Ridiculously Early 2011 Saints Roster Breakdown: Running Backs
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 11:00 AM CDT
Email
PrintEven though there hasn't yet been a free agency period and NFL rosters may still get shuffled before training camp and the 2011 season begin*, there's very little for us left to discuss so we may as well begin analyzing the Saints roster.
We're starting off today with the running backs and holy crap are there a lot of them on this team. I knew there was a bit of a logjam at the position but I didn't realize there were nine ball carriers on the roster. Nine! With this much depth and talent in the backfield, you could even speculate that the Saints are poised to have the most feared rushing attack of the 2011 season, assuming they're used properly and stay healthy.
Make the jump to see exactly who's on the roster at the position and my opinion on where they stand as far as their chances of making the team this year.
*Season may not actually happen.
Definite
After many of us, including myself, thought Pierre Thomas would never play another down in a Saints uniform, the team re-signed him to a 4-year deal. I'd say that shows the team likes him just as much as the fans. I fully expect him to play a significant role in the 2011 Saints offense. If Mark Ingram is even half as good as we've been led to believe, there's not a chance he doesn't make the team.
Likely
The only reason Reggie Bush is listed as likely is because there are rumors that he wants out of New Orleans as opposed to a re-structured contract. Otherwise, we know Payton isn't going to cut him. Chris Ivory proved himself last season when given the opportunity. If the Saints keep four running backs on the roster, I think it's Ivory's spot to lose.
On the Bubble
Lynell Hamilton
Hamilton was poised during training camp to have a breakout year and become the teams No. 3 running back behind Thomas and Bush before tearing his ACL in early August. Now his road to playing time is significantly tougher. His only shot at making the team is to outshine Ivory and take that fourth RB spot or hope Reggie Bush leaves town.
Longshot
Ladell Betts, Julius Jones, DeShawn Wynn, Joique Bell, Chris Taylor
Betts, Jones and Wynn were all added to the roster last season when injuries decimated the Saints crop of starting running backs. Now that the reset button has been pressed and those RB's are getting healthy again, these guys have little to no chance at seeing the field during the regular season. But who the hell is Chris Taylor?
78 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Where's Joique Bell?
Should be on the bubble, imo. Either he or Hamilton will be the 4th back, if Reggie goes.
Also, you’re asking how many running backs … do you mean halfbacks? Because running backs would technically include the fullback position, as well. In that case, I think they keep five, though I don’t think it will be Heath Evans or Jed Collins making the cut. Calling that one a new acquisition, either UDFA or UFA.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Yeah, forgot to put his name down. Thanks.
But I didn’t put him where you think he belongs.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
I think he has a slightly better shot than Hamilton, being that he’s a bigger back and has never been seriously injured.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Hamilton is bigger than Bell
6’ 235 vs 5’ 11" 220
If his knee checks out, Hamilton will have a serious shot
by DaymanCometh on May 23, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah! What DaymanCometh said!
Hamilton is built a lot more like a FB than a HB and he was all the rage before he got hurt in the preseason last year. He very well may make the team if Ivory’s foot isn’t healthy enough to go to start the season. Watch!
I am referring to just the people listed in this post
So halfbacks.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Yo tulane guy....question for ya...
Do you have any idea of Shaun Rogers has been at the Saints workouts at Tulane? Been thinking about that a lot lately…everyone knows he’s had weight issues etc and this lockout can’t help with that. I’d feel a lot better knowing if he was there working out with the rest of the guys.
I know it’s off topic…but figured since you ran the Tulane store you might have that kind of info.
"Winter is coming"
I don't know for certain
But my guess would be know. I feel like if he was at the practices, the media would be talking to him, since he’s the new guy. Since I haven’t seen diddly squat written about him, I am assuming he hasn’t been in town.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
know = no
I’m an idiot.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
....
at least you no the difference. ; ]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qais_eGMnWk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39GH-nzrY_I&feature=relatde
Know you're knot...atleast knot know more the the rest of us you no.
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
by cajuncommando58 on May 23, 2011 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait a minute! Did you just say you don't think Heath Evans will be back on the Saints?
RE: “I don’t think it will be Heath Evans or Jed Collins making the cut. Calling that one a new acquisition, either UDFA or UFA.”
Are you saying that you think Heath Evans will not be back this year for the Saints? I think you are wrong on that one my friend!
where's Stu when you need him? :P
Let's have a 2011 season. Get a deal done
by skinnykinney on May 24, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Either he or Hamilton will be the 4th back, if Reggie goes.
Or if he (or one of the others) goes down in training camp.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I think we’ll keep 4. Pierre, Ivory, Ingram and Bush. I agree with Pizza that if Reggie goes, I think they’ll keep Bell. Also, as far as fullback goes, I really think we could find a much better back than Evans. To me he’s not even close to the back that Karney was. Personally I think they’ll keep Reggie somewhere in the $7000,000.00 range this year. I don’t think he’ll play here for less than that. The main thing is staying healthy and if that happens, all of these guys will be able to play in great rotation and do what they do best. And that will definitely help out Brees also.
I agree with 4: Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory and Reggie Bush
…with Lynell Hamilton on the practice squad to wait for his chance if anyone of those 4 goes down.
