Safety

 

We're now getting back to our early examination of the 2010 Saints training camp roster and evaluating which players will and will not make the final cut. This time our discussion brings us to the safety position. 

There are a lot of familiar faces here from last year with the exception of Malcolm Jenkins, who is expected to make the transition from corner to safety, and undrafted free agent Ryan Hamilton. The starting spots seem pretty locked up but I think it's safe to say that special teams play will weigh heavily on the coaches final decision for most of the remaining roster spots. 

After reading my personal evaluations below, feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions on the subject.

Star-divide

Definite

Darren Sharper, Roman Harper

We're all now well aware that Darren Sharper has re-signed with the Saints and will be returning for another season and a chance for a second Super Bowl championship. The defensive difference maker is a key piece of coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme and allows him to be aggressive on other areas of the field. No question here that Sharper makes and starts for the 2010 Saints.

Restricted free agent Roman Harper still needs to sign a new contract but like Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore, it's all but certain he'll be back in black - and gold - next season. If so, the chances are very good he remains the starting strong safety for the defense. At the very least, he definitely makes the final roster.

 

Likely

Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Reis, Pierson Prioleau

Though he was exclusively a cornerback last year, I think it's safe to say now that the Saints are planning on moving Malcolm Jenkins to the safety position this year. Coach Sean Payton made reference to that fact in his press conference at rookie mini-camp this weekend. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition and we'll see him contribute quickly and significantly but if not, I'm sure the Saints will have patience. Either way, it's a pretty done deal that Jenkins is on the final roster for another season.

Chrs Reis and Pierson Prioleau both have excellent chances of cracking the roster simply for their special teams ability. Prioleau, who has followed Gregg Williams around the league throughout his career is a favorite of the defensive coordinator, meaning he's got a leg up on the competition. Reis also seems to have won over the hearts of Saints coaches with his hard work and attitude. I often compare him to former Saint, Steve Gleason

 

On the Bubble

Usama Young, Chip Vaughn

This could very well be a make or break year for Usama Young, as he'll really need to show he's progressing at safety if the Saints want to keep him on their team. Like Jenkins this year, Young made the switch from cornerback to safety last summer. Young, who seems now to be most remembered for giving up that touchdown in the Super Bowl, will look to erase that play from the memory of Saints fans.

As for Chip Vaughn, we really don't know what to expect because we haven't yet had a chance to see what he can do. If any or all of the hype surrounding him is true, it might be fair to move him up to the "likely" list. Regardless, he's still got a lot of work cut out for him during training camp. 

 

Longshot

Ryan Hamilton

Former Vanderbilt standout Ryan Hamilton easily has the furthest to go and the most to prove of the bunch if he wants to be considered for the practice squad, let alone the final 53-man roster. Unless he pulls out all the stops this summer, I don't think he'll be a member of the team when the the regular season begins. 

Poll
Which Saints safety do you think will NOT make the final roster?
Chris Reis
134 votes
Pierson Prioleau
245 votes
Usama Young
226 votes
Chip Vaughn
174 votes

779 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 84 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Can’t we vote for two of the above? :)

“They’re gonna throw it down here on Usama Young. Roman better get his a** back…Look at this…I saw that coming a mile away.”

by BRSaintsFan on May 10, 2010 6:16 AM CDT reply actions  

Almost forgot about that crystal ball moment.

That’s not the first safety manning has lit up. Young might have lil something. Just wish he would go ahead and show it.

by saints fan in cowboyland! on May 10, 2010 7:10 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

I had the same premonition… I screamed “What is Usama doing on a WR? Noooooooo!” [face in hands]

Thanks goodness we’ve got 11 CB’s now. (Yes, it’s an exaggeration, but ti does seems like we’re collecting them.)

