Running Backs: 2007 Summary: With Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, 2007 started with a lot of promise at the running back position. The surprise was that Antonio Pittman, who the Saints had moved up in the 4th round to take, was cut in favor of an UDFA rookie named Pierre Thomas. Unfortunately, both Reggie and Deuce struggled in the beginning of the year. Deuce tore his knee in the third game against the Titans. It was the opposite knee from his 2005 injury, but he was out for the year. With the load squarely on Reggie Bush's shoulders, Reggie performed well for a few games, but started to struggle as he showed his lack of experience in a pro style run game, eventually succumbing to a knee injury himself, late in the season. Aaron Stecker filled in admirably, but Pierre Thomas was the bright spot in the last game of the season, rushing for 100 yards and also receiving for 100 yards. 2008 Offseason: The Saints didn't pick up any high profile RBs in free agency or draft any RBs in the draft. They did pick up Lynell Hamilton as an UDFA. Competition summary: Deuce McAllister (26) Pierre Thomas (23) Reggie Bush (25) Chris Barclay (24) Aaron Stecker (27) Lynell Hamilton (30) The Saints have been carrying four running backs on the opening day roster in the last couple of years. Assuming that is the case in 2008, and the Saints don't pick up another running back before the end of TC, that means that two backs currently on the roster will be cut at the end of training camp. It is very possible that the Saints will indeed pick up a veteran running back before TC ends, that is if Deuce does not show significant progress recovering from knee surgery in camp. The likely odd men out will be Chris Barclay and Lynell Hamilton. However, if Pierre Thomas continues to shine, and one of these youngsters really performs well, Stecker could become expendable. At 32, Stecker is getting up in age for a RB, and has only been seen as a dependable backup and third down back throughout his career. Last year was his most rushing yards in a season with 448. Pierre Thomas seems to be at least a younger version of Stecker, if not more. Chris Barclay, on the other hand, is a different kind of back. Now in his third year Barclay is small (5-10 180 lbs) and fast (4.4 40) and is seen as mostly a special teams player. Barclay shined brightly in NFL Europa's last season (spring 2007), leading that league with 1,682 yards rushing. He was picked up by the Tennessee Titans as a kick returner for the first four games in 2007, averaging 21.7 yards on 14 kickoff returns. He could be competing against Tracy Porter and Skyler Green for kick returns, but would have to really be spectacular in order to stay on the team as just a kick returner. If Barclay shows that he can block well on third down, keeping Drew Brees safe, and performs admirably at RB, Saints head coach Sean Payton could keep Barclay as a backup 3rd down back and kick returner. At 180 lbs, that appears to be a tall order. Lynell Hamilton, on the other hand, is going to have to concentrate on RB skills in order to make the Saints roster. Hamilton was picked up as an UDFA by the Saints probably as a camp body and possibly a development player. His first year as a starter in college for the San Diego State Aztecs (2005) was a good one. But with two games left, Hamilton was injured and finished the year with 819 carries and averaging 4.3 yards per carry. But Hamilton lost his starting roll the next year to Brandon Bones and was relegated to the full back position. In his senior year (2007), he re-injured his knee early in the season and did not play much at all. Even at 6-0, 235 lbs, with a 4.57 40 yard dash at the combine, Hamilton was not on many team's radars for the draft. Hamilton could end up being a diamond in the rough though. Since he played fullback and halfback in college, he should have a good knowledge of how to both run and block. Again that makes him useful for a backup role, which could push the aging Stecker out. The most interesting competition could be to replace Deuce if he is not ready to start. With Pierre Thomas as a fan favorite and a dual back system, coach Payton will be looking for someone to compliment Reggie. Something else the coaches may be thinking through is the future of the RB position. Is Reggie going to be ready to take the lead role? Is Deuce going to be able to carry the load for a few more years? Who is going to be the go-to guy in 2009 and beyond?