Live Chat: Gladow and Young weekend preview

(04/25/2008)

11:58

George Pepis:

hello dave how are you my friend

Friday April 25, 2008 11:58 George Pepis

11:59

Dave Gladow:

Hey George -- doing great!

Hello everyone! The Hornets are looking fantastic and are in action again tonight (we'll soon see if they can break their Dallas "hex"), but of course some of the biggest news has to center around the NFL draft.

Friday April 25, 2008 11:59 Dave Gladow

11:59

Dave Gladow:

Plenty of folks are anxious to see what the Saints are going to do ... particularly in the first round.

Friday April 25, 2008 11:59 Dave Gladow

12:00

George Pepis:

i agree and hey for those who are in here if you want my thoughts on the first round go to wgso.com and click on sports i have my first round mock draft posted under One Mans Opinion

Friday April 25, 2008 12:00 George Pepis

12:01

Dave Gladow:

Where do you see the Saints going with their first-rounder, George?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:01 Dave Gladow

12:02

George Pepis:

i have them trading up to 7 with the patriots to grab sedrick ellis

Friday April 25, 2008 12:02 George Pepis

12:02

George Pepis:

i cant fathom them trading to 2 without mortgaging their future for Glenn Dorsey

Friday April 25, 2008 12:02 George Pepis

12:03

Dave Gladow:

I'm of the opinion they won't be able to trade up. I know it makes a lot of sense, but it's also probably a little bit of wishful thinking by the fans.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:03 Dave Gladow

12:03

Dave Gladow:

However, the Jets and Patriots, depending on how things shake out, would be open to a deal, so I guess you never know.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:03 Dave Gladow

12:04

George Pepis:

i disagree i mean when you see what could be there its almost tempting to stay put and draft DRC from tennessee st

Friday April 25, 2008 12:04 George Pepis

12:04

[Comment From Chris HowellChris Howell: ]

Jude, do you have any open spots in the BEFL????

Friday April 25, 2008 12:04 Chris Howell

12:05

George Pepis:

Dave sounds like you have the Saints staying at 10 tell me who do you have them taking

Friday April 25, 2008 12:05 George Pepis

12:07

Dave Gladow:

Cromartie is such an intriguing talent ... per Mike Triplett, one talent evaluator compares him to Deion Sanders! That is high praise indeed and will simply fan the flames of fan interest that much more.

I can't say that I like it, but I'm tempted to slot Rivers to the Saints at 10. He's not a difference-maker, per se, but he's a "safe" pick. I think the Saints, having rolled the dice on Morgan and Vilma already, will want to add stability via Rivers.

Though like I said, I don't agree with the pick.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:07 Dave Gladow

12:08

Jude Young:

Good afternoon, Everyone.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:08 Jude Young

12:09

Dave Gladow:

Our mock draft the other day (http://blog.nola.com/gladow/2008/04/live_nfl_mock_draft_noon_tue_1.html) had Jude take Cromartie at No. 10. I like that move better than taking Rivers.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:09 Dave Gladow

12:10

Dave Gladow:

Welcome aboard Jude.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:10 Dave Gladow

12:10

George Pepis:

i totally agree with that selection of Cromartie Dave he is the real deal

Friday April 25, 2008 12:10 George Pepis

12:10

Jude Young:

Always a pleasure.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:10 Jude Young

12:12

Dave Gladow:

I wrote a piece yesterday laying odds on various trade scenarios for the Saints come tomorrow. The likeliest deal, by far, has to be the Shockey trade with the Giants.

Are you guys hearing anything new on that topic, or is still in dormancy for the moment?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:12 Dave Gladow

12:12

Dave Gladow:

(http://blog.nola.com/gladow/2008/04/yea_or_nay_saints_trade_option.html)

Friday April 25, 2008 12:12 Dave Gladow

12:13

George Pepis:

i read the New York Daily News to get a gauge on a possible Shockey deal and from what theyre saying Seattle is now in the hunt but otherwise nothing else yet i do expect however there will be ton of news before this day is done and that makes my life easy as a sports guy

Friday April 25, 2008 12:13 George Pepis

12:14

George Pepis:

great piece Dave i read it and it was well done my friend

Friday April 25, 2008 12:14 George Pepis

12:15

George Pepis:

where is everyone at Jazz Fest lol

Friday April 25, 2008 12:15 George Pepis

12:15

Dave Gladow:

Thanks George! The recent trade activity has certainly spiced the week up a good deal. Now we have to wait to see if the Saints make a move.

