Ridiculously Early 2011 Saints Roster Breakdown: Cornerbacks

by Dave Cariello on May 30, 2011 6:00 AM CDT

Next up in our premature look at the Saints roster and the competition we may seen whenever training camp actually starts is the cornerback position. A team can never have enough good CB's and fortunately for the Saints, they're beginning to collect a nice little stockpile of talent.

Today we're taking a look at the seven guys probably competing for a job this summer/fall - though I would expect them to add more competition in undrafted free agency - while ignoring any free agency or lockout implications that exist or may arise in the near future. Make the jump to see exactly who's currently on the roster and to get my opinion on where they stand as far as their chances of making the team this year. Of course I want to hear your opinions on the subject as well.

Definite

Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter

This doesn't really need any explanation. Porter and Greer are returning for their third year as starters together.

Likely

Patrick Robinson

The sophomore cornerback showed signs of improvement last year as the season progressed. Hopefully that progression has continued through the off-season as well. Highly doubtful that Robinson doesn't make the team.

On the Bubble

Leigh Torrence, Johnny Patrick, Randall Gay

Thanks to his special teams contributions, Torrence seems to always find a spot on the Saints roster. He's serviceable for sure. We've yet to see Johnny Patrick play a snap at the next level but I am assuming he's got a good chance to make the team. As for Randall Gay, he may end up removing himself from this conversation altogether by retiring due to significant head injuries.

Longshot

Mark Parson

Parson is a relative unknown. He was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent before the 2009 season and has since only seen time on the practice squad. That's likely where he'll stay next season unless he really shines, particularly on special teams.

Poll

Will Randall Gay be a New Orleans Saint for the 2011 season?

Yes

49 votes

No

152 votes

201 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

All that glitters.....

Going into last season, most Saints fans had the utmost confidence in our young & fast cornerbacks but INJURIES showed(especially in playoff loss) otherwise. If most can stay healthy during reg & postseason, we have a legitimate chance of another SB win. I’d like to see Gay(La athlete) stay but I want whats best for the team which is hoping the rookie Patrick can come in and play well and Gay retire so he can enjoy the rest of his now healthy life.

by fshabazz on May 30, 2011 9:41 AM CDT reply actions

I think Randall Gay is a gone pecan

how many CBs did we carry during the regular season last year? 6? 5?

My guess is we keep Greer, Porter, P-Rob, Torrence, Poetrick, and some other unnamed FA/UDFA to be acquired later. Maybe we grab another for the practice squad…

Win Now...
WINGRAMANIA

by Hans Petersen on May 30, 2011 10:04 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah

I think you’re right on the nose. 5 or 6 CBs sounds right. We might not sign an undrafted FA if we’re happy with the five (Greer, Porter, Robinson, Torrence, Patrick) and comfortable with Jenkins ability to play CB on snaps when and if necessary.

by GnomeChumpsky on May 30, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I think Randall's best days were already behind him before the Concussion.

He reminds of the Shandle train of thought. He was decent in the nickle but not special other wise.He provided depth at the position to cover our asses during injuries but we have the potential with the players we have and with “Poetrick” who we picked up in the draft to replace him. I wish Randall nothing put the best, and thank him for past services, but also see us letting him go. Don’t know about picking up anybody if/when free agency happens because I really don’t know if their is anyone out there who would be an upgrade though, so it is possible Randall would remain at the right price. Also he doesn’t help himself as a special teams player.

INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012

by cajuncommando58 on May 30, 2011 10:21 AM CDT reply actions

The way Torrence played against Pittsburgh

When ALL of the other corners were injured, was very impressive. I think we could do worse than him as the 4th corner.

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

by mknkachow on May 30, 2011 10:23 AM CDT reply actions

I was really amazed at the way all our back-ups seemed to step up last year.

Shows we have pretty good depth on the team.

INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012

by cajuncommando58 on May 30, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

As for Randall Gay, he may end up removing himself from this conversation altogether by retiring due to significant head injuries.

LSU! LSU!

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

by coldpizza on May 30, 2011 11:14 AM CDT reply actions

Gay, Bush and Sharper all fall into the same category: overpriced deadwood. If Bushrod’s agent gets silly, he’ll be right there in that wood pile, as well. At that point, addition by subtraction always becomes a viable alternative. Or rather, addition by non-addition, in Sharper and Bushrod’s case.

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

by coldpizza on May 30, 2011 11:46 AM CDT reply actions

on the corners

porter, greer the starters.. the sophmore robinson he’s there.. johnny patrick lets just suppose he’s big time help special teams,so he’s in on a whim.. lee torrence thats the ace in the hole as fallback for injured, also special teams.. really not a bad group at all.. greer to me is the best we have, not saying he’s outshone the rest but he has the “it” for me when i watch.. even though i appearred to trash ol #22 in another post he has done the most visible work for the saints secondary.. its a good group and if gay can stay in tat mix somehow then oh well lets ride..

by pattatorhead on May 30, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

darren sharper

theres a dark horse, gotta run that race to see the results.. he’s old, true dat.. even tho he pays an agent he done some PR

by pattatorhead on May 30, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

dont know why that posted

but sharper has claimed he’s well and ready.. the defense has changed so is sharper healthy.. change on defense to me looking forward is more formidable pressure on QB’s so the arse end of the defense should be in line for instinctive plays on the bal.. experience required for this type of gambling.. nine interceptions was a gift from the rest of the defense, if you will, but darren was there to receive the gifts.. so thats darren sharper, and as a fan its a shame but we revert back to the all to often "how much money’.. i for one still play “FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME”.. even tho i’m relegated to the position of lead recliner i still feel an important part of the team..

by pattatorhead on May 30, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions