Brown could be Saints’ most important offensive player

By Connor Byrne  |   Friday, July 14, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

New Orleans Saints
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After a promising rookie season fortifying the New Orleans Saints' right tackle position, former first-round pick Jammal Brown is shifting to the left tackle spot this year, where he's expected to protect the blind side of the team's expensive new quarterback, Drew Brees.

As a rookie in 2005, the ex-Oklahoma bookend played and started in a total of 13 games. In those contests the 313-pounder faced his share of problems, finishing with eight penalties and 3 ½ sacks allowed. However, despite sailing over some troubled waters, Brown ended up experiencing a solid rookie season overall, especially considering linemen who are picked high usually don't pan out well.

Prior to the draft, the Saints' new head coach, Sean Payton, was so impressed with Brown's development that he traded veteran left tackle Wayne Gandy in order to accommodate his youngster.

Immediately after, many speculated the Saints would take former Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson with the second overall pick. Instead, Payton and the new-look Saints chose running back Reggie Bush from Southern Cal, who entered April's festivities as the No. 1 ranked player on most draft boards. Meanwhile, Ferguson became the newest New York Jet two selections later.

Bush and veteran runner Deuce McAllister are expected to form the league's most dynamic one-two punch from the backfield this season, but they'll need Brown to steamroll opposing defenders. If the 25-year-old fails to continue developing, that rushing combo will be limited to disappointing yardage amounts. Still, though, it would be hard to imagine the hulking Brown not having a terrific sophomore NFL season.

More importantly than plowing defenders out of the way for the Saints' backs, Brown will be the key player in charge of keeping rushers away from Brees, a five-year veteran who was signed in the offseason to a six-year, $60 million contract.

The ex-Pro Bowler injured his shoulder in the San Diego Chargers' final game last season, leading many to believe his ability to throw the ball long will be hindered greatly. Brees has since been given a clean bill of health, but it wouldn't be wise for New Orleans to take any risks. Another hit to the 27-year-old's right shoulder might give the team's fans a collective heart attack, while re-aggravating the signalcaller's injury.

Assuming Brown lives up to his second-year hype, the New Orleans Saints' offense should emerge as one of football's most improved units. Since that offense finished 31st in points scored last season, it shouldn't be too much to ask for a better on-field product in 2006, especially with so many high-profile names.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on Jammal Brown at Realfootball365.com
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