Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Even after starting the 2009 season 13-0 not many people gave the New Orleans Saints a chance to beat the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts, but that’s exactly what they did earning the team their first ever Super Bowl championship. They used an explosive offense and a solid defense in route to a 31-17 victory. 

2009 was a dream season for the team, the fans and the city of New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city just a few short years ago, things are once again looking up in the Big Easy and the Saints have a lot to do with that. Heading into 2010 Drew Brees and company will have one thing on their minds; defending their Super Bowl title.

KEY ADDITIONS 

Alex Brown (DL) & Jimmy Wilkerson (DL) – In 2009 the New Orleans defense made big strides, but the team didn’t stay content after winning the Super Bowl. They targeted defensive line in the off-season and signed two free agent defensive ends. Alex Brown is an eight-year veteran who had spent his entire career as a member of the Chicago Bears. He had 37 total tackles with 6.5 sacks for Chicago in 2009. Jimmy Wilkerson is a seven-year veteran who most recently played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wilkerson posted 5.5 sacks and 29 total tackles for the Buccaneers last season. Brown and Wilkerson will likely compete for playing time at defensive end, with Brown likely starting. They will add much needed depth and leadership to an already solid defense.

KEY DEPARTURES

Mike Bell (RB) – Mike Bell took advantage of a good game Week 1 of last season when he posted 28 carries for 148 yards playing in place of an injured Pierre Thomas. From there he earned himself a spot in the running back rotation and finished the season with 172 carries gaining 654 yards and five touchdowns. As a restricted free agent he signed a one-year offer sheet with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Saints declined to match it. Playing behind LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia he could very well take on a similar role to what he did behind Thomas in New Orleans. Consider using a late round pick on him as a reserve running back.

Scott Fujita (LB) – After playing the last four seasons with New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita signed a multi-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. He finished last season with 43 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one sack in 11 games. He was a key component in the Saints defense that played very well against the vaunted Indianapolis Colts offense in the Super Bowl. He could see increased production in the Browns’ defense this season, especially if he can remain healthy.

Charles Grant (DL) – The Saints released Charles Grant in March after he was a starter for 106 of 118 career games with New Orleans. His numbers have been on the decline over the last few years and he is still currently a free agent, but someone will likely take a chance on the eight-year veteran heading into training camp.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Jimmy Graham (TE) - The Saints spent a third round pick on Jimmy Graham, a former college basketball player from Miami (FL). He is a tight end who one day could be in the mold of Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates. This season he will fight for playing time against veterans Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas; however, he has impressed the coaching staff early on, Graham does not have much value this season in standard redraft leagues, but will have value in keeper and dynasty formats. With his athleticism he is worth watching for the future.

Need help organizing your fantasy draft? We’ve got you covered….

NFC WEST:  ARI  |  STL  |  SF  |  SEA

NFC SOUTH:  ATL  |  CAR  |  NO  |  TB

NFC NORTH:  CHI  |  DET  |  GB  |  MIN

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GET YOUR COMMISH KIT DRAFT BOARD NOW

The Bruno Boys have once again teamed up with Commish Kit to sell fantasy football draft boards. The 2010 draft boards are available for purchase and you can pick one up here… DRAFT BOARDS

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