"I still think we're a team of destiny. Destiny is more powerful than a curse. Whatever is meant to be will happen. Faith." - Drew Brees

by Dan Kelly on May 10, 2010 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why the hate for chris vaughn?

he’s second place in votes right now, and I don’t think we’ve given him a chance yet…I think it’ll be Prioleau or Reis…I voted for Reis initially, but I think we’ll keep him and dump Prioleau if I could take my vote back

by GRlZZ on May 10, 2010 7:48 AM CDT reply actions  

Chris Vaughn is no Buford Pusser

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

neither is Dwayne Johnson

"What he said is, 'We had protection problems.'" - Archie Manning

by stujo4 on May 10, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think Vaughn will get every chance to make the roster and he will

I wouldn’t assume Prioleau will make it- he got his ring- he’s had a good run with mediocre talent. He could get cut and told to stay in shape in case there are injuries. I am thinking Young may be gone.

"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking

by Philinwood on May 10, 2010 8:00 AM CDT reply actions  

I think they find a way to keep five, being that Sharper only signed a one year deal.

FS
Sharper
Jenkins (also CB/ST)
Young (also CB/ST)

SS
Harper
Prioleau (also FS/CB/ST)

Odd men out: Reis, Vaughn, Hamilton.
Practice squad: Coleman (MLB/SS)

Prioleau’s versatility is simply too valuable to part with, imo. Reis is a great special teams player, yet brings little to the table elsewhere. Vaughn can’t seem to stay healthy. Difficult decisions abound.

I’d personally love to see Harper traded. He seldom wraps up on tackles and has proven to be a liability in coverage. Let him sign his one year tender, then move him to the highest bidder. While another fan base is enjoying his highlight reel pinball flipper shots, we’ll be enjoying better all around play at the position.

I also think there’s an outside chance Coleman beats out Mitchell for a roster spot at backup MLB, thereby lessening the necessity to keep a fifth safety around. I’m also not 100% convinced Jenkins will be moved to FS this season, at least not as long as Sharper is healthy. Still, he figures into the overall DB head count, which I estimate at 10 or 11, no matter how you slice it.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 8:38 AM CDT reply actions  

Sharper and Jenkins swap places

Sharper has to make the roster and that is no sure thing with his 9th degree microfracture/arthroscopic surgery. Jenkins is almost a lock unless he self-destructs, not bloody likely.

"What he said is, 'We had protection problems.'" - Archie Manning

by stujo4 on May 10, 2010 9:26 AM CDT reply actions  

Oh. As Safety. Well....
No question here that Sharper makes and starts for the 2010 Saints.

Not accurate. It’s a very big question. He’ll be 35 in November! Surgery!! GDub is not swayed by that smile!! Very possible that Jenkins moves to safety to start over Jenkins in September, conventional wisdom dictates.

"What he said is, 'We had protection problems.'" - Archie Manning

by stujo4 on May 10, 2010 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

rotoworld.com:

Payton conceded that FS Darren Sharper (microfracture surgery) is unlikely to practice before training camp.
Sharper could also be released with ease if he endures a setback.
Sharper definitely won’t participate in any pre-training camp work, and will be limited deep into August even on the quickest of rehab plans. The Saints will have to break in another Opening Day starter candidate at free safety.
The Saints may need to give 2009 first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins reps at free safety, after all.

"What he said is, 'We had protection problems.'" - Archie Manning

by stujo4 on May 10, 2010 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's right, you know

Why do you think the Saints drafted Patrick Robinson? So that he could relegate Jenkins to the bench?

Jenkins is going to start at free safety in 2010, at some point. Either early, because Sharper isn’t ready yet, or late, because Sharper couldn’t last the season. Jenkins is the future, weird scars and all.

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by MtnExile on May 10, 2010 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

weird scars

Omega Psi Phi

"What he said is, 'We had protection problems.'" - Archie Manning

by stujo4 on May 10, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

very good Stu

You can purchase Omega Psi Phi merchandise at Campus Connection. Seems like a pretty cool store.

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by Dave Cariello on May 10, 2010 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

Seems like a pretty cool store.

Campus Connection is a VERY cool store. Great prices – fast shipping – good management. ;-)

"I still think we're a team of destiny. Destiny is more powerful than a curse. Whatever is meant to be will happen. Faith." - Drew Brees

by Dan Kelly on May 10, 2010 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

actually that’s a brand on his arm

You can't fix stupid - Ron White

by SBookerSaintsFan on May 10, 2010 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeah, I think that fraternity either brands its pledges

or the actives do it to themselves

maybe I remember reading that they do it with lightbulbs? or was that a college friend of mine who did that?

I don’t know anymore – brain is toast, mmmmm, toast

We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night. -- GW

by HansDat on May 11, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Satch 1, Rotoworld 0

Is it safe yet to acknowledge that I was right when disagreeing with Roto’s earlier post that Jenkins would stay at CB when Sharper was resigned? Can I get that marked off of your hit list? :)

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree. Sharper’s a pretty big question mark and Jenkins’s salary will dictate increased playing time, regardless. I don’t think there’s any way he gets pigeon holed at FS2 for an entire season.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

“He” being either. Take your pick.

Sharper: starting FS in Week 1 or cut.
Jenkins: starting FS in Week 1 or nickel/dime CB.

If the latter on Jenkins, don’t be surprised to see him being worked in as a punt returner. Especially if Lance Moore doesn’t ink long term and/or Rod Harper doesn’t make the final roster. Basically, they’re going to be looking to get their money’s worth from Jenkins and Bush hasn’t played 16 games since his rookie season.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

"Sharper: starting FS in Week 1 or cut"

I do not really know how to respond to that, other than it will not happen. Of all the drama the saints organization went through to get him back, I just do not see that happening. They would hire him as a safety consultant before releasing him. Besides whats wrong with having two FS. Jenkins could play more on run situations, whereas Sharper could play on passing situations. Young and Reis will stay on special teams whereas roman harper will have to earn his paycheck, and Robinson will stay by default

Just because Jenkins is a relatively high 1st round draft pick does not neccessatate more playing time.

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on May 10, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

“They would hire him as a safety consultant before releasing him.”

Player coaches aren’t allowed in the NFL. They’d have to release him first.

“Besides whats wrong with having two FS.”

Nothing. They’ll have two, it just won’t be THOSE two splitting time at their current salaries. As Dana Carvey once said, that wouldn’t be prudent.

“Just because Jenkins is a relatively high 1st round draft pick does not neccessatate more playing time.”

It necessitates (sp?) more playing time than a backup FS-only role would entail, imo.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am not trying to argue. Well maybe a little.

I just do not understand how anyone could say D. Sharper would possibly be cut. He might become injuried and remain on IR, but being cut is a pretty bold statement. If Sharper does not perform as well as he did last early season it will be attributed to his surgery. Sharper will be retained, and Jenkins will cover his position for awhile, until he gets back to speed if he even gets to that point. The idea of a FS having another 9 interception season is too good to pass up. Besides why would the saints offer Sharper a new contract if that could be a possibility. If Jenkins was the immediate answer at FS then the Saints would have let Sharper walk to the Jags. Likewise i do not see that Jenkins would see additional time just because of his salary.

I do not think P. Robinson was drafted for replacement. I believe that he was drafted for depth. Possibly with Harper. His drafting by the Saints also allowed for more contract leverage on the Lommis side of the ball.

Yes Jenkins did not perform well last season, but how many first season corners do perform well?

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on May 10, 2010 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

“If Sharper does not perform as well as he did last early season it will be attributed to his surgery.”

I don’t disagree with you. But if you honestly believe they’re going to fork over millions in the form of a roster bonus, if he’s still gimping around come final cuts, you’re sadly mistaken.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

they why offer him a contract if that will be a potential issue.

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on May 10, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Because a contract is required in order for a player to participate in the offseason program. His base salary isn’t guaranteed. They’re taking the wait and see approach. Obviously, Sharper believes he’s going to be back to 100% by Week 1. That doesn’t necessarily make it so.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am also saying that as long as his limping improves

Greg Williams will keep him on the roster because another 9 interception season from a single player is too good of a prospect to pass up.

