Ridiculously Early 2010 Saints Roster Breakdown: Running Back

by Dave Cariello on May 5, 2010 6:00 AM CDT

It's been a good while since our last ridiculously early Saints roster breakdown. With the recent claiming of P.J. Hill of waivers, what better time to cover running backs in our series. The starting spots are set with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush so there's nothing to discuss there. But as for the remaining roster spots, there is a lot up for grabs. Nothing is safe.

Make the jump to see what we'll have to look forward to this summer in the running back department. As always, this thread is open for intense, hardcore commenting.

Definite

Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush

Technically Pierre is still a restricted free agent but I think it's pretty safe to assume that he'll be under contract with the Saints in due time. Reggie, I believe the only running back on the roster who was drafted, will of course be back in his usual role with the team for the 2010 season. Move along. Nothing to see here.

Likely

Lynell Hamilton

Hamilton has been waiting in the wings for two years now and given the current depth chart, this year will probably be his best chance ever to grab the ball and run with it, metaphorically and literally. He looked pretty good in the final game of the regular season against Carolina and I remember being impressed in his limited role during the playoff crushing of the Cardinals. This is his spot to lose.

On the bubble

P.J Hill

I'm noticing that people who like P.J. Hill, really like P.J. Hill. He's got a lot of cheerleaders. Oooooh Weeee! What up with that!? Hill was good enough to make the Saints practice squad last year until plucked from us by the Eagles in October. Now he's back with a year under his belt and a decent chance of cracking the lineup. Start grindin'.

Longshots

Chris Ivory, Carlos Brown, Christian Ducre

The Saints are pretty darn good at finding quality undrafted running backs so there's a solid chance one of these guys will impress us during training camp. Let me be honest: I have no idea which one of these guys that would be. But I sure am looking forward to finding out.

Poll

Who will win the third RB spot?

Lynell Hamilton

439 votes

P.J. Hill

82 votes

One of the UDFAs

48 votes

569 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 24 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Methinks they will have 4 backs on the roster again

And keep the committee pretty much alive…

"Saints don't commit sins, they exorcise demons. The NFL most accurate passer was preaching, and the league MVP watched as the Game MVP delivered an impressive sermon"

by bondcrash on May 5, 2010 6:59 AM CDT reply actions

I really do like PJ, but...

Hamilton will end up with that third back spot, as the thunder to the lightning. If Hamilton is only so-so, and PJ puts on some fireworks, then PJ could pry the third slot away, but I honestly don’t think it will happen.

I would love it if they did indeed keep four backs on the roster. In that scenario, I would imagine that PJ would have the fourth spot, with Ducre giving him a run for his money but ending up on the squad.

by Jabbadahut99 on May 5, 2010 7:05 AM CDT reply actions

PJ=longshot

I think PayLoo go find another Mike Bell again, who’ll compete with PhotoOp for RB3.

The Motel of Lost Companions waits with heated pool, and bar.

by stujo4 on May 5, 2010 9:05 AM CDT reply actions

Lynell is All in the Saints' Family

The 3rd RB spot is definitely his to lose. I think PJ or Ducre will earn the 4th spot. I’m already on record as saying PJ has the better chance there. Just refer to Stu’s grudge database and you’ll see. :)

"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 5, 2010 9:32 AM CDT reply actions

Upping the ante, fine.

The Motel of Lost Companions waits with heated pool, and bar.

by stujo4 on May 5, 2010 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Pretty sure Ducre’s considered a FB, but feel free to pencil him in wherever, between now and the day he’s cut.

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

by coldpizza on May 5, 2010 10:09 AM CDT reply actions

I think he's got a better shot at making it as a running back

no way the Saints carry two full backs. I’m surprised they even have one.

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by Dave Cariello on May 5, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

with as much as they (want to) run now and as much as they use a FB (esp. when we had a good healthy one), you’re surprised?

We’re a better offense with a quality, healthy FB.

"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 5, 2010 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

I didn't hear that we got PJ Hill back

That’s great news. Really liked him in preseason last year, kind of reminded me of the way PT ran his rookie year. I think he will give Lynell Hamilton a run for his money.

Peyton, I can eat Oreos faster than you!!!!

by mknkachow on May 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

Poor P.J.

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

by coldpizza on May 5, 2010 10:56 AM CDT reply actions

Not sure if this means I`m dyslexic

But when I see Ducre, I see Deuce. It`s either wishful thinking , or the effects of my
ill advised LSD experiments from the 80`s coming back to haunt me

Where next?

by saint_chew on May 5, 2010 3:03 PM CDT reply actions

you and I need to party

I’m an independently wealthy methamphetamine enthusiast with a vivid imagination - Stujo4

by maybetoday on May 7, 2010 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions

I would like to see

them keep 4 RB’s on the roster. Let Reggie do his thing and fill the WR/RB position, drop a WR off the roster.

I am a PJ Hill fan also, but I have a warm-fuzzy feeling about Mr. C. Ivory. I think he could turn out to be something special…..but as always, we will have to wait and see on that one.

The person that came up with the phrase "Winning isn't everything" - must have lost.

by Fleur De Leap on May 5, 2010 7:11 PM CDT reply actions

Drop which wide reciever?

Moore or Roby? I wouldn’t want to see either of those guys go. The argument can be made for Arrington, but I’m not sure he’d make the 53 man roster anyways.

by AJG on May 5, 2010 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Arrington's problem

is that he offers virtually nothing on special teams. In the NFL, if you’re not starting, you better be able to contribute on special teams. Arrington could probably be a slot receiver on another team, but the Saints are so deep at receiver, the only way he would see the field is special teams, but since he offers no value there, he’s been the odd man out

Peyton, I can eat Oreos faster than you!!!!

by mknkachow on May 5, 2010 9:26 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs

boom rec'd it

The Motel of Lost Companions waits with heated pool, and bar.

by stujo4 on May 5, 2010 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Dead on.

I also used to wonder how Arrington wasn’t making the roster (besides the ridiculous depth we already have). I don’t wonder anymore.

Also rec’d.

by salad_face on May 6, 2010 2:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Probably

should have said boom, huh?

Maybe next time.

by salad_face on May 6, 2010 2:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Exactly and this is the reason he’s been living “on the bubble” since he was drafted. Had he not gotten hurt, there’s no doubt in my mind Rod Harper would have made the roster last season. Now, he may have been on and off the practice squad more often than Chase Daniel, but he would have at least gotten on the field at some point. Probably the Patriots game, when Bush was out. Arrington was active for the Super Bowl, if I’m not mistaken, but hasn’t played whatsoever.

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

by coldpizza on May 6, 2010 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions