NFC South: Are the Atlanta Falcons the most improved team?
Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were the heavy favorites heading into 2014 and laid a massive egg. The Saints finished in second place with a 7-9 record and just a 3-5 home record.
The Saints didn’t waste time making headlines in the 2015 offseason by shipping off pro bowl TE, Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks for OL, Max Unger and a 2015 first round pick. On top of that, the Saints lost MLB, Curtis Lofton, WR, Kenny Stills and RB, Pierre Thomas.
To replace this bunch, the Saints signed RB, C.J. Spiller and added a pair of linebackers in Danell Ellerbe and Anthony Spencer.
Its hard to say whether or not losing your two most explosive receiving weapons is a good idea, but on paper it doesn’t look very good.
The Saints now have a ton of emphasis on their 2015 draft class who will need to come in right away and produce for New Orleans. The Saints drafted OL, Andrus Peat, LB, Stephone Anthony and CB, P.J. Williams who are the three main headlines. Draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr. ranked the Saints’ draft as the second worst in the NFL.
Offseason grade: C
With the loss of Graham and Stills, the Saints made no effort to replace either of the two men and now only have two receivers capable of producing. The Saints will have to rely on 32-year-old, Marques Colston and second year receiver, Brandin Cooks who is coming off of a season ending injury.
The running game is in check for the Saints with Mark Ingram and Spiller and the offensive line looks to be headed in the right direction with the addition of Peat and Unger but pro bowl quarterback, Drew Brees now has little to no weapons to throw the ball too.
New Orleans put also put an emphasis on improving the defense, which they did, but will need rookies to play right away and play good in order to turn this around heading into 2015.