Metairie, La. - One of the faces gone from last season is wide receiver Robert Meachem, who moved on to San Diego. His departure leaves a big window of opportunity open for a couple young receivers.
New wide receivers coach Henry Ellard is just getting to know the group but already likes their overall demeanor. "It's a group that goes out and does their work," he says. "They don't care about the hoopla but like to have fun and take care of their business and I love that about this group."
Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and Devery Henderson have all been with Drew Brees since 2006. The fourth spot is what's up for grabs between fourth-year veteran Adrian Arrington, 2011 preseason sensation Joe Morgan, and rookie fourth-round pick Nick Toon.
Arrington is the only one with regular season experience. He filled in for Lance Moore at the end of last season and finished with three catches in three games. Ellard likes his track record, saying, "Adrian has done a great job. Last year, watching him step up and make plays in the playoffs. That's what it's all about. Guys have to be ready to step in when a guy goes down and then make things happen."
Toon played all four years at Wisconsin and his dad, Al, played in the NFL, making three Pro Bowl rosters with the Jets. With that resume, rookie camp, and OTAs, Toon is not overwhelmed by the NFL environment. "I guess the shock factor, you could say, has passed and I'm looking forward to playing in the first preseason game," he told FOX 8 Sports.
Morgan's first preseason game was a memorable one last year. The undrafted prospect out of Walsh University burst onto the scene with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first game of the preseason against the 49ers. He showcased his offensive skill set with a 56-yard TD reception in week two of the preseason at Houston, but his bid at making the game day roster was ended when a meniscus injury put him on the injured reserve.
All three have plenty to improve upon, but coach Joe Vitt is pleased with where they stand, saying, "They've gained confidence in their route running, the area of the field they have to get to, catching the ball outside the framework of their body. I thought Joe Morgan had a great catch Thursday. Our receivers really battled for some long balls and won."
Ellard logged 16 years in the NFL as a wide receiver with the Rams, Redskins, and Patriots. During his tenure in St. Louis, a picture was snapped of him and Al Toon with the Jets. It became a trading card, which Ellard dug up and passed on to Nick Toon.
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