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1. (27)Â Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
3. (66)Â Usama Young, CB, Kent State
3. (88)Â Andy Alleman, OG, Akron
4. (107)Â Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio State
4. (125)Â Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson State
5. (145)Â David Jones, CB, Wingate
7. (220)Â Marvin Mitchell, LB, Tennessee
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The Saints have released veteran punter Mitch Berger who missed all of last season due to a pelvic injury. Berger had played three years with the New Orleans Saints and he did a good job for them, but the Saints were pleased with undrafted rookie Steve Weatherford. Berger has played 13 seasons in the NFL and he played in 159 games. In those 159 games Berger has punted the football 710 times for 30,680 yards (43.2 avg) and he has a net career average of 35.8 yards on those punts. Berger has placed 227 punts inside the opposing 20 yard line (32%) and he’s never been blocked. If he proves he’s healthy someone will give him another chance to kick the ball. Steve Weatherford had a good rookie season for the Saints. He played in all 16 games and he punted the ball 77 times for 3,369 yards (43.8 avg) with a 37.5 net average. He does need to improve on his placement of punts as he’s only placed 19 of 77 (24.7%) inside the opposing 20 yard line.
The Saints signed Jason David to a 4 year-$15.6 million dollar offer sheet last week and the Indianapolis Colts have declined to match it. David played in all 16 games last season for the Colts and he made 55 tackles, had 2 interceptions, defensed 7 passes and recovered a fumble. David has played three seasons in the NFL for the Colts and he’s played in 48 games. In those 48 games, David has made 147 tackles, has 8 interceptions, defensed 26 passes, forced a fumble and recovered 3 fumbles. David also has returned 9 punts for 50 yards (5.6 avg). This was another great signing for the Saints as David will likely be a starter for them and an upgrade.
The Saints have re-signed Charles Grant to a 7 year contract that has $20 million dollars guaranteed in it. Grant played in all 16 games for the Saints last season and he made 64 tackles, had 6 sacks, defensed 6 passes, forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2 fumbles. Over his 5 year NFL career (all with the Saints) he has played in 80 games and he’s made 298 tackles, has 36 sacks, defensed 24 passes, forced 15 fumbles and he has recovered 5 fumbles (one was returned for a TD). The Saints have once again done the right thing as they needed to retain Grant and keep him happy.
The Saints have signed OLB Trev Faulk. He didn’t play in 2006 because of an injured back. He’s a really good special teams player when healthy and he could also provide more defensive depth to the Saints. He has played in 29 games over his 4 year NFL career and he’s made 80 tackles and forced a fumble. This was another good signing from the Saints who are reloading on special teams and defense during the off season.