Are these the Saints' Kinda Guys?

Good morning, and welcome to the March 5 edition of the Saints Insider newsletter. The NFL combine is in the rear view mirror and the league is barreling toward the start of the new league year. Before we turn ahead to free agency, let's take one look back at the combine now that the dust has settled. 

Saints Kinda Guys

As we've been over many times before, the Saints have a type. 

I'm borrowing a Jeff Duncanism for a minute to describe prospects who fit what the Saints usually like: A Saints Kinda Guy (or SKG for short). These are prospects who check several boxes, namely very big boxes for very athletic people. 

More than 300 players attended the combine to meet with front office executives and coaches and to perform in front of scouting staffs. I went back afterward, looked at the numbers and narrowed down the list to a select group of players who seem like the type to catch the Saints' eye. 

Crystal ball gazin' 

With free agency opening next week and the Saints still needing to make some moves to clear the necessary salary cap space, let's take a look at some big name players from last year's team and take our best guess at whether they will return next year. 

This is based on conversations with folks both inside and outside the Saints building, and we'll call it the Confidence Index. Teaser: We're very confident about Michael Thomas' and Alvin Kamara's future with the organization (in different directions), and a little less so on others.

Checking in from Indy

Beat writer Matthew Paras was busting his tail in Indianapolis this weekend doing the work of two beat writers (my sister in law says thanks, and yes, she had a beautiful wedding). It's worth checking out his stuff here. 

• On LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels being ready for whatever comes next. 
• On Jayden Daniels' old teammates, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, who will surely follow him in the first round. 
• And on this being a good year to need a tackle (ahem, Saints). 

That's all we've got. Stay tuned as this will surely be a busy week — lots of money to clear off the books still over at 5800 Airline Drive. 

Cheers, 

Luke Johnson