The 2005 New Orleans Saints season started amidst great tragedy and ended with a 3-13 finish, but as the city rebuilds so will the Saints. With a new coach and the second pick in April’s draft, the Saints have a great opportunity to reinvigorate their team.
Having the second pick puts the Saints in a prime spot for power at the quarterback position. They could acquire Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman trophy winner from Southern Cal, or Vince Young, the 2006 Rose Bowl MVP from Texas. Depending on whom you ask, either choice would help to solidify the Saints’ need for long-term stability in this leadership role.
The chances of the Saints receiving Leinart are real. Leinart said on the NFL Network that joining the Saints would be “a perfect situation because of their offense-minded coach and talented players.”
Saints officials are keeping quiet, however, about plans for their pick, but most insiders believe a new quarterback, especially one as outstanding as Leinart or Young, will be essential to the team’s future. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis stated the obvious when he said, “We need to make the best pick possible because it can affect the franchise for a long time.”
As of now, the franchise’s quarterbacks are dismal. Aaron Brooks, who had his worst season yet in 2005 and was benched for the final three games, has proven to be an unreliable leader for the Saints, and it is rumored that he will be traded or released next season.
Following behind Brooks is veteran Todd Bouman and 2005 fifth round pick Adrian McPherson – neither of whom promise stellar performances next season. Bouman took over Brooks’ position as starter for the final three games of last season, none of which he managed to win. McPherson, who had a successful Arena Football League career, was widely speculated to eventually take over Brooks’ spot as starting quarterback but has yet to reach his predicted potential.
It’s not just the quarterback position that the Saints need to round out their roster. New Orleans is also in need of a new running back. Former “star” running back Deuce McAllister has fought off numerous injuries the past few seasons, and his fellow running backs could use better company in their ranks.
The Saints could also benefit from a new kicker as their current one, John Carney, will be 42 by the time the draft rolls around.
Whomever the Saints choose to add to their roster, youth will inevitably boost their winning potential next season, especially if that youth is added at the quarterback position.
We’ll find out who they’ll choose the weekend of April 29, and we’ll get a chance to see how those choices work firsthand on Sept. 24 when the Superdome reopens against the Atlanta Falcons.
