COVERITLIVE.COM

11:54

Doug Tatum, T-P - Welcome to the first Saints chat of the 2009 NFL season. Start submitting your questions now.

12:00

[Comment From Sean Payton]
Hey Doug out of Hamilton, Donaldson, and Hill which back do you think I should start with Thomas, Bush, and Bell?

12:03

Mike Triplett, T-P - Hey Coach. ... The good news for you is that you don't have to make that decision for another six weeks or so, because you really won't know who the most effective backs are until they're in full pads and going full speed in preseason games and some of the more aggressive training camp practice sessions.

But from what we've seen early on, I'm betting the more experienced Hamilton wins that fourth spot. For starters, he's truly bigger and more physical than the two undrafted rookies, and he seems to be playing at a faster speed with a little more comfort level in the playbook. He'll probably be more of an asset on special teams for that same reason.

But the biggest concern with Hamilton has always been injury concern. The chances of all six running backs making it through camp without getting dinged up is pretty remote.

12:03

[Comment From Brody]
Any word on rookie contacts?

12:06

Mike Triplett, T-P - Hey Brody, None of them have signed yet, but that's not very surprising. I talked to General Manager Mickey Loomis this week, and he anticipates the two later-round picks, Chip Vaughn and Thomas Morstead should get their deals done by early next week. That just leaves first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins, who will almost certainly come right down to the wire or miss a handful of practices.

So far, only two first-round picks have signed. The late-first-round picks will start to filter in early next week. I can't imagine Jenkins will hold out too long, but you never know. ... My prediction: He signs in the early morning hours Friday and makes it onto the practice field on Day 1.

12:06

[Comment From Ryan]
Will the absence of Smith and Grant hurt us as much as the rest of the pundits say. Considering they didn't play that well last season?

12:07

Brian Allee-Walsh, T-P - Hey Ryan,
Anytime you take away two veteran starters, particularly at their positions, it's not a great way to start a season or end a season for that matter. I know a lot of fans have not been trhilled with their production since signing their luicrative contracts but there is a reason why they got paid the big nbucks. They are the best players. They just haven't played like that as a tandem.
Hopefully, the coaching staff has made the necessary pickups to fill in at those positions in the absence of Smith and Grant. Who knows? Maybe their replacements will keep them on the sideline. I know this: Payton and Gregg Williams will play the best players.

12:08

[Comment From westbnksaint]
I can see mccray having a big year,what do u guys think ,and can you see him winning the starting job and not give it back?

12:10

Mike Triplett, T-P -

Yes, I really do, West Bank Saint. ... I think McCray is the best pass rusher on the Saints' defense, and I think he has a chance to really thrive under Gregg Williams' attacking-style defense.

He'll be playing a full-time role in the first four weeks, while Charles Grant and Will Smith are serving four-game suspensions. But as the year goes on, I think he'll be used in situational roles and be moved around in different formations (sometimes even lining up as an outside linebacker in 3-4 schemes).

Gregg Williams' strength is supposed to be that he maximizes the ability of each individual player, and I think he'll find a way to use McCray's speed and pass-rush ability.

By the way, you'll get to know McCray pretty well if you follow Nola.com this year. He's going to do a weekly journal with us, a monthly video show, and he's scheduled to do a live chat with us, taking your questions next Tuesday afternoon. You can ask him the same question.

12:10

[Comment From Pierson Prioleau]
Doug with Sharper, Young, Vaughn all in the mix at Free Safety, why did they decide to bring me in? Aren't we a little overloaded at the position? Who do you think the starter and backup will be?

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