New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton gushed over the play of defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis during last weekend's rookie minicamp. Payton positively acknowledged a couple of other players, guard Carl Nicks and wide receiver Adrian Arrington.
He amended his pats on the back by saying the level of competition wasn't exactly the same as what these newcomers will face at the end of the month when the team's full-squad minicamp commences.
The NFL neophytes will be one aspect to keep an eye on later this month when everyone receives their first glimpse at the 2008 version of the Saints.
But it won't be the most vital tidbit. Here's an early peek at what to pay attention to with camp about 2½ weeks away:
1. Running back conundrum
By kicking the tires on former league MVP Shaun Alexander, the Saints indicated they aren't fully confident in their running back situation.
If you go by Deuce McAllister's statements the past couple of months, he'd like to participate and show what he's got nine months following his knee surgeries. There won't be a conclusive solution in how to incorporate McAllister, Reggie Bush, Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas, but the Saints may find out whether to break out their running back grade book and scour for a potential veteran free agent tailback.
2. Cornerback competition
Again, no job will be won or lost during the three-day session in Metairie. The slew of new faces will certainly add intrigue to one of the more troubling positions from last season.
Don't be surprised to see Jason David begin the weekend lined up with the first team and end the weekend in the same position. Mike McKenzie will be a no go until at least training camp and probably longer after recovering from ACL surgery.
Jason Craft and Randall Gay will likely rotate from the base slot to nickel with Usama Young and Aaron Glenn seeing some action with the second team. Second-round pick Tracy Porter probably won't find much playing time with the first unit.
3. Health at linebacker
The revamped linebacking corps glows on paper. But no one really knows the full health of Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan and you can't help but wonder if the Saints acquired damaged goods.
Although the players will only be in helmets, T-shirts and shorts, at least both players will display some sign as to the status of Vilma's knee and Morgan's Achilles' tendon. Of course no one will know if Morgan's propensity for concussions will cease then, or ever.
How Mark Simoneau will handle his diminished role behind Vilma as the Saints' new linebacker should leapfrog Simoneau at snap No. 1.
4. Defensive tackle rotation
I feel relatively safe in this assumption: Hollis Thomas won't be in typical playing shape. That's just the way he is. So it should open the door for Ellis to take time with the ones at the nose.
Brian Young, now injury- and illness-free, should take open minicamp atop the depth chart at the other tackle. With Ellis in primary competition with Thomas, it will leave Kendrick Clancy, Antwan Lake and fifth-round pick DeMario Pressley vying for Brian Young's job.
Payton did say Ellis is versatile enough to play either spot and leaving at least one or two tackles from last year's team on the outside looking in maybe by the end of the weekend at the earliest.
Also be on the lookout for Charles Grant's conditioning. An ankle injury was at least one factor into why he added some weight throughout last season.
And is Will Smith's desire for a new contract going to keep him away from the mandatory practice sessions? It already has for the team's offseason workouts, and while Smith has been rather low key about the situation, the possibility of a holdout is certainly an option.
5. Tight end scenario
Payton said if the right tight end became available, then the team would be interested.
Read between the lines. Payton stills wants New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. The deal might not happen in time for minicamp, but don't be shocked if it goes down before or during training camp.
Eric Johnson had an up and down season and Payton said Johnson had a minor setback when he had a scope performed on his ankle during the offseason.
Mark Campbell will return to practice since being placed on injured reserve early in the 2007 season.