What are your thoughts on the second round and beyond? Lots of people are clamoring for a tight end, running back or linebacker.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:15 Dave Gladow

12:16

Emmanuel Pepis:

Good afternoon everyone. Sorry I'm late.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:16 Emmanuel Pepis

12:17

Dave Gladow:

I've got to say, I like the concept of grabbing one of those good young tight ends in the second round, but I think several teams at the top of the second round have that same idea.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:17 Dave Gladow

12:18

George Pepis:

a guy like LB Curtis lofton from oklahoma looks good in round 2 maybe they go Brandon Flowers CB from Va Tech in round 2 and maybe if Shockey deal doesnt materialize you draft Dustin Keller from Purdue looks good

Friday April 25, 2008 12:18 George Pepis

12:18

Dave Gladow:

Miami is rumored to be interested in a tight end, and I could easily envision teams like Atlanta, Oakland and Cincinnati looking that direction too.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:18 Dave Gladow

12:19

George Pepis:

definitely the Falcons considering Crumpler is no longer there

Friday April 25, 2008 12:19 George Pepis

12:19

Dave Gladow:

I think the Saints have to plan for the possibility that no one will be there ... meaning a deal with New York becomes more likely ... or the team simply has to look at a different position (like linebacker or safety).

Friday April 25, 2008 12:19 Dave Gladow

12:20

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

why are we interested in dorsey when we have hollis who helped up reach the championship game. we should trade down a little and get more picks and grab a CB

Friday April 25, 2008 12:20 Daniel from VA

12:20

George Pepis:

Oakland not so much they have a good young TE Zach Miller and Cincy i am not sure about them

Friday April 25, 2008 12:20 George Pepis

12:20

Dave Gladow:

Lots of teams at the end of the first round could go that route too....

Friday April 25, 2008 12:20 Dave Gladow

12:21

George Pepis:

Daniel let me say this when the opprtunity presents itself to trade up you almost have to if the scenario is right i have the Saints going up to 7 and drafting Sedrick Ellis and for one reason Hollis Thomas is a guy i dont trust for the obvious reason of weight issues

Friday April 25, 2008 12:21 George Pepis

12:21

Dave Gladow:

Daniel,

The Saints are interested in Dorsey because he is the best player in the draft, is a local product, and good defensive linemen are notoriously difficult to acquire.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:21 Dave Gladow

12:23

Dave Gladow:

I really don't think you have anything to worry about, however, since it does not seem likely that the Saints will be able to trade up that far. As George pointed out, a move up to acquire Ellis is far likelier.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:23 Dave Gladow

12:25

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

Thanks for answering. But is he good enough to give up picks that could land us another sleeper pick? I remember giving up picks to get someone named sullivan and look what that i got us. More picks means more bodies to look at in camp.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:25 Daniel from VA

12:26

Dave Gladow:

I have a hard time arguing with that logic. I only think trading up makes sense in special circumstances (like desperation at a particular position, or if a guy drops way too far down the board).

Let's switch over to the Hornets for a bit.

I had an interesting comment in my chat the other night. One of the posters said, to paraphrase, that Chris Paul is everything that Reggie Bush was supposed to be.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:26 Dave Gladow

12:27

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

Sure seems that way

Friday April 25, 2008 12:27 Derek

12:27

Dave Gladow:

I really couldn't agree more.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:27 Dave Gladow

12:28

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

give reggie time. it takes about 3 years to adjust to the next level in the NFL.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:28 Daniel from VA

12:28

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

I hope the Saints really take a look at those recent ESPN ultimate rankings. Benson must be burning up.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:28 Derek

12:28

[Comment From John L.John L.: ]

I disagree. The jury is still out on Reggie Bush.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:28 John L.

12:30

Dave Gladow:

I think the point that the jury is still out sort of makes the case. Bush was expected to be an elite, game-changing superstar out of the gate. Was that fair? Maybe not. But it's Paul who has stepped his game up phenomenally and captured the heart of the city. Bush can still do great things, but I have to believe some people will always hold his first two years against him.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:30 Dave Gladow

12:30

George Pepis:

I have to ask what do you make of the alarming disrespect that the Hornets are still getting it to me is totally baseless and ridiculous

Friday April 25, 2008 12:30 George Pepis

12:31

Dave Gladow:

EVERYONE loves Paul.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:31 Dave Gladow

12:31

George Pepis:

what i mean is how some national prognosticators still think Dallas can still win the series

Friday April 25, 2008 12:31 George Pepis

12:32

Dave Gladow:

Gotcha.

