Former TARC outreach director prepares to ‘kick it up a notch’ at helm
July 24, 2007
Ouida Pitre
July 26, 2007Robert Meachem hobbled around the Saints practice facility with an injured knee during an organized team activity in June.
But now that he’s healthy again, the Saints brain trust knows their first-round selection has the ability to give their receiving corps a “leg-up” on opposing secondaries.
Meachem impressed scouts with his long arms and explosive speed (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash).
He also poses a big threat to opposing defenses in the vertical passing game. New Orleans first-round pick pulled down 71 catches for 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns with Tennessee in 2006.
But Meachem will have to improve his concentration (something that has caused him to drop catcheable passes), and he’ll need to toughen up and run successful routes across the middle.
Nonetheless, his potential is limitless. Only time will tell if Meachem will turn out to be as successful as Donte Stallworth, a former Saint and fellow Volunteers alum.
By all indications, New Orleans will be willing to wait.
The Achilles heel of the 2006 Saints was its secondary.
So the team responded by drafting one of college football’s most talented cornerbacks in Usama Young.
Scouts say Young has long arms, a solid frame and terrific feet.
He also has the athletic ability and speed (4.39 in the 40-yard dash) to recover from missed coverage assignments.
Young registered two interceptions and 60 tackles during his senior season at Kent State.
He closed out his collegiate career with nine interceptions and 198 tackles.
The stats are solid, but experts knock Young’s strength and physicality. He has also received an “average” grade for coverage awareness.
To compound criticism, the Golden Flashes have never been known for playing a tough schedule.
If he can endure a few growing pains, Young might have a legitimate shot of securing a spot on the roster.
Power + Intensity = Andy Alleman.
That’s the equation that impelled New Orleans to grab the Akron standout in the third round.
After refusing to play on the defensive line at Pittsburgh during his sophomore year, Alleman transferred to the Zips, where he established himself as one of the best drive-blockers in the Mid-American Conference.
He also made a name for himself during Akron’s offseason weight-training program, setting records in the bench press (465 pounds) and squat (595).
Alleman is considered a natural runner that possesses excellent foot speed for a larger player.
Scouts note that Alleman also has good lateral agility and an innate ability to pick up the blitz.
On the flip side, Alleman has been chided for relying on strength instead of technique, and he only has two years of relevant experience under his belt.
If he can brush up on fundamentals, Alleman has the potential to be a regular starter down the road.
Antonio Pittman could provide insurance to a backfield that already contains one of the most powerful one-two punches in football.
The Ohio State product brings excellent speed to the gridiron. He’s shifty and well-balanced, and what he lacks in size is made up for with heart and sheer toughness.
This is revealed in the 14 touchdowns and 1,233 yards he amassed as a senior.
Pittman also averaged 5.3 yards per carry over three years.
Nonetheless, his receiving skills are a little raw and his blocking ability mediocre.
And despite his ability to “play big” at the college level, scouts say that he’ll need to bulk up to make any significant impact in the NFL.
Pittman won’t be starting for the Saints anytime soon, but he might land a spot as a backup.
The Saints offensive line is already considered good.
But the organization believes the addition of Jermon Bushrod could potentially make it even better.
Bushrod was a four-year starter at Towson, where he guided the Tigers to a 7-4 finish and earned All-Atlantic 10 Conference accolades as a senior.
The lanky offensive tackle brings quick feet, size and athletic ability to the field.
On the other hand, he lacks lower body strength and struggles through bouts of inconsistency.
Experts believe a patient coach could help develop Bushrod into a talented professional, as he already possesses the desire, intelligence and athleticism to shine at the next level.
He’s a project, but one that might be worth the work.
He produced big numbers – at a small school.
That’s one of the main criticisms that falls on David Jones, one of the top cover cornerbacks from the small college ranks.
Jones intercepted 15 passes and returned three for touchdowns in 40 games at Wingate. He also registered 110 tackles, deflected 28 passes and forced one fumble en route to earning All-American and All-South Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a senior.
Jones has good timing, leaping ability and recovery speed.
But he’s been known to make sloppy tackles and has often shied away from the bigger blockers.
The transition to the NFL will be tough for Jones, who will be fighting to prove his critics wrong.
Marvin Mitchell saved his best for last with the Volunteers.
The inside linebacker landed a starting position as a senior for the first time in his career and led the defense with 104 tackles, one sack and 10.5 stops for loses.
Mitchell’s strong frame helps him shed blocks and fill the rushing lane quickly. He also delivers hits with authority.
But experts are turned off by his lack of speed (4.86 is his best time in the 40), which hampers his ability to cover receivers.
His work ethic also needs improvement.
This training camp, Mitchell will be set out to prove that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder.
