Mike Karney is a throwback player as he’s a good blocker who is very effective around the goal line with the ball in his hands.  Karney played in 16 games (9 starts) for the Saints last season and he carried the ball 11 times for 17 yards (1.5 ypc) with 2 TD runs.  He also caught 13 passes for 78 yards (6.0 avg) last year.  Look for Karney to be effective again in 2008 for the Saints.  Karney has now played in 63 games (38 starts) in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 31 times for 69 yards (2.2 ypc) with 3 TD runs.  He also has caught 44 passes for 277 yards (6.3 avg) with 2 TD grabs in his NFL career.

6′0″, 238 pound fullback Kevin Dudley is the backup at fullback for the Saints.  He did not play at all last season.  Dudley has now played in 2 games (0 starts) in his NFL career and he has never touched the football in a game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON:  B-