Even your average no-nothing co-worker who last watched a basketball game when Larry Bird was lacing 'em up knows what kind of player CP3 has become.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:32 Dave Gladow

12:32

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

i dont know that much about basketball but i do know actions speak louder than words george :) and i like the actions!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:32 Daniel from VA

12:32

George Pepis:

im not arguing Daniel loli love the actions every game the Hornets win is a step closer to the title

Friday April 25, 2008 12:32 George Pepis

12:33

Dave Gladow:

Dallas does not match up well with New Orleans at all.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:33 Dave Gladow

12:34

George Pepis:

if the Hornets win tonight i think this series doesnt come back to New Orleans

Friday April 25, 2008 12:34 George Pepis

12:34

Dave Gladow:

But I made this point a couple of weeks ago and I still believe it -- the Hornets need to take advantage of this momentum and ride it as far as they can go. Basketball standings are very fluid (especially in the West), and a lot of things can go wrong in any given season. When you have good fortune (like the Hornets have had this year), you have to take advantage.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:34 Dave Gladow

12:34

Dave Gladow:

Dallas looks to be toast.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:34 Dave Gladow

12:35

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

i'm just an avid saints fan for 20 years, thats now rooting for the hornets.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:35 Daniel from VA

12:35

[Comment From SoottySootty: ]

See I told you a Pargo/Paul backcourt would work

Friday April 25, 2008 12:35 Sootty

12:35

George Pepis:

Who do you guys want to play in round 2 any preference

Friday April 25, 2008 12:35 George Pepis

12:35

George Pepis:

to me it doesnt matter

Friday April 25, 2008 12:35 George Pepis

12:36

Dave Gladow:

I've got to tell you Sootty, that Game 1 performance by Pargo made me nervous! He had one of his worst offensive games in memory (I know he was great on defense, but still).

Friday April 25, 2008 12:36 Dave Gladow

12:36

[Comment From John L.John L.: ]

I don't think it's disrespectful to think that Dallas could pull it out if the Hornet's aren't careful. After all, the Mavericks (on paper) are a all-star team. However, on the court the Hornets are the better team.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:36 John L.

12:36

Dave Gladow:

That's a fair point, but Dallas will have to transform itself quickly. They looked like they didn't care Tuesday night.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:36 Dave Gladow

12:37

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

I am a Saints fan too, however I am all Hornets right now... I am just kinda still hurt over the last Saints season

Friday April 25, 2008 12:37 Derek

12:37

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

i'm not sure. who's the better match up

Friday April 25, 2008 12:37 Daniel from VA

12:37

George Pepis:

on paper the Mavs dont sniff the Hornets shoes they decimated the team to get an aging guard in Kidd who is really showing his age this series

Friday April 25, 2008 12:37 George Pepis

12:38

Dave Gladow:

That might be overstating it a tad -- Terry and Howard could still pull their heads out and make this thing interesting (though I don't think they will).

Friday April 25, 2008 12:38 Dave Gladow

12:38

Dave Gladow:

Who do you want in Round 2?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:38 Dave Gladow

12:39

[Comment From SoottySootty: ]

Suns because the Spurs have the best coach in the league

Friday April 25, 2008 12:39 Sootty

12:39

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

Really does not matter.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:39 Derek

12:40

Dave Gladow:

New Orleans could take either of those teams, and Houston is really shaky. The only teams that really look tough are the Lakers and Jazz.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:40 Dave Gladow

12:40

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

Both the options can be hot at anytime.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:40 Derek

12:40

[Comment From Shane D.Shane D.: ]

Why is Mo Peterson struggling on offense end..I know he hit a few shots in the last game but the Hornets need to get 12-13 points from him... Do you think Tyson can stay out foul trouble tonight.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:40 Shane D.

12:40

[Comment From SoottySootty: ]

Imagine the Hornets with a good 2 guard....err Monta Ellis

Friday April 25, 2008 12:40 Sootty

12:41

George Pepis:

Peterson might not be a good fit in this system and Chandler better lear quick that the refs dont swallow their whistles in the paint and now especially on the road Chandler really has to be careful

Friday April 25, 2008 12:41 George Pepis

12:43

Dave Gladow:

I think the winning formula for New Orleans is this:
Paul 20
West 20
Peja 20
TC 10

Anything beyond that from the starting lineup is just gravy.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:43 Dave Gladow

12:43

George Pepis:

agree totally

Friday April 25, 2008 12:43 George Pepis

12:43

[Comment From SoottySootty: ]

I'm very concerned Dallas is going to attempt the "if you can't beat him, hurt him" tactic tonight

Friday April 25, 2008 12:43 Sootty

12:43

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

Will the Mavs fold if the Hornets beat them big tonight and take a 3-0 series lead?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:43 Smokes

