Michael Thomas, Vonn Bell bring championship swagger to Saints

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Something struck me about New Orleans Saints second-round picks Michael Thomas and Vonn Bell at the team's rookie minicamp this past weekend.

It was confidence.

They weren't cocky, they simply possessed a level of confidence I can't recall from many rookies this early in the process.

Sure, Reggie Bush walked in with a swagger in 2006. Mark Ingram came to New Orleans with a more workmanlike demeanor in 2011. Both of these players won national championships for football powers USC and Alabama, respectively.

So maybe the Ohio State championship on the résumés of Thomas and Bell helped breed a little bravado.

That could help a Saints locker room in need of some swagger.

Thomas and Bell wasted no time demonstrating theirs to their fellow rookies and new coaches. They battled on the practice field just like they battled at Ohio State.

"Well, Vonn, we're both competitors," said Thomas, who caught 18 touchdowns the past two seasons. "We're from Ohio State. We always want to compete. We always want to win. That's just how we were brought up. Even in practice, and even though it's the NFL now and I don't want to be too chirpy, but we're getting out there and talking stuff.

"I had to tell Coach it's an Ohio State thing. I can't let him beat me. But Vonn's a great player, and I'm excited to have him back there. He's someone you can trust. ... That's my roommate. That's my friend. My brother. I like competing and getting each other better. That's how you get better.

"Iron sharpens iron."

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