New Orleans Saints Offseason Evaluation: Offensive Line and Fullbacks

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

Yesterday, I reviewed the New Orleans Saints offensive skill players, who obviously graded out fairly well. This time next year, I would like to actually have a grading system to give each player a true grade off film. Hopefully, I am able to make that happen. For now, though, we are left with my estimation just off watching games.

The Saints O-Line has been good the past three years, especially in pass protection. Over the past three seasons they have given up the fewest sacks of any offensive line in the league. That is partially due to Brees' quick release, but also to being a good O-Line.

However, they have struggled a bit to open running holes consistently. I'm sure that is an emphasis for Sean Payton, Pete Carmichael, and new OL/running game coach Aaron Kromer.

Left Tackle

Jammal Brown

Zach Strief

Last season, Brown started all but one game at left tackle (if I remember correctly). Strief saw action in a couple of games where Brown had to leave for various injuries. I am a little bit underwhelmed by the play of Brown.

It seems every game he is being called for holding, or a false start, or even a dumb penalty, like not lining up on the line of scrimmage. On top of that, he is slow-footed and a waist-bender, who can easily be beat around the edge. I am not saying the Saints need to replace him, just that he really is not a Pro Bowl left tackle.

Strief is a four-year player, who has also played on the right side, who does a very good job when he comes in to replace Brown, or Stinchcomb. He has value since he play both sides, and he isn't called for as many penalties as Brown, because he's quicker.

The running game might suffer a little bit with him in there, but overall Strief is not that far behind Brown, and could easily start for another team, with an even more finesse-based offense.

Grade:  B+ (mainly because the backup is almost as good as the starter)

Left Guard

Carl Nicks

Jamar Nesbit

Last season, Nicks took over for Nesbit when he was serving a league-induced four-game suspension for violating the substance abuse policy. For a rookie, I thought Nicks showed a lot of promise, and helped the Saints establish a bit of a power rushing attack. Nicks should be the starter at this spot, because he is aggressive and physical, and a mammoth of a young man.

Nesbit is a good backup in this league at this point in his career, and could even play center in a pinch.

Grade:  B (Just because of Nicks' youth and Nesbit's age)

Center

Jonathan Goodwin

Nick Leckey

Goodwin started at center for the Saints a year ago, and did more than a commendable job replacing Jeff Faine. He is a big, mauling type center, who can easily play guard if the Saints were in need and felt Leckey is more apt to play center than guard.

Leckey is a couple years younger than Goodwin, but less experienced overall. He is a guy who is a nasty, rough, physical son-of-a-gun kind of lineman. He's that guy that line coaches generally love.

Grade:  B (Goodwin performed admirably a season ago, and has a little more youth than I realized. Leckey should be an adequate backup.)

Right Guard

Jahri Evans

Tim Duckworth

Sean Payton has said a few times, he thinks Jahri Evans is the Saints best offensive lineman. This is because Evans is both big and nasty at 6-foot-4, 318 pounds. But he also has the agility and balance, combined with quick feet and good hands to be an excellent pass protector.

Duckworth is a bit of a project for the Saints who saw little to no action a season ago. If Evans gets hurt, it is more likely that Nesbit, Nicks, or Goodwin slide over to play right guard than Duckworth at this point.

Grade:  A- (Evans is good but not yet great, and the backup situation is a little unknown.)

Right Tackle

Jon Stinchcomb

Jermon Bushrod

It appeared the Saints were willing to part with Stinchcomb earlier this offseason when it looked like he would demand too much money. But then, they re-signed him, because they realize that continuity is the key to a good offensive line. Stinchcomb is solid, as Brees rarely ever has to worry about pressure coming from his right side (which he can see anyway).

Bushrod, again like Duckworth is a project at this point. Strief is still the main backup at the Right Tackle spot.

Grade:  B+ (Stinchcomb and Strief solid, but not great in running game.)

Fullbacks

There have been rumors, or assumptions made that the Saints are going to be getting rid of their two-back sets. I don't know that I agree. I think the emphasis will be put more on two tight end and spread sets, but that the Saints will still use a fullback many times. Only time will tell.

Olaniyi Sobomehin

Darian Barnes

Heath Evans

Evans is the assumed starter at the position, as he should be, but I really feel the Saints were better off with Mike Karney at the position. This is the only area of the team where I am disappointed in the offseason move made at the position.

Evans has good size at 6-foot, 250 pounds. He brings some agility, speed, and ability to catch and run from the fullback position. I'm not sure he's as good a blocker as Karney was though. I guess only time will tell.

If the Saints do need a power, blocking fullback, Sobomehin or Barnes may be the answer. I'm guessing though, based on cutting Karney and immediately bringing Evans in, they feel good about him and his role in the offense.

Grade: C+ (I really don't understand the move to go away from the power running game, to more of a finesse-based running attack. See Pittsburgh and the New York Giants as for what works in the running game.)

There you go for the O-Line, the most important element to the success of any offense.

Next time, I will tackle the defensive line.