New Orleans Saints Offseason Evaluation: Linebackers

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

Before I begin, I want to send a shout-out to the San Diego State men's basketball team for an outstanding season. Unfortunately, it came to an end Tuesday evening. But they brought the university some positive press, and will go down I believe as the team that started the run of tremendous teams and raised the program to an elite level.

On to my other passion, the New Orleans Saints, and today, their linebacking corps.

This is a unit, that I believe has been underrated for the past three years. And each year it has gotten better. I think a season ago, it was the top unit on the defensive side of the ball.

As we look forward to the 2009 season, there is a lot of reason for excitement, and even some expectations that this unit can continue to improve, and possibly even make a claim as one of the best units in the entire league, in my opinion.

Having paid attention to Gregg Williams' defense in the past, he likes to play aggressively with his linebackers. They will blitz quite a bit, but still have to be good at many skills.

Middle Linebacker

Jonathan Vilma, Marvin Mitchell, & Mark Simoneau

In 2008, Vilma led the Saints in tackles with 132, while also grabbing an interception and providing one sack. He was also able to force two fumbles. But these are just numbers. Vilma's presence changed the defense for the better. Teams had to game plan for him.

And he still made all the plays.

Look for Vilma to improve on that lone sack in Gregg Williams' blitz-heavy scheme. And expect him to continue to run all over the field and make plays. The Saints knew they had to keep him, and perhaps overpaid to make sure they did.

I have a good feeling he won't let them down, and will only continue to help improve this up-and-coming defense.

Mitchell will be going into his third NFL season in '09. He has been a standout on special teams for the Saints. And in limited action at linebacker, has been solid. The former Volunteer is unlikely to crack the starting lineup this season, but looks to be a solid backup should anything happen to Vilma.

But make no mistake about it, he keeps his roster spot because of his special teams play. And most all Saints fans would panic if anything ever happens to Vilma. I can't say I blame them. Vilma is hands down the best player on this defense.

Simoneau reminds me of women. You can't live with 'em, but you can't live without 'em either. My point being is that Simoneau is a very solid linebacker. He is not spectacular, but would be an adequate backup and special teams player.

That being said, the numbers might not add up. His age may get the best of him, and he costs a little more than Mitchell.

He has a good veteran presence, and if it's possible to keep him around, I say the Saints should, but it's hard to imagine saving a roster spot for someone who is exclusively a backup in all situations.

Grade: A (Vilma should have been a Pro Bowler a year ago and should only get better next season under Gregg Williams. Plus, if anything happens to him, the Saints have some nice options backing him up.)

Outside Linebackers

Scott Fujita, Dan Morgan, Scott Shanle, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, & Troy Evans

In my opinion, Gregg Williams is going to aim to get the best players on the field. Because I don't know the intricacies of the defense, I'm not sure who fits best at the Strong side or Weak side Linebacker spots, but I feel that Fujita and Morgan are the two best players at the position.

I expect Fujita to assume to the weak-side spot, since his strength is chasing plays and he is good in coverage. 2008 was a down year for Fujita, who in his first two years in NOLA, was deserving of Pro Bowl consideration.

In '08, the former Rio Mesa Spartan (my high school) only played in 14 games. He recorded 81 tackles and had no sacks. He did intercept two passes. But let's go back to that sack number. Zero.

I'm pretty sure that number will not be where it was a season ago. In fact, I predict he will get a career high in this defense. And Fujita is capable of getting to the QB, when he is given the opportunity to do so.

Dan Morgan, of course came over from the Carolina Panthers last offseason but elected to retire because of injury issues, but he even got to camp. Apparently, he is healthy now, and is taking part in the Offseason Workouts the team began Monday.  

When healthy in Carolina, Morgan was one of the best linebackers in the game. He has always been one of those guys who plays with passion and a mean streak, dating back to his college days at "The U."

He likes to fly to the football, similar to Fujita and Vilma, which will make them a very fast and aggressive unit.

I can't wait to see this trio in action together, as I believe they will become the second best unit in Saints history.

But, these guys could get hurt and that is why backups are necessary.

Shanle has started the past three seasons for the Saints, and could very well end up keeping the job, if something happens to Morgan. He has been a good linebacker at the strong-side spot, but Morgan should be an upgrade.

At least Shanle would be a very dependable backup.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar started a couple games in Fujita's absence last season as a rookie. He did a very good job for an undrafted rookie. He should continue to excel on special teams, and if need be can be a very good backup. He is also a guy, like Shanle who could play on passing downs to bring pressure.

Finally, Troy Evans, has annually been one of the best special teams players in the entire NFL. Notice a theme? The Saints like to use their backup linebackers on special teams.

That is a good thing, because the starters aren't going to come off the field very often, unless it's in a Nickel or Dime Situation (extra defensive backs meaning fewer linebackers).

Grade: B+ (The outside linebackers are still a little unproven, although I would take the two I have projected to start, on any defense. There also looks to be good depth.)

Overall, the linebacking corps looks to be improved and should really be the leaders in a defensive resurgence in the Crescent City.

Next time, and the last time in this series, I will take a look at the defensive backs which have been a hindrance to the sanity and health of any Saints fan for the past three seasons.

Another shout-out to end the article. For all Hornets fans, how about that shot by Rasual Butler at the buzzer last night? Awesome!