4. New Orleans Saints
It is hard to think that a Drew Brees led team needed major changes on the offensive side of that ball, but that is exactly what Sean Payton decided to attempt this offseason. While the New Orleans Saints scared everyone with their skill position players they had all flash and no substance.
Payton has decided to turn to a more power oriented running game by trading tight end Jimmy Graham for Pro Bowl center Max Unger and by signing running back CJ Spiller to be the compliment to Mark Ingrham.
While Brees will miss Graham when he looks down field, he will love that teams have to respect the Saints power run game and will not be facing nickel and dime defenses all day.
One move that went under the radar, this offseason, was Rob Ryan remaining as the Saints defensive coordinator. He is similar to his brother Rex in that he gets players to want to run through a wall for him. With the offense complimenting the defense, by being able to run the ball, I expect a jump up in the rankings for the Saints defense.
New Orleans will jump from a below .500, 7-9 team to a 10-6 record and comfortable lead in the NFC North.
