Two thirds of the way through the NFL season, the Saints have flaunted a lot of new talent. In an overall disappointing season, they have 5 rookies getting significant playing time on defense, nearly half the unit. The question is whether the poor defense is a product of their talents or the utilization of their talents.
Rookies are being asked to do more and more in today's NFL. Despite the fact that the days of exorbitant rookie contracts are over, fans expect them to come out and earn their keep in week one. Fair or unfair, this is why draft picks are such a sought after commodity in the present NFL.