White was drafted out of Samford University; a small name school by NFL standards. During his three year career at Samford, White recorded 140 tackles with seven interceptions. White sort of has a “chip on his shoulder” because he feels that he has often been overlooked. Furthermore, White has the confidence that comes with his “swagger.” White compares himself to Green Bay Packers star cornerback, Charles Woodson. If White can play anything like Woodson it would be a major help to the Saints. Also, during an interview not long after the NFL draft White said, “It’s going to be fun picking off some balls from Drew Brees.” White was referring to anticipated practices against Drew Brees in which he claims he would intercept Brees. White is a proven college player and hopefully his success on the collegiate level will translate to success in the NFL.

White gives the Saints a lot of flexibility in the secondary because White has the ability to play either cornerback or safety. White will currently be competing for one of the backup cornerback positions; White would be backing up projected starts Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson. However, White could also find himself playing some safety under new defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo likes his defense playing press coverage with the cornerbacks challenging receivers at the line of scrimmage. White should be able to excel at this type of defense since he is a very good tackler and plays with a lot of confidence.

White thinks that he can be a “ball hawk” for the Saints and if that is true it would bode very well for the Saints, who have a very thin secondary at the moment. White has a good shot at making the team and his versatility will be a plus for him. More importantly though, White has the talent and confidence to be a great player and could prove to be a difference maker for the Saints.

Johnson recorded seven tackles during his time with the Rams. Even though Johnson has only played in five games in two seasons his inexperience should not hurt his chances. The top cornerbacks expected to compete for the backup cornerback positions are 2012 fifth round draft pick Corey White and second year players Johnny Patrick. Besides Greer and Robinson the Saints have very inexperienced players at the cornerback position.

If Johnson can prove himself and be a quality backup corner it will be tremendous for the Saints. Since losing cornerbacks, Tracy Porter and Leigh Torrence, in the offseason the Saints are incredibly thin in their secondary. Furthermore, Johnson has good size for the cornerback position. Standing at 5’11″ and weighing 205 pounds Johnson could be able to contend with some of the bigger receivers in the NFL.

Whether Johnson becomes the backup cornerback or not remains to be seen but his signing should definitely shake things up in the Saints’ receiving corps. If anything fans can hope that Johnson’s signing creates some friendly competition and should bring the best out of the Saints’ secondary.

Last season Ayodele played in all 16 games last season in which he started 13 games. In addition, Ayodele recorded 22 takcles and one and a half sacks. During his first stint with the Saints, Ayodele started out on the practice squad, but as the season went on he started playing in games and started 29 of the 37 games he played with the Saints.

Ayodele provided the Saints with decent production when he started at nose tackle; he totaled 133 tackles with two and a half sacks. The signing of Ayodele surely gives the Saints more depth on the defensive line and the Saints know what kind of player they are getting in Ayodele.

Ayodele brings a lot of experience to this Saints team as he has learned many defenses throughout his time in the NFL. Ayodele will be able to come in and contribute right away. While Ayodele is capable of starting he will most likely be backing up defensive tackle, Brodrick Bunkley, at the nose tackle position. Bunkley, also a new addition to the Saints in the offseason, is the projected starter going into the 2012 season. However, Ayodele will see plenty of time on the field since defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, likes to rotate players to have fresh legs.

The signing of Ayodele was a smart move by the Saints because they are getting another quality player who can come in and help reshape their new defense.

It remains to be seen whether or not any of the players’ suspensions will be reduced or not. However, there have been plenty of headlines surrounding the suspensions, especially Vilma’s season long ban. Vilma has claimed that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has no concrete evidence that he participated in the Saints’ bounty program. However, during the investigation it was said that Vilma placed a $10,000 bounty on quarterback Brett Favre during the 2009 NFC championship.

Smith, Fujita, and Hargrove all have lesser suspensions than Vilma and there are some who think that some of the suspensions will be reduced. However, Goodell came down hard on the Saints during this offseason and is not really known for changing his mind once it is made up. It had been assumed that the suspended players would appeal their suspensions as soon as they were announced and if Goodell does not have evidence, as Vilma claims, and then there could be a chance that the players’ suspensions could be reduced.

Whether or not the players’ suspensions are reduced the Saints should be fine with the roster that they have now. The Saints made many acquisitions during the offseason, especially on the defensive end. It is unfortunate that the players were given suspensions but if the suspensions are not reduced the Saints will be prepared for the upcoming season.

Ingram battled injuries during last season, his rookie season, but he is expected to be a cornerstone of the Saints’ franchise for years to come. Ingram is an imposing running back that has a nice combination of power and speed. Ingram excels very well in short yardage situations where he converted 10 of 12 third and one rushing attempts last season. Even with the Saints missing Ingram for six weeks it will not be anything they cannot overcome. The Saints boast an impressive running back corps and are very deep at the position.

