We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy foootball upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

Number 2 in our list is Will Smith.

Will Smith – Defensive End, New Orleans Saints

Smith kills Marc Bulger

Well, I just loved him in Ali, and iRobot was a great film in my opinion…..What’s that Andrew? Bugger! Well, it’s not like he hasn’t heard the jokes before!  Oh the readers…  Well, it’s all free here, they can take the rough with the smooth.

Will Smith was drafted out of Ohio State on the back of a All-Big 10 Defensive Player Of The Year performance. Taken in the first round by New Orleans Saints, he settled into the team and contributed immediately, appearing in all 16 games and starting 4. His performance improved through 2005 and he was the fulltime starter before that season was out.

The Saints emotional, and succesful, return to the Superdome in 2006 saw his best season so far, highlighted by a career high 10.5 sacks depsite only starting 14 games. 2007 was quieter (for the team and for Will Smith) but a new contract in 2008 means he’s getting paid.

Smith has been a controversial player in recent years, and that is one of the reasons he’s caught my eye. Weight loss suppliments that mask steriods? It doesn’t get much more controversial than that.  Though I can’t quite picture the scene where he was getting told off for weighting too much.

“Hey Will, you realise that the other Will Smith looks much lighter than you?”

“But I need the weight to prove effective at my position… or do I? And those London chicks might well dig the lighter man.”

Sillyness aside, I have loved watching him play. He had a strong game in London, but wasn’t able to sack Rivers (which would have got a great cheer from Andrew and me) but he stuffed LDT twice when he came his way and helped Sproles out of bounds for a small gain… he played his part.
I think he is great and that’s why he’s in this list. He goes into 2009 with 5 years to run on his hefty contract, and with some real prime years ahead of him… let’s hope he keeps it up.

Previous favourite DLs:
Renaldo Wynn

This year they have taken steps to tighten things up by taking on former Jaguars defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams’ input on turnover strategy could turn things around for the Saints…

Defensive Ends Will Smith and Charles Grant have both now overcome the injuries that they picked up last season and are ready to return. This combined with all four of their draft picks being defensive players signals that they are taking this very seriously.

I will be hoping that the Saints can make their way to the play-offs. I really think they will be starting with a team that can do it. Most of all though I am excited about watching them play again.