We’re still over a month away from training camp start and we still have OTAs in the interim, but now that the 90 man roster has taken shape there are a lot of questions surrounding a number of players. As always, there’s a list of players that are circled as big question marks and the Saints will need at least some of them to work out for their roster to feel competitive and balanced. With that said, here are the players we should all be paying close attention to:
Coby Fleener, TE: He was paid very handsomely this offseason. So handsomely, in fact, I’d challenge you to find someone who thinks his deal is fair based on the value he brings to the table. At least now based on prior performance. Fleener will have to live up to a standard created by his contract that he’s never performed at before in his career. He’s going to have to produce an 80 catch, close to 1,000 yards and double digit touchdown type season to come anywhere close to justifying the deal he received. How realistic is that? Maybe playing with Payton and Brees is all he needed but it remains to be seen.
Zach Strief, T: The fact that he came back without tweaking his contract at all speaks volumes about how much the staff values his leadership. What about on the field, though? Strief has always struggled with speed rushers but otherwise he’s done a solid job in his career overall. But we’ve started to see him decline a bit. Sometimes players like this decline at a slow rate over a long period, and sometimes they fall off a cliff. Can he hold up for 16 games as a reliable starter at 33 (turns 33 in September)?
Andrus Peat G/T: Where does he even start? Assuming he does, and it will probably be at guard, will he be any good at that position? It’s safe to say Peat is the right tackle of the future for the Saints, book ending with Terron Armstead. For now, though, his present might be at guard considering how weak the Saints are at that position. And frankly, I have no idea what to expect out of him there. It wasn’t that pretty last year.
Nick Fairley, DT: He’s apparently in shape and on a contract that should motivate him to play well. But gone are the days of spelling Aaron Donald after he’s mauled and wounded opposing linemen. Fairley will start and play A LOT. A defining moment in his career in a lot of ways. Will he re-introduce himself to the league as a premiere player, or is he “just a guy”?
C. J. Spiller, RB: Last year was a disaster. Mickey Loomis claims we’ll see the real Spiller this year. If health was really the issue, is he even recovered? If he is, will that be enough to see a drastic change in what he can contribute? I’m still not sure he sees the field that much. Sean Payton seems to hate him.
David Onyemata, DT: Speaking of Loomis, he also claimed that they expect Onyemata would contribute and play significant snaps as a rookie. I’m not sure I buy that. It’s a pretty steep learning curve for a rookie, but especially one that’s been playing football in Canada. Forget that, he’s been playing football for 4 years ever. Can Onyemata really be counted on to go in there and not make enormous mistakes at this level? It’s hard for me to envision him being a factor in 2016 but maybe he’s special?
James Laurinaitis, LB: That’s great that he has the IQ to play. But will he stay healthy and is he still good? I fear the Saints have landed him when he’s already breaking down physically. He’s been durable for 6 full seasons until last year when we saw signs of the wear and tear affecting his play. Too many times I’ve seen “leaders” and “high IQ” guys that are washed up and can’t get on the field or play well. And usually, guys don’t listen or respect you when you can’t walk the talk.
Brandon Coleman, WR: He could still be an awesome player in the league. His size, speed and strength is something that almost no players in the league possess. He’s blessed with prototype measurables that any athlete would kill for. He’s a lot closer to putting it all together than he was at this time last year. We still saw a lot of holes in his game, though. He has to become more reliable and consistent.
Garrett Grayson, QB: This is a big year for Grayson. Being stuck behind Matt Flynn last year was a little alarming. Seeing real progress from him this preseason is critical because the Saints need to figure out if he’s a viable option for the future of the franchise. Drew Brees is in a contract year, so there’s no telling how soon they’ll need their next QB.
Jairus Byrd, S: Unless he has a great season, this is probably Byrd’s last year in New Orleans. He hasn’t come close to living up to his previous reputation or his contract.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
