Antonio

Pittman

The Saints’ only remaining unsigned pick is Robert Meachem. Pittman had an excellent college career and possesses 4.4 speed. He’ll need to add muscle, but the former Ohio State star could replace Deuce McAllister as Reggie Bush’s downhill complement in 2008. This year, he’ll be third string.

McAllister has been practicing at camp but continues to recover from minor offseason knee surgery. The Saints will take it easy on him, likely for the duration of the preseason. We should see a lot of Antonio Pittman Sunday.

He’ll most likely be inactive for the first few games. The Rams were high on Pittman during the draft process but question his receiving and pass-blocking ability. He has a ways to go before pushing Brian Leonard for time.

That probably means five or six touches at best. Pittman could be a liability in blitz pickup, where starter Brian Leonard excels, and isn’t near as familiar with the St. Louis offense. He’s likely still a ways away from contributing.

The Ohio State product finished strong after a sluggish start. Pittman was outplayed by Pierre Thomas all preseason, but probably isn’t in danger of being cut in favor of the undrafted rookie because of his draft status.

Wow. Undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas made the team over him. Pittman, a fourth-round pick, may get picked up off waivers elsewhere. If not, he’ll go on the practice squad.

Pittman could emerge as a threat to current backup Brian Leonard’s carries. Pittman has a lot to prove after getting cut as a fourth-round pick, but could allow Leonard to focus more on fullback if he picks things up quickly. He’ll need to work on his pass protection to challenge Leonard for handcuff status.

Special teamer Travis Minor will likely help on some third downs and Antonio Pittman will be active. Leonard will get all the goal-line carries, and is also a solid receiver, so 20+ touches per week is a safe estimate. He’ll get favorable matchups against Dallas in Week 4 and Arizona in Week 5.

Leonard had one 100-yard game while subbing for Steven Jackson early in the year, but ultimately fell behind Antonio Pittman on the depth chart. There’s no clear handcuff in St. Louis for 2008 because Leonard would likely get goal-line carries but Pittman more touches overall if Jackson is hurt again.

Pittman will serve as a rarely used change-of-pace back behind Steven Jackson, with Brian Leonard starting at fullback (really an H-back position) and spelling Jackson sometimes on third downs. If Jackson were ever to get injured again, Leonard and Pittman would likely split backfield duties evenly.