The New Orleans Saints are a day closer to training camp, and position battles across the roster will be settled during the next month for the upcoming season. Saints 247 continues its 2012 Training Camp preview with a look at the New Orleans backfield.
The “running back by committee” system seems to be the norm for the NFL in 2012. The Saints are no different; last season, New Orleans used four different running backs, compiling over 2000 yards and 13 touchdowns. The 4.9 yards per carry average the Saints posted last year tied for fourth best league-wide.
Sure Things:
Darren Sproles
Although Drew Brees was the most celebrated offensive player on the Saints’ roster last season, Darren Sproles proved to be extremely valuable in 2011. His 2696 all purpose yards last year broke Derrick Mason’s all time mark of 2690 set in 2000. Sproles’ ability to catch quick passes, return kickoffs and punts, and run the ball both outside and inside the hashmarks makes him one of the more valuable pieces to the offense. In order for the Saints to go far in 2012, Sproles will have to have another monster year.Mark Ingram
Ingram’s rookie season was a bit of a mixed bag. His 3.9 yard carry average and 5 touchdowns last season were not too shabby, but Ingram did miss time late in the season with a turf toe injury. The former Heisman Trophy winner will have a larger role in the running game with a year of pro football under his belt. Even with a crowded backfield, look for Ingram to have a large presence for the Saints this season.
Pierre Thomas
Thomas has served as a bit of a swiss-army knife type of back during his career in New Orleans; he is able to do a variety of things very well. His ability to catch screens, run the ball both inside and outside, and block on passing downs makes him a very important piece of the offense. The Saints’ coaching staff puts a high value on players like Thomas due to their versatility and overall grasp of the game. Look for Thomas to have another productive season in 2012.
Chris Ivory
Chris Ivory is the team’s fourth option at running back, serving as a power and short yardage option. If Mark Ingram stays healthy, Ivory most likely will get buried in the depth chart and not see many regular season carries. Nonetheless, coaches know exactly what they are getting with Ivory – a physical, tough runner – and will keep him as a nice backup option.
Jed Collins
Collins is listed as the starting fullback on the team’s unofficial depth chart as of right now. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Collins fits the Saints’ offense very well; his ability to block in both the running and passing games, as well as catching the occasional pass out of the backfield, make the second year player from Washington State a nice fit.
On the Bubble:
Korey Hall
Hall is listed as the backup fullback for the Saints. Coaches liked him enough last season to keep him active for thirteen games. He fits a similar skill set to his counterpart Jed Collins, the incumbent starter. Nonetheless, I don’t see Hall making the team this year. The fullback position is a dying one in the current NFL, with more teams moving towards more pass-friendly offensive schemes. Keeping two fullbacks on the roster is an absolute rarity in 2012. Although Hall is clearly valued by coaches, I don’t see him as a Saint this season.
Maybe Next Year:
Joe Banyard
Travaris Cadet
Both Banyard and Cadet are undrafted rookies trying to simply make the team this season. With the depth at running back, a practice squad spot is more likely unless someone gets hurt. Even under that scenario, the Saints might look to a free agent running back. Despite the lack of opportunity, the two rookies might impress enough in the preseason (see: Chris Ivory and Lynell Hamilton) to warrant a roster spot either in New Orleans or elsewhere.
