tylerdouglass' Top 20 Saints of 2012 (Predictions)

[tylerdouglass]

[Harper41]

[SaintsBeast]

[tylerdouglass]

[tylerdouglass]

#13 - Pierre Thomas




Pierre Thomas might be the best all around running back on the team. He can run through the tackles, take pitches to the outside, and is incredibly effective in the passing game. Thomas has never been asked to carry the ball more than 150 times in a single season, but Pierre contributes with 2-3 catches per game as well. In 2011 Pierre carried the ball 110 times for 5.1 yards per carry and 5 TDs. He also caught 50 passes for another 425 yards and a score.

Look for Pierre to contribute significant amounts in both the run and pass game in 2012.
_________________

[tylerdouglass]

#12 - Patrick Robinson




Patrick Robinson was bullied by Aaron Rodgers in week 1 of the 2011 NFL season. Those days are over. Robinson pushed Tracy Porter out of the #2 CB position and proved that he deserves more playing time than the nickle position was providing him. Robinson gets his hands on more passes than just about anyone in the secondary, and we've seen that translate to interceptions a couple times.

Look for Robinson to prove he deserves to be a starting CB in this league and prove that week 1 against the Packers was just a fluke.
_________________

[tylerdouglass]

#11 - Roman Harper




Roman Harper is a blitzing OLB stuck inside a defensive back's body. Last season, Harper led all DBs in sacks last season, and was consistently getting to the ball carrier to stop the run. The biggest question mark with Harper is his coverage abilitties, and only time will tell if new DC Steve Spagnuolo is able to turn Harper into a well rounded safety.

Look for Harper to sniff out the ball carrier like he always does, while improving his coverage skills as well.
_________________

[tylerdouglass]

#10 - Jahri Evans




Like I mentioned earlier, the key to Drew Brees' success isn't protection from the outside like it is for most QBs. Drew Brees needs a strong pocket to step into to make his throws, and Jahri Evans has been providing that for years. The Saints liked Jahri enough to make him the highest paid guard when he got his long-term contract from them.

Look for Evans to continue to dominate the interior.
_________________

[tylerdouglass]

#9 - Malcolm Jenkins




Spags is going to turn Jenkins into the DB we thought he would be when we drafted him. I've been pretty critical of Jenkins this preseason, he's taken bad angles, refused to get low on tackles, and attempts arm tackles way to often. Old habits die hard. I think with a huge upgrade at the LB positions, and an even bigger upgrade at the DC position, Jenkins will finally start to reach his potential.

Look for Jenkins to lead the team in INTs.
_________________

[tylerdouglass]

#8 - Mark Ingram




I truly believe Mark Ingram can be a workhorse back for this team. He doesn't fit the prototype for a typical Saints RB, but Pete Carmichael is going to find a way to use him anyways. Payton tends to rely on Brees to open up the run game with screens, draws and play action passes. Carmichael on the other hand uses a more balanced approach, which will surely help out Ingram in his 2nd season.

I expect Ingram to lead the team in touches, rushing yards, rushing TDs and solidify himself as a solid #1 back in the NFL.
_________________

[tylerdouglass]

#7 - Martez Wilson




This probably caught some people off guard. I believe Martez is going to pick things up very quickly, and become the best defensive lineman on the team in 2012. I know, I know, it's a bold prediction and has a lot of chances to go wrong. I may be eating my words in a couple of months, but I think Martez can get it together and really make an impact on this team.

Look for Martez to clown OTs and murder QBs.
_________________