Last season Ingram did not play in the postseason but the Saints running game did not suffer thanks to the running back trio of Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, and Chris Ivory. Sproles, Thomas, and Ivory all complemented each other very well as the Saints’ ground game had much success during the regular season and postseason. Once Ingram fully recovers from his surgery the Saints’ run game should have a lot more consistency and they will be very deep at the running back position.

Ingram’s surgery was more of a precaution and it should ensure his successful return to the field. Once Ingram gets back playing he will continue to be another great addition to the Saints and provide the Saints with great production.

“I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the NFL’s decision to suspend me for the 2012 season. Commissioner Roger Goodell has refused to share any of the supposed evidence he claims supports this unprecedented punishment. The reason is clear: I never paid, or intended to pay, $10,000, or any amount of money, to any player for knocking Kurt Warner, Brett Favre or any other player out of the 2009 Divisional playoff game, 2010 NFC Championship Game or any other game.

“I never set out to intentionally hurt any player and never enticed any teammate to intentionally hurt another player. I also never put any money into a bounty pool or helped to create a bounty pool intended to pay out money for injuring other players. I have always conducted myself in a professional and proud manner.

“I intend to fight this injustice, to defend my reputation, to stand up for my team and my profession, and to send a clear signal to the commissioner that the process has failed, to the detriment of me, my teammates, the New Orleans Saints and the game.’’

In the statement Vilma does not come out and directly say that he is going to appeal his suspension but after reading his statement one has to believe that is exactly what he is going to do. Furthermore, it was announced today that the NFL Players Association were planning on appealing the players’ suspensions. If I was Vilma I might want to appeal the suspension too, what does he have to lose? Vilma was already given his suspension and it will not hurt to try and appeal it and hope for a reduction.

At the same time, I have a feeling that NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, will hear Vilma’s appeal and ultimately reject it the same way he rejected Sean Payton’s, Joe Vitt’s, and Mickey Loomis’s appeals.

I think Vilma’s appeal attempt will be futile and I think he will end up serving his full suspension. In the statement Vilma states that Goodell did not share any of the evidence that was used to prove he participated in the bounty. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant. There was evidence and proof that the bounty system was going on and there is a reason he is getting this full season suspension.

Vilma is one of the leaders of the Saints and if he really did not participate in the bounty scandal he still did not put a stop to either; that is the reason Payton is suspended. Furthermore, I would find it very hard to believe that Vilma did not know about the bounty program, as he has been a key member of the Saints’ defense for the past few seasons.

Ultimately Vilma will probably end up serving his full suspension. I do hope that during his suspension he will have learned a lesson and come back the next season a new player and have a positive impact in the NFL. Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes you get a second chance.

Vilma has to remember that he will only be gone for this season and at least he was not banned from the NFL for good. Vilma will most likely have to wait until the 2013 season for his second chance.

I think the Saints will not miss a beat losing Vilma and Smith; they were prepared for this and have had a busy offseason with all of the signings they did. Specifically, the Saints have bolstered their linebacker corps and new addition, Curtis Lofton, should be more than capable to come in and replace Vilma with no problem.

Furthermore, Vilma’s production was not the best last season as he only had 54 tackles with no sacks in 11 games. Lofton on the other hand looks to be entering his prime as he posted one sack, two interceptions, and 147 tackles last season with the Atlanta Falcons; Lofton led the Falcons in tackles last season and played every game.

It is a great opportunity for Lofton and the Saints’ defense to prove that they can have a respectable defense. Also, with new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in the mix the defense gets a fresh start and I would expect the Saints’ defense to improve this year.

Losing Smith for 4 games should not be that difficult for the Saints to overcome. Last season Smith posted 35 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles; while the Saints will certainly miss that production they have to remember that Smith is only missing a fourth of the season. Furthermore, it will give their young defensive end, Junior Galette, an opportunity to start and develop.

Last season Galette played in every game and totaled 19 tackles with 4.5 sacks; those numbers are very good for a back up. I would look for Galette to continue his growth if he gets the opportunity to start in place of the suspended Smith.

While I feel the suspensions were definitely warranted I do not think they will hurt the Saints too much on the field. The Saints made smart moves in the offseason and have brought in players that will make their defense very deep.

If the Saints’ defense can prosper under Spagnuolo and that is coupled with their dynamic offense I think the Saints will have a good season and really make an honest run at another Super Bowl.

However, do not think for a second that the Bulls are just going to lie down; basketball is a team game and it takes more than one guy to win. Sure the Bulls will be without their superstar point guard but they have proven time and time again that they can win without Rose; the Bulls posted an 18-9 record with Rose out of the lineup during the regular season.