12:43

George Pepis:

Sooty if that was the case then there better be serious fines and suspensions and

Friday April 25, 2008 12:43 George Pepis

12:44

George Pepis:

it better be quick and decisive

Friday April 25, 2008 12:44 George Pepis

12:44

Dave Gladow:

Did Jude fall into a well? LOL

Friday April 25, 2008 12:44 Dave Gladow

12:44

George Pepis:

lol i dont know

Friday April 25, 2008 12:44 George Pepis

12:44

Jude Young:

I'm around...multi-tasking. :)

Friday April 25, 2008 12:44 Jude Young

12:45

Dave Gladow:

I think the Hornets wrap the series up with a win tonight, whether they win in Game 4 or not.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:45 Dave Gladow

12:45

George Pepis:

agree

Friday April 25, 2008 12:45 George Pepis

12:45

[Comment From Shane D.Shane D.: ]

How good can Julian Wright become a player over time.He shows flashes a times?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:45 Shane D.

12:45

Jude Young:

George and Emmanuel are on the ball!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:45 Jude Young

12:45

George Pepis:

thank you Jude and no i didnt pay him to say that lol

Friday April 25, 2008 12:45 George Pepis

12:46

Dave Gladow:

I LOVE Wright's potential, and as a Kansas State fan, it kills my soul a little to say that. ;-)

Friday April 25, 2008 12:46 Dave Gladow

12:46

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

Wright brings so much energy to the floor!!!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:46 Smokes

12:47

George Pepis:

Julian wright is a guy who when he develops man he will be scary good

Friday April 25, 2008 12:47 George Pepis

12:48

George Pepis:

Dave my brother emmanuel is a Kansas State fan as well

Friday April 25, 2008 12:48 George Pepis

12:49

Dave Gladow:

Emmanuel has good taste then!

Wright has really stepped up his game over the second half of the season.

You know what the knock on him coming out of college was? Long-range shooting. It was thought he'd have trouble at this level unless he developed an outside shot.

Want to know what he's shooting from three-point range? .417 Yep, I'd say the guy has been working hard on improving his weaknesses.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:49 Dave Gladow

12:49

George Pepis:

That is what makes Wright scary good potential

Friday April 25, 2008 12:49 George Pepis

12:50

[Comment From SoottySootty: ]

Juju reminds me of a more fliud McGrady, but capable of winning a playoff series

Friday April 25, 2008 12:50 Sootty

12:50

Dave Gladow:

ZING!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:50 Dave Gladow

12:50

[Comment From Shane D.Shane D.: ]

I hope the recent comment by Stackhouse should have the Hornets and Coach Scott with extra fire under them tonight ....I expect West and Paul to score 35 a piece

Friday April 25, 2008 12:50 Shane D.

12:50

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

What will the Mavs plan be against Paul tonight? Trying to trap him up top has obviously not worked well so far!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:50 Smokes

12:50

George Pepis:

the Mavs plan is to pray that CP3 doesnt show up lol

Friday April 25, 2008 12:50 George Pepis

12:51

Dave Gladow:

Maybe put another headlock on him? Another clothesline?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:51 Dave Gladow

12:51

George Pepis:

WWE fan LOL

Friday April 25, 2008 12:51 George Pepis

12:51

George Pepis:

while were at it why not a five star frogsplash

Friday April 25, 2008 12:51 George Pepis

12:51

Dave Gladow:

Seriously, the Mavs will come out with more energy, or they will die a terrible death. That means faster doubleteams and traps, and more physical play.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:51 Dave Gladow

12:52

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

haha

Friday April 25, 2008 12:52 Smokes

12:52

Dave Gladow:

Hornets will have to keep their composure tonight -- No technicals!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:52 Dave Gladow

12:52

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

How do the Hornets players generally feel about Byron Scott?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:52 Smokes

12:52

George Pepis:

i totally agree the first quarter will tell the story tonight if the Bees start fast uh oh its over

Friday April 25, 2008 12:52 George Pepis

12:53

Dave Gladow:

I have not heard a single negative word.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:53 Dave Gladow

12:53

George Pepis:

neither have i

Friday April 25, 2008 12:53 George Pepis

12:54

[Comment From SoottySootty: ]

CP and BS seem to have a great player/coach relationship

Friday April 25, 2008 12:54 Sootty

12:54

Dave Gladow:

If the team runs into some difficulty and losing, there are always guys that can turn negative on you, but Paul does not strike me as the sort to throw his coach under the bus ... and if Paul supports Scott, the rest of the players will fall in line.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:54 Dave Gladow