Now if he gets hurt, or takes a serious turn for the worst, then yes I do agree with you.

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on May 10, 2010 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

We’ll have to agree to disagree in this. I say if he’s not 100% by final cuts, he’s gone. If the primary incentive in the contract wasn’t a roster bonus, I might agree with you.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

I say if he’s not 100% by final cuts, he’s gone.

I will also agree to disagree. Seems a bit rash, no?

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by Dave Cariello on May 10, 2010 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not with all that bonus money on the line. Are you ok with another Cam Cleeland situation? Someone potentially tying up a roster spot for weeks on end? Don’t you think that would become a bit of a hindrance, when you only have five inactive slots to play with from week to week? Sue me, but I just don’t see the point in shelling out top dollar, for the sake of saying “we still have the guy who tied Jairus Byrd’s 2009 INT total on our roster”.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't have all the details in front of me and I'm too lazy to look it up...

but I thought I remember reading that his contract was heavily incentive laden, meaning he wouldn’t get paid much unless he hit certain production milestones. No?

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by Dave Cariello on May 10, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, but there’s also a large roster bonus, from what I read. That would be the first hurdle and that’s where I think the race would end. Otherwise, why would they have included that hurdle?

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

You’re both part right and part wrong. His bonuses are primarily roster bonuses. He has to be on the 53-man roster for week 1, so PUP gets them out of paying 250K there (if he’s eligible, which he might not be, especially if he plays or officially practices during any part of preseason / camp). Then he must be on the 45-man gameday roster in weeks 6 and 12 to get another 250K each.

Of course, he still gets his game-day checks if he’s on any roster at all, but they could save a bit of money by not putting him on the required rosters depending on the situation.

by FriarBob on May 10, 2010 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hmm, guess I didn’t explain how Dave is ‘part right’. His second two bonus payments are vaguely performance based, in that he has to earn a game-day roster spot. By stretching it a bit that kinda fits in Dave’s theory… sorta…

by FriarBob on May 10, 2010 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

oh my god!

many more posts and it’ll start looking like this!

s
e
e
!
?

This draft screams Dynasty. If that's the case, then I say, let the Saints Reign begin!

by LocoSaint on May 10, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Shall we see if we can get it all the way there?

by FriarBob on May 10, 2010 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

Do

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

it.

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

So thin that

This comment is sponsored by Southern Bell, the 'Then' Network.

by MtnExile on May 10, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

it becomes impossible

This comment is sponsored by Southern Bell, the 'Then' Network.

by MtnExile on May 10, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

to write a subject

This comment is sponsored by Southern Bell, the 'Then' Network.

by MtnExile on May 10, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

on one line

This comment is sponsored by Southern Bell, the 'Then' Network.

by MtnExile on May 10, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

gee, this pointless posting is fun, isn't it?

This comment is sponsored by Southern Bell, the 'Then' Network.

by MtnExile on May 10, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

what's going on here?

am I in an gden nash poem?

We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night. -- GW

by HansDat on May 10, 2010 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

or OGDEN NASH

We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night. -- GW

by HansDat on May 10, 2010 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

OK this was pointless… but I’m sure I’m not the only person who found it amusing as well…

by FriarBob on May 10, 2010 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you are correct in that assertion

We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night. -- GW

by HansDat on May 10, 2010 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

me too - amusing

We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night. -- GW

by HansDat on May 10, 2010 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

he will not be even close to 100% by final cuts.

The surgery is like Bush’s surgery he had, just not as extensive. I do not see the saints expecting him to be 100%. He might be for the middle of the season.

If sharper plays the first six games of this season like he did the last 6 games of the season, then gets 100% and plays the remainder of this games like the begginning of the season it would be worth keeping him under 100%. I am sure Loomis would trade the roster bonus in a heart beat if they think sharper can win a single game with one of his interceptions.

