TWEETS:
SAINTS STUFF:
Draft needs: New Orleans Saints - NFC South Blog - ESPN
1. Defensive end. The Saints let Charles Grant go last season and Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson were adequate. But neither of them give the Saints anything special. The Saints need another pass rusher to go with Will Smith. The Gregg Williams defense is at its best when it can force other teams into turnovers.
New Orleans Saints reader comment: Mixed feelings about Jeremy Shockey's release | NOLA.com
Highlighting comments from our readers
Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland says 'no talks' so far with former New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey | NOLA.com
Miami would seem like a nice fit for Shockey, but no link between the two so far
Former New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey reportedly takes physical with Miami Dolphins | NOLA.com
Shockey was released by Saints earlier this week
NFL COMBINE BEGINS:
NFL Scouting Combine Information
NFL scouting combine is underway in Indianapolis | NOLA.com
Media availability begins today with offensive linemen, tight ends, specialists and selected coaches and general managers
CBA TALKS:
Mediation ends for now, resumes March 1 | ProFootballTalk
"Some progress was made, but very strong differences remain on the all-important core issues that separate the parties," mediator George Cohen said in a statement released by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
NFL warning coaches not to talk to players during lockout | ProFootballTalk
Although the NFL is downplaying the significance of today’s big meeting with all 32 head coaches and general managers, the league office does have an important message for the bigwigs who run every team: Once the lockout starts, cut off all contact with players.
NFL, union meeting to wrap up week of mediation
WASHINGTON (AP) - There's a week left until the NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the players' union expires.
NFL general managers insist that labor uncertainty won't affect draft planning | NOLA.com
'Best available player' philosophy will reign, even if draft comes before free agency this year
LAGNIAPPE:
Terrytown couple wins Pro Bowl tickets from the Saints | NOLA.com
Beth even got to meet Saints kicker Garrett Hartley, who had also attended the "meeting."
LSU offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale hopes to showcase athleticism at NFL scouting combine | NOLA.com
Barksdale is considered mid- to late-round draft prospect
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