6 picks
#32, 64, 95, 130, 201, 239
Outside Linebacker
Winning the Super Bowl always comes at an expense, and for them it was losing Fujita (Browns). He will be missed as a team leader. On the weak side Shanle is in a contract year and not exactly a force. Waiting in the wings are two players who were signed as rookie free agents the past two years, Dunbar and Casillas. You can bet linebacker is on their radar early in the draft, which is why Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon has been attached to them in mocks.
Defensive Tackle
Only four teams in the NFL gave up more yards per carry than the Saints (4.5). The Browns, Chiefs, Bills and Bucs will all be picking in the top 8. A prolific passing offense sure can cover up other deficiencies. Ellis was a solid early first round pick in 2008 and has one spot locked down. Hargrove, a feel good story as a reclamation project, signed his restricted tender to return. Ayodele, who made 15 starts for injured veteran Clancy, was also tendered and signed it. Speaking of Clancy, coming off a knee injury and considering he will be 32 on opening day there is no guarantee he is retained. Right now he is lingering in unrestricted free agency. The need is for a stout run defender and it could be addressed as early as the first round. Lucky them, it's a great draft at the position.
Defensive End
Charles Grant and Alex Brown were both drafted in 2002 and cut after registering 40 some odd sacks over eight seasons. Brown left the Windy City for the Big Easy where he replaces Grant who failed his physical. It is a safe move, but lacks sizzle. Similarly, they retained their role player Charleston. An explosive pass rusher could still be sought in the draft.
Running Back
Few expected Reggie Bush to remain in the mix with such a steep price tag, but it has happened at the expense of not matching the offer to Mike Bell (Eagles). Here's a little known fact from Cliff Claven. Bell had the most rushing attempts (172) on this team last year. This is odd because Pierre Thomas, who was given a second round free agent tender, clearly is the better option. His role could expand, but he had more than 15 carries in a game just once all season including the playoffs. Going over his brief career, he has tallied over 16 just three times and one of those was a meaningless season finale in 2007. Can he withstand a season with 240 attempts? Will Lynell Hamilton step up and get more work? Bush also factors in, but he consistently misses games and has only 176 rushes the past two years total. I'm not suggesting they need to spend an early pick on another running back, but it might be a consideration at some point. Standing pat is risky.
Free Safety
Personally I thought it made sense to throw a franchise tag on Sharper, giving him a fat salary for one season as sort of a "thank you" gift after he helped them to a long awaited title. They didn't and I understand that side as well. He will turn 35 during the season and there is no way of knowing when the bottom will fall out. In 2009 he was a man on a mission to prove he could still do it. Things are different now and he is still lingering in free agency. They did ink another veteran Prioleau for one season, and tendered Young (he signed it) who has value as a backup and special teams performer. On the strong side they tendered Pro Bowl alternate Harper and Reis, another special teams factor. Reis signed his tender. When you add all this up, there is not much long term stability at the safety position. Rookie Chip Vaughn figures to be given a shot to lock down one position eventually, but someone who can attack the football like Sharper will be sought in the draft whether he returns or not.
Interior Offensive Line
At guard Evans was slapped with the highest restricted free agent tender, but Nicks will be a free agent next year so sooner or later the team will need to open up the pocket book here. Or try drafting cheaper replacements. At center Goodwin is in his contract year as well, and will be 32 when they are deciding whether or not to pay him. I could see them taking a center knowing at the very least they are getting some support at guard.
Quarterback
Obviously Drew Brees needs to be given his extension. You don't leave the player who brought glory to Bourbon Street hanging. Just as obvious, Mark Brunell is ready to fossilize he is so old. Now that he has his ring he might be hanging it up which means a primary backup will be needed. I'm thrilled for rookie Chase Daniel finding his way onto an NFL roster, but they are screwed if he ever shows up under center in a regular season game.
Tight End
There are some question marks here. If it seems like Shockey is constantly banged up that's because he is. In 8 seasons as a pro he has yet to appear in the full slate of games. Miller, who missed the season with an Achilles injury, might be retained but he turns 33 during the draft and does not have much left. David Thomas was acquired via trade from New England and had his best receiving season as a pro. He was given a third round restricted free agent tender and signed it. The other options aren't much to talk about. They can probably get by this season without making a move in the draft, especially since they don't have that many picks.
