Pro Football Weekly and Riddell present ...
2002 NFL draft
Going deep
Speedy Stallworth gives Saints formidable WR corps
By Mike Holbrook, Managing editor of special projects
April 20, 2002
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| This has got to be my favorite pick so far. The Saints snatched a keeper
in Tennessee WR Donté Stallworth at No. 13 and in the process improved their offense
immeasurably. This is their second big offensive pickup in a week, including the
free-agent signing of ex-Colts WR Jerome Pathon. Pathon was off to a phenomenal start last
season before suffering a foot injury that sidelined him for much of the rest of the
season. He is a speedy player who is capable of getting deep and making big plays.
Sure, they traded Ricky Williams to the Dolphins in the offseason, but offensive
coordinator Mike McCarthy has got to be thrilled with the shape his new offense is taking.
Start with young QB Aaron Brooks, who had his growing pains last season. The main
reason for that was, WR Joe Horn was the lone reliable wideout who Brooks could depend on.
The rest of last year’s receiving corps has been purged — WR Willie Jackson is a
free agent and most likely gone, WR Albert Connell was a bust and has been let go, and TE
Cam Cleeland, who was hurt more than he was healthy, has signed with New England.
Now Brooks, who can run and pass with the best of them, has the versatile and elusive
Deuce McAllister starting at running back, ex-Lions TE David Sloan to work the middle of
the field, and Horn, Pathon and Stallworth outside. That is a potentially explosive
collection of skill-position players.
Stallworth is a burner, running sub-4.3 times at his workout leading up to the draft.
He’s a big receiver with great hands and he isn’t afraid to go over the middle
and make the tough catch. He should be the perfect complement to Horn, a Pro Bowl player.
Add in the fact that McAllister is a much better receiver than Williams was, and the
Saints could light up the scoreboard this season.
The biggest question for New Orleans is keeping these standout athletes healthy.
McAllister, Pathon and Stallworth have all missed time due to injury in their pro or
collegiate careers. If they all stay healthy and establish a rapport, I wouldn’t be
surprised if the Saints become one of the highest scoring teams in the NFL next season. |
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