Absurdly Early Depth Chart Predictions: Quarterback

Before Training Camp really gets a head of steam, I wanted to throw a projected depth chart out there for posterity's sake. We'll base this on a mixture of common sense, blind faith and shock value to get the venom flowing in Message Board Guy.


QB: Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, Tyler Palko
Unlike the last two seasons, I predict that Payton is going to keep three QB's on the roster this time around. The Saints upgraded the #2 spot with the addition of Brunell, sending Jamie Martin into Free Agency limbo until injuries gut some team at QB.

(I like Martin, but I don't want him QB'ing my team. I am hoping that he finds his way back to New Orleans coaching QB's.)

Brees is the unquestioned leader of this team and is arguably the best QB in the NFC. The guy exudes confidence, pisses excellence and demands perfection from the skill group. He knows what his role is as the Quarterback and accepts the good with the bad, sometihng that the previous starter failed to grasp.

Perhaps that's why he is still unemployed?

Barring injury, expect Brees to set the pace for NFC QB's. With the recent addition of Jeremy Shockey, the health of Robert Meachem and the happiness of Marques Colston setting the stage for the pass-catching corps of the team, Brees will have no shortage of playmakers begging for the ball and no shortage of defenders on their heels. I won't get into the pass-catching abilities of Reggie Bush who I predict will see more downfield action this season.

Brunell is still solid in spot duty and should serve a greater role as a mentor to fellow lefty, Tyler Palko. He's not going to shoulder the weight of the team, but his history will command respect from the offense should Brees *gasp* go down and not serve as the sign of impending doom as it was the past two years with Martin in the wings.

Tyler Palko has shown a steady progression of improvement since becoming Payton's future star in the making. The Saints are in trouble if he starts anything outside of a preseason game.

This position is flush with talent and leadership, something this team has had in decades. Payton made is a priority to make serious upgrades to the position as any coach with the reputation of being a QB Guru would do. He has not disappointed with Brees, Martin, Brunell and Palko. This team's future at QB is bright and will likely remain so with Payton at the helm.