Now that the Bulls have lost their star, what more do they have to lose? A team that has nothing to lose can be very dangerous; I know the Bulls will come out Tuesday and win game 2 for their fallen leader. The Bulls are arguably the deepest team in the NBA and they have very good team chemistry.

I feel like people often underestimate team chemistry but having chemistry is what separates champions from contenders. This Bulls team will come out strong in game 2 and the rest of the playoffs. The Bulls are a team with their backs against the ropes, but they are not a team that will just concede defeat.

How great would it be if the Bulls make it all the way to the NBA Finals without Rose? That would validate the entire team, Tom Thibodeau, and the Bulls’ back to back league leading records. I know that a lot of people think the Bulls won’t even make it to the eastern conference finals, but all I am saying is that there is always a chance for a team like the Bulls. To quote John Lennon, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” Even though the Bulls’ title chances look a little bleak I know I am not the only one who thinks the Bulls still have a shot.

I know it might be a ludicrous idea that the Bulls have a shot at getting to the Finals, but let us look at some facts. According to NBA.com, the Bulls were the best defensive team in the NBA, holding opponents to only 88.2 points per game. Furthermore, the Bulls led the league in rebounding with 46.67 rebounds per game, and they led the league in rebounding differential with +6.68.

The Bulls were only 18th in the league in scoring with 96.35 points per game, but they did lead the league in point differential with +8.18. Whether you think stats matter or not you cannot deny that the Bulls were the best defensive team in the NBA. That is how the Bulls will still have a fighting chance at making it to the NBA Finals.

The Bulls have hung their hats on defense for the past two seasons and that has been a big part of their success. The Bulls have bought into Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy and why wouldn’t they? It’s working! Defense does win championships and even though the Bulls will be without their best player they have their great defense and also a great supporting cast.

The “Bench Mob” is another reason the Bulls can still make a deep playoff run. For the past two seasons the Bulls have established one of the best benches in the NBA and this season the bench has stepped up in a big way. Rose was not the only one to miss a significant amount of games this season; Richard Hamilton and Luol Deng missed plenty of games as well. During that time the “Bench Mob” were playing starters minutes and have great production on both ends of the court.

Even with all of the injuries that occurred this season the Bulls were still able to get the NBA’s best overall record, for the second year in a row. The Bulls are the best team in the NBA dealing with injuries and that is because they have the best bench in the NBA.

The Bulls lost their best player and it could not have come at a worse time, but I think the Bulls will rise to the occasion and make a legitimate run in the playoffs. The Bulls have the defense, the bench, and the chemistry to still have a good shot at the Finals. I will say it again, with nothing left to lose the Bulls have the potential to be a very dangerous team and gain everything they want.

The Saints have signed many quality players during the offseason and the draft will only give them another chance to draft some good players. Saints’ fans should not be too worried because the Saints have a history of drafting great players in the later rounds.

The Saints drafted Jimmy Graham, Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Marques Colston in the third round or later. Nicks is no longer with the Saints but during his time with the Saints he developed into arguably the best offensive lineman in the league. Evans is still with the Saints and is one of the best linemen on an offensive line that is one of the best in the league; he was a fourth round selection back in 2006.

Furthermore, the Saints have Graham and Coslton that are key parts to their dynamic offense. Graham was a third rounder and in just two seasons is turning out to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Colston’s journey might be even more impressive since he was taken in the seventh round and has developed into one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL.

If you take a look at their draft history you can see that the Saints are a great judge of talent and often find “diamonds in the rough.” That is why I know the Saints will draft some good players in this year’s draft even with their limited picks. I know the Saints have done their homework and will probably come out with a few great steals in the draft. Saints’ fans should not be concerned with the draft or the upcoming season for that matter; the Saints are prepared and they have the players to make a good run this season.

This is not necessarily good news for the Saints because the delay of penalties can affect many aspects of the team. For one, this announcement by Goodell only delays the inevitability that some Saints players will definitely be suspended. Also, Nakia Hogan of the Times-Picayune made a good point about how delaying the penalties will affect the Saints’ draft choices. I agree with Hogan and as a result of the bounty scandal the Saints will almost exclusively have to draft defensive players. However, the Saints have done a great job with their transactions this offseason and have really bolstered their linebacker corps.

Saints’ players will probably be given their penalties sometime next week and it is just another repercussion of the Saints’ bounty scandal. It just keeps going from bad to worse for the Saints; it was announced this week that general manager, Mickey Loomis, allegedly used wire-tapping to eavesdrop on opposing coaching staffs. Despite all of the controversy and scandals this offseason the Saints have still been able to add quality players to their roster. Even with the ensuing penalties I think the Saints will be okay in this coming season.

The Saints have good players on their roster and I do not think they will miss a beat too much. Furthermore, I am confident that the Saints will be able to draft quality players to add depth to their team. The penalties will be coming but the Saints will be able to weather the storm.