To keep my mind off what might be in the gulf, I've decided to put my mind on what might be with the Saints 53-man roster.

As I pull out the hiliters and attacked the current roster (minus the cuts from today), there were 45 players that didn't require much hesitation. Starting right off the top numerically with No. 1 Martin Gramatica. He hasn't missed a field goal as a Saint when it counts. He's proven and Taylor Mehlhaff isn't. Mehlhaff hasn't been consistent or powerful with his kickoffs during games either. The missed 45-yarder against Miami sealed it. Although, I wouldn't be shocked if Sean Payton keeps two kickers to start the season, simply because he drafted Mehlhaff. Drafting a kicker and then cutting him, even if it is a 7th round pick is tough to swallow. But two kickers means one has to able to kick the ball into the stands... Mehlhaff has fallen short too often

No. 7 Steve Weatherford gets the pink dye without hesitation.

Brees, Brunell, Colston are locks.

No. 16 Lance Moore didn't require much thought either. He catches everything and is one of those "forgettable" players...put him on the field for whatever reason and forget about him, the job will get done.

No. 17 Robert Meachem is a first round pick. While there may be doubts about his confidence, you don't cut 1st round picks after one year unless they a) kill someone b) rob someone or c) raise dogs for fighting

Randall Gay, Tracy Porter and Pierre Thomas require little thought. Reggie Bush and Deuce require even less. Aaron Stecker has been the best-looking back this preseason and don't forget, was special teams captain last season.

Usama Young was having a good camp until he tweaked his hammie...he's hilited and so was Josh Bullocks. Some would question if he's a lock, but he's the back up safety to both Roman Harper and Kevin Kaesviharn, I think he's in.

Mike McKenzie is the team's best corner... Chris Reis (No. 39) is a special teams ace.

Mike Karney is 10 pounds lighter this season... and the only fullback currently on the roster.

Kevin Houser does everyone's financial planning in the locker room... cut him and you'd see an uprising from within. His personal "tax shelter" if you will, is the fact he's the only long snapper on the roster.

No. 50 Marvin Mitchell... backup linebacker and special teams guy. Plus, I don't know how healthy or unhealthy Mark Simoneau is. A back injury at his age can be devastating. His sore back makes Mitchell a must-have.

Vilma's in, Simoneau is too, unless that back is worse than the Saints are letting on.

No. 54 Troy Evans is the best special teams player on this roster and is a bit of a loose cannon. Every team needs one of those.

Shanle, Streif...in

Brian Young should probably not be in the "without a doubt, pink hiliter list"... but he is.

Nesbit, Jammal Brown Kendrick Clancy... all big guys with huge roles on this team. Jahri Evans is included in that list.

No. 74 Jermon Bushrod... great camp... solid backup should something happen to a starter along the front. Jonathan Goodwin has handled the starting center spot well.

Carl Nicks can play both guard and tackle... too good to get cut, too good to go the the practice squad because another team would snatch him up, he's pink.

Jon Stinchcomb is the starting right tackle.

Mark Campbell has made some great catches while Jeremy Shockey rests. David Patten has cemented himself as the second best receiver on this team.

Shockey, Wil Smith, duh.

Bobby McCray could end up in the Pro Bowl this season... just throwing it out there.

Charles Grant needs a bounce back season.

Antwan Lake is pink. Probably shouldn't be, the last defensive tackle spot could come down between him and Orien Harris. I chose Lake.

Ellis - see: Meachem

That's 45 players out of 53. Let's pull out the blue hiliter now.

Terrance Copper is in. Special teams and if needed in a pinch, he's your 5th receiver. Arrington on the IR should have opened up a spot for Devery Henderson. I say no. Too inconsistent on a roster where other receivers aren't. He still could have a spot though, because...

How healthy is Hollis Thomas? Not very right now. He's out for two months. Will he be on the IR or not. If he's on the roster, Devery isn't. If he's off the roster, Devery MIGHT be on, or...

Jason Craft takes that spot. He's a veteran, not a big money guy. Sean Payton has shown a unique loyalty to Henderson...we'll found out this season just how loyal.

Jason David makes this team. There, I said it. He won't get much time on the defensive side of the ball outside of injuries, but he will on special teams. Mike McKenzie's knee creates a need for depth... even if it is Jason David.

I see the Saints keeping both Matt Lehr and Tim Duckworth. Injuries along the front can kill a team. Lehr can play center, Duckworth has been in this system a while. I see him beating out Andy Alleman. Alleman made too many mental mistakes in games during the preseason.

Billy Miller...come on down.

I talked about Orien Harris earlier, he's in for some depth at spot that has some injury questions... however, if Payton keeps two kickers, I think Harris or Josh Savage is the one left out. Harris has played better than Savage up to this point as well.

Just my thoughts...anyone have change for a penny?

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