New Orleans Saints Preseason, Pre-Draft Prediction

From the article photo, you may assume that there's going to be a little trash talk about the hated "Dirty Birds," the archrival Atlanta Falcons. However, if you assumed that, then you are mistaken.

Actually, it's almost the direct opposite of that assumption.

I'm very anxious to see that player take the field this season, not with a Falcons helmet and jersey, but in the beautiful black and gold of our beloved New Orleans Saints.

Yes, it's true, former Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman is a Saint and has been one for a few weeks now.

The signings of former Jags defensive lineman Paul Spicer, former Vikings safety Darren Sharper, and others will likely have quite an impact on the Saints' defensive unit as well as the entire Saints team this coming season, as will new black and gold defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

And this isn't taking into account whoever we'll take in the upcoming 2009 NFL Draft.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Saints cut fullback Mike Karney and halfback Deuce McAllister, but signed former Pats fullback Heath Evans, who should be more of a running and receiving threat than Karney was with the team.

If Drew Brees comes back and does what everyone's expecting him to, than our offense is all set, with Jeremy Shockey ready to make an impact and Colston coming back from that thumb injury.

But, as Saints fans, we're more concerned with the defensive side of the ball, namely the secondary.

The Saints cut gimpy-kneed Mike McKenzie as well as safety Kevin Kaeshviharn while another safety, Josh Bullocks, wasn't resigned.

The secondary will look a lot different with former Bills cornerback Jabari Greer, Sharper, and former Jags safety Pierson Priorleau taking their places. An interesting note is that Priorleau has played under Gregg Williams while with three different teams before the Saints.

Second-year cornerback Tracy Porter will be returning from a season-ending wrist injury that he suffered last year.

The line will look pretty much the same with Will Smith, Charles Grant, and others, with Coleman and Spicer being new to the team.

All in all, it looks like it's going to be a great year for Saints and for us, their loyal fans. Geaux Saints!

Joshua Joffrion writes Saints Scoop, a blog dedicated to the New Orleans Saints at http://www.saintsscoop.com.