Normally teams would be busy signing undrafted free agents in the days following the draft but that cannot happen until there is some resolution to the labor dispute that allows clubs to resume normal operations. Hopefully there will be some kind of resolution following the NFL’s expedited appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals this week. The Saints have a plan and schedule to get back to work as soon as the lockout is lifted. The first orders of business will be signing free agents and undrafted free agents.
Today I am going to take a look at some undrafted free agents the Saints should target.
Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College – Herzlich obviously wasn’t drafted over concerns for his health but, if he is able to make a full recovery cancer, he has the talent and physical skills to be a starter for almost any team in the league. The Saints need help both at strong and weak side linebacker. Martez Wilson figures to fill one of those holes, most likely on the strong side, but the Saints still need linebacker help. Signing Herzlich as an undrafted free agents gives the Saints a lot of potential without a lot of risk if he doesn’t pan out.
Deandre McDaniel, SS, Clemson – McDaniel has some “character” issues but the Saints have never had an issue dealing with players with “character” issues. The Saints could use some depth at strong safety especially with Roman Harper as a potential free agent. From what I read, McDaniel and Harper seem to be similar types of players which could make McDaniel a fit in the Saints defense.
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia – If Reggie Bush does not agree to renegotiate his contract, Devine could provide a very similar skill set to Bush and would come at a much cheaper price. Plus, as last season showed, there is no such thing as having too many healthy running backs on the roster.
Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State – One of the fastest players at the combine, it never hurts for the Saints to add weapons for Drew Brees and the offense. The Saints are loaded at receiver but it never hurts to have a few on hand in case of injuries to starters. Lance Moore is also a potential free agent and Devery Henderson could end up being a victim of salary cap cuts so the Saints could be looking for another receiver with top-end speed to stretch the field.
Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU – As I mentioned, the Saints could be looking to replace a receiver or two on the roster depending on what happens with the NFL labor situation. Toliver’s technique needs some polishing but he is a big receiver at 6′4″ and has decent speed. He could be another options for the Saints if they need to add some receivers, particularly as a developmental prospect who does not need to make an immediate impact.
In a few days, I’ll be taking a look at potential veteran free agents the Saints may target once the labor situation is resolved.
