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NOPF Preview Awards for the
2008 Saints
Our picks and predictions for this year's squad awards
posted July 15, 2008 - print
me!
neworleansprofootball.com
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DT Sedrick Ellis |
We'll preview the 2008 Saints by picking
some post-season team awards in July.
Rookie of the Year:
Winner: DT Sedrick Ellis
Runner-up: CB Tracy Porter
Ellis has the potential for more playing time because
he has less competition. Porter may well start by the end of the
season and already looks to be the fourth corner, and could also
make an impact as a return man. But Ellis looks to be one of the
three top defensive tackles, and will likely beat out Antwan Lake
for that honor in training camp. Given the health history of Brian
Young and Hollis Thomas, Ellis will almost certainly start at
some point.
Most Important Non-Starter:
Winner: RB Reggie Bush
Runner-up: CB Randall Gay
Bush won't start. But if he stays healthy, he will
score at least ten touchdowns and will be second on the team in
receptions. Gay is probably more valuable as a passing downs cornerback
then a starter, and hopefully the Saints will have the luxury
of allowing him to play the nickel, and not start. That's a big
if.
Comeback Player:
Winner: TE Mark Campbell
Runner-up: S Roman Harper
Campbell returns from his back injury to be Brees'
best pressure release valve and trigger the running game. Campbell
is among the better blocking tight ends and among the slowest.
But he's got a knack for getting open and is on a team with more
flashy weapons at runningback and wide receiver. Campbell will
be open by default, his lower back willing. Harper has seen time
in the doghouse but needs to re-emerge at strong safety. Better
play at the cornerback position could free Harper to excel as
the eighth man in the box.
Offensive MVP:
Winner: QB Drew Brees
Runner-up: WR Marques Colston
Is there really any question? Brees is the Saints
offense, as much as any NFL quarterback is for his team. Deuce
McAllister, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker will
likely all get there time, with a breakout season possible from
Thomas and a re-ignition from Bush as a high potential. Colston
is the best receiving threat and the creme of a murky crop below
him. But Brees sets everyone else up.
Defensive MVP:
Winner: MLB Jonathan Vilma.
Runner-up: CB Tracy Porter
Pretty predictable. A team's middle linebacker should be its
defensive MVP. If his knees hold up, Vilma has the chops and the
experience to help the Saints overcome a defensive line that in
the past has delivered poor support to its linebackers. Sedrick
Ellis could help win Vilma this award, as should newly-enriched
DE Will Smith. Porter is the youngest pair of legs on the defense
and may end up starting by the end of the season. If he can hold
down the fort against Joey Galloway in the season opener, and
he'll likely be given a chance, he may be the man assigned to
Steve Smith in the season finale.
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