Hamilton’s not eligible for the practice squad. He’s been active in 10 career games and the maximum is 8.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I Dont want to loose Hamilton either.
There will be 5 backs on this team, unless reggie goes. then 4
I disagree with the negative comparison of Heath Evans to Karney though...
…and the statement that we could find a much better back than Evans in FA. HE was lights out until he got injured, and by all accounts he is back fully healthy for this season. He is a stand up guy and a great locker room leader too. What are you even talking about?
I'm talking about that we can do better at fullback.
I agree he may be a locker room hyper upper, but to me he is not quite the run over people, good handed Fullback that we need. I think he gets replaced. Question is, by who?
Reggie at $7,000,000.00 for one year? Are you serious?
I seriously doubt the Saints offer him more than 16 million over the next 4 years, plus incentives of course. Do you think the Saints are just made of money or what? They do still need to rework contracts for Drew Brees and Carl Nicks you know! Give me a break! You can only spend so much money on one position anyway, so Reggie’s offering is going to be further limited by what they have already promised to Thomas, plus what the will be paying Ingram as the #24 pick this year. I vory is already under contract for nothing, so he doesn’t much factor into the equation, but still…
I bet they pick up some URFA
that ends up either being practice squad material, or even playing some. They always seem to. Still think Bush stays and it’s PT, Ingram, Bush, Ivory as the 4 on the active roster to start assuming no one gets injured. I bet a deal w/ Reggie will get done.
As far as we know, Ivory still isn't even running on his surgically repaired foot yet!
There is no guarantee that he will be ready to go at the start of the season, so that could very well open up the door to a Hamilton or a Bell or a Jones. Who knows???
Good point bondcrash...
I overlooked that option for keeping him in the fold with his rehab still being nursed along.
Bell Who??? We shipped Mike Bell down the road last year.
Do we have some other Bell that I don’t KNOW of?
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
by cajuncommando58 on May 23, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Never mine CP answers my question in the first post.
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
by cajuncommando58 on May 23, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
What about WR's? Do y'all see Lance Moore coming back this year or not?
With the roster looking like this right now, 12 Marques Colston, 14 Andy Tanner, 15 Courtney Roby, 16 Lance Moore, 17 Robert Meachem, 19 Devery Henderson, 87 Adrian Arrington, 89 Montez Billings, I can envision Colston, Roby, Moore, Meachem, Henderson and Arrington in the lineup at the start of the season.
There will be a separate post for that.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
There will be a separate post for that.
"My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them."-Winston Churchill
Of course...
Every position. Got nothing else to talk about, right?
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on May 23, 2011 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
We could just talk about each other in the most demeaning ways possible. That seems to be a reoccuring theme around here, lately.
"My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them."-Winston Churchill
can we have a post about linebackers who might also play running back?
Win Now...
WINGRAMANIA
by Hans Petersen on May 23, 2011 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
like
that is the most marvelous thing about these forums, the tidbits of info that get posted.. i had not an inkling of awareness on a stanford guy who went both ways simply marvelous
by pattatorhead on May 24, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I understand Roby
may be done with football after being hurt last year.
If there is an RB who can return punts and kicks, versatility may serve him well in the final roster cuts.
Oh I forgot we already have one of those on the roster. . . . . . .
Black Pants = Bad
That is the first report I have even heard on that subject so far!
Please fill me in on what you know about Roby’s health status right now and his plans for the future or not! Thanks!
the circle of life
I don't buy it. That's just one person's (Jon Banks) perception from afar...
From everything I have heard and read so far this off-season from anyone in the know, Roby is fine and will play football again this year. Period. That is nothing but sheer speculation and I am not about to buy into it at this point until I hear something more definite from someone a lot closer to the source than Jon Banks.
Can't wait to see the improved running game.
Thomas and Ingram splitting carrys with Reggie as a change of page/3rd down passing option? Just give us the Lombardi.
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
"I rejected those answers. Instead, I chose something different. I chose the impossible. I chose...Rapture!"
If Sean let's us see an improved running game
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
by cajuncommando58 on May 23, 2011 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
It takes more than just a great offense to win the Lombardi Trophy you know!
I can’t wait to see the new and improved defense this year with Shaun Rogers on the line alongside Sedrick Ellis, with Remi Ayodele and Anthony Hargrove rotating in and out at Gregg Williams’ discretion. Add in Cameron Jordan at left end and the return of Darren Sharper at free safety in rotation with Malcolm Jenkins, plus a tough competition at OLB with two fresh bodies added to the mix in the draft and a stellar crew at CB with Greer, Porter, Robinson and now Patrick!
I think a lot of Saints fans have already forgotten the extra package that Hamilton brings...
… to the coverage teams on top of what he can do in the offensive backfield. Great highlight reels mknkachow! Thanks for sharing!
we will carry a fifth back and then carry a sixth
after we lose someone to the IR – I’m thinking it’ll be one of the lower-rung guys (Joique/PhotoOp)
Win Now...
WINGRAMANIA
Five HBs likely means five WRs or two TEs. It’s possible, particularly if that fifth HB takes on Roby’s role as a KR, but I doubt it.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
two TE's
one of those TE’s plays fullback.. nice trend for roster strechers..
by pattatorhead on May 24, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canal Street Chronicles
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