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on May 10, 2010 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

“If sharper plays the first six games of this season like he did the last 6 games of the season, then gets 100% and plays the remainder of this games like the begginning of the season it would be worth keeping him under 100%.”

If he’s still hobbling around four months from now, the odds are much greater that he won’t bounce back to play at that pre-injury level at all this season. I just don’t see that as a risk they’d be willing to take. Maybe PUP for six weeks, so he doesn’t count against the roster. They’d have to make a decision by that point, though. All in all, it makes no sense to me. They’d be better off releasing him, avoiding the bonus and starting Jenkins at FS. I mean, if you want to talk in hypotheticals, what if Jenkins comes in and plays that well from the get-go? Then what? You’re just p*** ing away money that could be going to Brees, waiting around on Sharper’s return to above average play. Most years, 9 INTs doesn’t even lead the league. It’s was a good year, but it’s not like it’s uncharted territory for a FS. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we have the guy locked up and I hope he’s good to go Week 1. If he’s not, then I’d rather see him gone.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

There is one other alternative, pizza. They could put him on the PUP list if he can’t participate in camp because he’s still recovering from the offseason surgery.

And that would get them out of paying the $250,000 for being on the week one roster. They’ll still have to pay his salary, but if they think he’s “95%” or so at that point, then it might be worth it.

by FriarBob on May 10, 2010 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I mentioned the PUP somewhere in here.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 11, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

“Besides why would the saints offer Sharper a new contract if that could be a possibility. If Jenkins was the immediate answer at FS then the Saints would have let Sharper walk to the Jags.”

Low risk, high reward. Let? This isn’t tennis. It was Sharper’s choice to come back. He was an UFA.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

“He might become injuried and remain on IR”

Being placed on IR requires a team to pay a player’s salary. The only way Sharper winds up on IR this season, is if he’s cleared to play and subsequently gets reinjured. While that’s entirely possible, they’re certainly not going into this thing as their M.O. Why on earth would they? He’s on a one year contract. What would they be reserving him for, exactly? If the injury lingers, he’s not playing anywhere in 2010 and likely never again. Further, he’s not on IR now, nor was he ever with the Saints, so I don’t know where the word “remains” comes into play.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

yes

It is trending that way. You are vinificated.

"What he said is, 'We had protection problems.'" - Archie Manning

by stujo4 on May 10, 2010 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

HOORAY! :)

Maybe I’m on a roll and my Jessica Simpson prediction will come true too. Yeah…..right. :(

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

"Sharper doubter" here.
Sharper definitely won’t participate in any pre-training camp work, and will be limited deep into August even on the quickest of rehab plans.

Which probably means late October.

And just when I may had my chance for redemption, I’ll stick on that infamous list by saying that Jenkins will be our starting safety on our last game.

Geaux Malcolm!

 

Repeat? Under construction...

by FrenchFreak on May 10, 2010 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Isn't Reis the only backup SS on this list?

If so, that’d be better for his chances. Prioleau’s got to be at least somewhat against the run because of his special teams ability, but I don’t know if he’s good enough to put in the box if Harper goes down. Chip Vaughn was a SS in college, if I recall correctly, so it may end up being Vaughn’s special teams’ skills versus Reis’. Advantage Reis.

by AJG on May 10, 2010 10:33 AM CDT reply actions  

So the answer is no

Reis is not the only back-up SS. Thank you me, for answering my question.
Prioleau is a SS, but for some reason I’ve always thought of him as FS. But he’ll be 33 next year…

by AJG on May 10, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Coleman would also make a good backup SS.

"We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night." -- Greg Williams

by DrWhoDat on May 10, 2010 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think his ability to play both SS and MLB is what’s ultimately going to earn him a roster spot.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree with you on that.

Having a MLB SS hybrid would be too good not to have on the team. At the very least he should make the practice squad.

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on May 10, 2010 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

also i think he might

go on special teams if anything…and practice squad

by GRlZZ on May 11, 2010 4:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

BTW

Coleman wasn’t included here because he’s listed as a LB on the Saints official website.

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by Dave Cariello on May 10, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Chip Vaughn was a SS in college, yes. But at the time they drafted him they said they intended to convert him to FS. Now that may have changed since… but that’s the last we heard on the matter. At least about him specifically. G-dub did say something recently about how the FS and SS are blending a lot more in the NFL these days (and no doubt especially so in his schemes). So maybe they are planning on having him spend time learning the role of the FS so that he can play either as needed?

by FriarBob on May 10, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

“But at the time they drafted him they said they intended to convert him to FS.”

Link?

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

vaughn stays & possibly starts..

dude.. i can see most of u haven’t see much of vaughn.. he is a specimen.. he had a minor foot injury last year.. the only reason they put him on ir was 2 “hide” him 4 a year.. this guy’s is like a taylor mayes but with actual football skills.. he will play a lot if not take harper’s starting spot.. his coverage skills, size, speed & hard tackling will make him a sure candidate for nickle/dime packages.. prielou or reis go..

by the 9th plague on May 10, 2010 1:04 PM CDT reply actions  

What was the reason he dropped to the 4th round?

The Wake Forest defense was pretty publicized and respected. Trust me, I’d love to see a skilled Taylor Mays in the Dome Defense, but what was the knack that knocked him low?

by AJG on May 10, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hope you’re right. I’d love to upgrade Harper.

"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on May 10, 2010 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Really?

Why Harper? I thought he played very well last year in G-dub’s D. Of course, I’m a slightly biased Bama fan who always hopes Bama players do well in the pros. I can’t remember being disappointed in Harper last year. He seems to just be hitting his prime now. What have I missed?

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on May 10, 2010 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

he's not bad, but...

he does get burnt a good bit on coverage every now and then. some games he looks like L. Landry out there against Brees. dont get me wrong i love him. he is awesome in run support. GDub knows how to play him. so i’m not complaining but if we can upgrade, why not?

by aPorterdisciple on May 10, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

He did get a Pro-bowl invite last year

but, like we’ve been saying, SS and FS’s roles have become more and more conflated recently. A traditional pounder SS may be going by the wayside, especially in G-Dub’s defense, which admires flexibility.

by AJG on May 10, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just looked at Vaughn's draft report

and it looks like his only major question mark was a breaking of rules that got him suspended for the first part of a season. Ranked as the third best strong safety in the draft, it looks like he has a lot of physical talent.. Definitely a guy to watch in this year’s camp.

by AJG on May 10, 2010 2:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Young = Bob Sanders

A late bloomer, yes, but this dude plays straight up wreckless. just like Sanders when he is healthy. i wish his coverage skills were way better, but if he stays at safety i think he would be awesome to have back there…of course we did have someone like that not to long ago. i think his name was Josh Bullocks. SOOOOO maybe im wrong on that one, but i still like the guy.

by aPorterdisciple on May 10, 2010 3:07 PM CDT reply actions  

maybe we keep 6?

They drafted Jenkins and Vaughn in the same year. There was talk of Vaughn being a possible SS. Jenkins is safe. Vaughn could be kept around as long as he doesn’t do terrible in training camp. Sharper probably won’t be here next year. That’s more of a reason to keep 6. It gets cut down to 5 next year and injuries have hit us pretty hard in the backfield the past couple years. Young has not done bad in his time at FS. I remember a pick in the endzone one game just as well as him getting burned in the SB(he was playing CB there anyways not FS). Prioleau seems pretty safe to me. All of these players can be help on STs. I think that Reis is on the bubble more than Vaughn/Young. Both of them can contribute on STs and both are younger and more likely to get playing time if there’s an injury. Why keep him around for just STs when you could keep 2 younger players(i believe) with more upside than just being a ST player.

Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!

by skinnykinney on May 10, 2010 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

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