New Orleans Saints Offseason Evaluation: The Offensive Skill Players

Note: This is the first in a five-part series evaluating the New Orleans Saints roster heading into the draft.

I am combining all of the skill positions today, because in my opinion they all work together and are really just one unit. I also feel that, in a sense, they are the least important part of the team (except for the QB). A better way to say that is that they cannot be effective if the other parts are not.

So, without further ado, an analysis of the Saints' offensive skill players.

Quarterback

Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, Joey Harrington (?)

The Saints do not have to worry about who their starting QB is, or whether they will get production from the position. Brees has proved to be a top QB in the league, and if he ever gets a defense, he will likely win at least one Super Bowl before his career is over. Of course, we all know the incredible season he had a year ago, and there is little reason, given his history, that he won't be at least close to that level again next year.

However, if Brees were to suffer an injury, I think there would be some questions surrounding the position. As of now, 38-year-old Mark Brunell is the backup. Joey Harrington was the third-string QB a season ago, but has yet to be re-signed, as far as I know.

Grade: A- (only because of the uncertainty caused by the backups).

Running Back

Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton

Pierre Thomas has shown a lot of promise in his first two seasons in the league. He has been the most consistent player the team has had during the annual battle in Chicago. But, even when not in Thomas' home region, he has outperformed all other Saints' running backs.

He is the best in-between-the tackles runner they have and does a good job of catching the ball out of the backfield. He has actually produced more explosive plays from scrimmage than Reggie Bush the last two seasons.

Reggie is a guy that many want to label a bust. I am not ready to do that yet. While I just got done saying Thomas has more explosive plays from scrimmage, Reggie has been explosive and delivered many big plays in his short career, including some of the most memorable ones in all of New Orleans Saints history.

It would be great if he could provide more consistent yardage out of the backfield, but he is what he is—a home run hitter. That means he's going to strike out quite a bit as well. I will continue to say he is the best decoy in the NFL.

Mike Bell was signed near the end of last season. In limited action, he was patient and a serviceable backup. However, he does not provide the explosiveness or short-yardage running the Saints desperately need. Hamilton played both halfback and fullback in the preseason, but was only active for one or two regular season games.

All this leads me to believe the Saints could be setting themselves up to take a running back in this year's draft.

Grade: B (I like all these guys. I just think the Saints need to block a little better in the running game, and then they'll be more productive).

Wide Receiver

Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Adrian Arrington, Lance Moore (?), Courtney Roby, Biren Ealy

If the season were to start now, the starting receivers would be Marques Colston and Robert Meachem, with Devery Henderson as the third/slot receiver. I think most Saints fan are still hopeful the team can sign Lance Moore to a long-term contract, as he was Drew's favorite target a year ago.

Colston is coming off the least productive season of his career (mainly because of a wrist injury that caused him to miss five full games and most of a sixth). He did, however, play his best football at the end of the season, and still looks to be growing into the leading role. He is a great red-zone target and possession receiver whom Drew looks to in key spots.

Meachem finally saw some game action a year ago and had some really nice moments. Heck, he caught a touchdown pass in his first NFL game. Unfortunately, he showed some inconsistency with catching the football and is still a work in progress.

However, the coaches believe in him. In fact, he was the lone receiver in one-receiver sets at the end of the year because he's shown a willingness and ability to block well. The future does look bright for this former Tennessee Volunteer.

Henderson re-signed with the Saints this off season and looks to improve next season, as he has done the past three seasons. Last season, the former LSU Tiger hit on a number of long pass plays and displayed more consistent hands than in prior years. He also showed an ability to be more of a complete receiver by making some key third down receptions on shorter routes as well.

Either way, he and Meachem are key components in the Saints' vertical passing game.

Adrian Arrington was looking great in fall camp and in the preseason until an injury ended his season before it even began. After being in an NFL program for a whole season, Arrington should be ready mentally to come in and contribute as a second-year player.

Lance Moore had a breakout season a year ago but remains unsigned, although the Saints offered him a one-year tender. Moore is one of Brees' favorite targets and also provides some big-play ability. I am pretty sure the Saints want him back, but it needs to be at a price that works for them.

Courtney Roby mostly played a season ago on special teams and gave the team a lift as a kick-returner. The Saints would love to use him in this role, and maybe spot him in the lineup as a receiver as yet another big-play option. Biren Ealy was a starter on the 2007 Tennessee Titans before they decided to cut him after that season. He is still very young and could take Lance Moore's place if necessary.

Grade: B+ (Although no Pro Bowlers, as a unit they are more than solid).

Tight End

Jeremy Shockey, Billy Miller, Buck Ortega, Dan Campbell, Darnell Dinkins

The Saints have a plethora of options for this position. And despite Shockey not quite living up to his billing a season ago (once again because of injuries), the tight end position was actually a position the New Orleans offense got a lot of production from a year ago.

Billy Miller stepped up and provided the vertical threat down the seam that every offense needs nowadays. Shockey also provided a similar kind of target when healthy. Look for Shockey to become more of a red-zone threat in year two in Sean Payton's offense.

Buck Ortega played a lot a season ago and caught a few balls, but more importantly was used as a blocker and performed well in that role.

Dan Campbell is an 11-year veteran who has played on many teams. Payton knows him from his time in Dallas. He is a solid player who will compete for a roster spot next season. Darnell Dinkins is an eight-year veteran, much in the same mold as Campbell. Those two will likely battle each other for the fourth spot (Payton likes to have many options at the position), which will likely be an inactive game-day spot.

Grade: B- (Shockey and Miller are good receiving threats, but don't help as much as would be preferred in the run game).

Kicker

Garrett Hartley

It took long enough, but it appears Sean Payton finally found a reliable guy to kick field goals. The lefty is a former Oklahoma Sooner and very accurate. He may not have the strongest leg ever, but that is probably not a huge priority, since the offense will generally put him within his range anyway. He did an adequate job on kickoffs as well.

Grade: B (Would like a little more leg strength, but accuracy is definitely a good thing).

Punter

Glenn Pakulak

This is technically a defensive position, but I would rather address it now.

After recycling punters and kickers last season, they finally settled on Pakulak. He really wasn't that much better than the two before him, but apparently the Saints are happy with him. Maybe it's just that they were tired of bringing in new guys. Either way, don't expect a new punter to come to New Orleans for a while.

Grade: C (Because in school, a "C" means average).

There you have it. The next article will address fullbacks and the offensive line.