12:55

George Pepis:

now that we have a full room Dave let me tell you guys if you want to see my infinte wisdom in projecting the first round of the draft go to wgso.com click on sports and its titled under one mans opinion

Friday April 25, 2008 12:55 George Pepis

12:55

Dave Gladow:

Shameless ... I love it!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:55 Dave Gladow

12:55

George Pepis:

I had to

Friday April 25, 2008 12:55 George Pepis

12:55

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

Who is the vocal leader in the locker room, on the floor, etc...? Who do all the other players look up to the most?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:55 Smokes

12:55

George Pepis:

CP3 easily the leader

Friday April 25, 2008 12:55 George Pepis

12:57

Dave Gladow:

Everyone on the team admires Paul to no end, and he is not worried about being vocal either. West and Chandler can mix it up in the leadeship dept. as well. :-)

Friday April 25, 2008 12:57 Dave Gladow

12:57

Dave Gladow:

We have a couple more Saints questions, so we'll switch back to them for the last five minutes.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:57 Dave Gladow

12:57

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

is Sean Payton going to get resigned or an extension?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:57 Daniel from VA

12:57

George Pepis:

Payton better rebound this season or maybe no extension will be there for him

Friday April 25, 2008 12:57 George Pepis

12:58

Dave Gladow:

I think the team will wait as well. If the team rebounds, a new deal will be forthcoming.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:58 Dave Gladow

12:58

Dave Gladow:

I think they'll want to see him "earn" it though.

Friday April 25, 2008 12:58 Dave Gladow

12:58

[Comment From John L.John L.: ]

Any truth to the rumor about the Saints Dangling Jamaal Brown for the #2 pick (Dorsey)?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:58 John L.

12:58

George Pepis:

10-6 or 11-5 is what i see but will wait til after the draft

Friday April 25, 2008 12:58 George Pepis

12:58

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

I read an interesting draft scenario for the Saints the other day: Trade down with the Eagles for Lito and then trade that pick down to the Giants for the Shockey. Is this possible?

Friday April 25, 2008 12:58 Smokes

12:59

George Pepis:

its possible but i am hearing now Tampa bay is the front runner for Sheppard

Friday April 25, 2008 12:59 George Pepis

12:59

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

seems interesting scenario

Friday April 25, 2008 12:59 Daniel from VA

12:59

Dave Gladow:

Sounds like some of those infamous three-team deals you see in the NBA!

Friday April 25, 2008 12:59 Dave Gladow

1:00

George Pepis:

i gotta run guys have a great weekend go Hornets and Voodoo and oif course enjoy the draft

Friday April 25, 2008 1:00 George Pepis

1:00

Dave Gladow:

I think, realistically, the Saints have not made a serious offer for Sheppard, and until they do, we can't really consider a trade on that end likely.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:00 Dave Gladow

1:00

Dave Gladow:

Thanks George!

Friday April 25, 2008 1:00 Dave Gladow

1:01

Dave Gladow:

As for Shockey, I don't want the Saints to make that deal, but it could definitely happen. Watch for it tomorrow.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:01 Dave Gladow

1:01

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

giving up jamaal? never. why give up a pro bowl player for a unproven player......ridiculous

Friday April 25, 2008 1:01 Daniel from VA

1:01

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

thanks george!

Friday April 25, 2008 1:01 Daniel from VA

1:02

Dave Gladow:

I agree ... that is simply internet speculation and rumor. Brown isn't going anywhere.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:02 Dave Gladow

1:02

[Comment From SmokesSmokes: ]

I wish the Saints would make Reggie Bush work with the receiving corps more often. He doesn't seem to run routes all that well.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:02 Smokes

1:02

Dave Gladow:

I feel ya Smokes. I feel ya.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:02 Dave Gladow

1:03

Dave Gladow:

Well, we're going to go ahead and wrap things up!

Friday April 25, 2008 1:03 Dave Gladow

1:04

Dave Gladow:

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and firing off some great questions and comment. As always, it's been a real pleasure.

NOLA.com will be blogging all the local-interest picks as they happen tomorrow, and I'll be offering some first-round pick-by-pick analysis.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:04 Dave Gladow

1:04

[Comment From Daniel from VADaniel from VA: ]

thanks a bunch!!

Friday April 25, 2008 1:04 Daniel from VA

1:04

Dave Gladow:

And we'll be chatting tonight about the Hornets -- I'll be in my living room instead of the Arena, but it should still be fun.

Friday April 25, 2008 1:04 Dave Gladow

1:05

Dave Gladow:

Until then, take care everyone!