re: Draft Talk

quote:

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I keep wondering why you mention Phillips as an OLB for us. When/where did he excel at OLB in a 4-3? I can only remember him doing well rushing the passes for a long time now with the Chargers.

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Purely my own speculation. Loomis usually brings in a free agent or two to fill needs whether studs or just fillers. A large part of that IMO is to accomodate BPA in the draft. Sometimes a strong BPA may not fit the team needs precisely.

I count a solid WLB as still high on the need list. Casillas has had some flashes but it seems he cannot stay on the field from endless injuries. I wouldn't mind Vilma back renegotiated even with diminishing skills. His 2013 $6.5mil cap hit however is untenable IMO.

When looking at the list of known UFA OLBs I see only two as real answers for the Saints. Connor Barwin would be great but very high dollar. I think he's a pretty sure franchise tag too if no new deal in Houston. Phillips though having played in a 3-4 is by no means is limited to that. He is extremely fast and great in pass coverage. He'll be 32 also so he won't command a a crazy money or long term deal. He ranks pretty high on my list of high quality of play to ratio of low public recognition. Kinda like a Colston of LBs. Brees and Sproles can put the "c'mon on down here with us and get a Lombardi" sales pitch on him too.