By ROBERT L. LEE

Before anyone asks, local star Thomas Pittman, from East St. John High School, signed with the Cleveland Browns Sunday. Look for an interview next week when he returns from their mini camp.

With the draft finished, the signings are winding down, if not 100 percent complete, and the Saints have a host of new and exceptional players to help hoist them out of the “rebuilding” stage for once.

The most surprising aspect of the whole draft ordeal is that there wasn’t one specific player courted and idealized as a super hero. The Saints did act like excited school children and covet Tennessee wide receiver Donte Stallworth for a few months, but I have yet to see multiple billboards across the city with him posed. Head coach Jim Haslett and General Manager Randy Mueller crossed their fingers, hid the voodoo doll behind their backs and Stallworth was there waiting when the Saints’ first round turn was up.

With the voodoo doll safe in their back pockets, the Saints set their sights on their next two desired standouts, center LeCharles Bentley and defensive end Charles Grant. In no way did the Saints predict all three would be available when their picks came back around and Mueller said he thought about trading up a few spots for better chances. But, the magic worked again and both Grant and Bentley will be wearing black and gold.

“I am satisfied with our picks,” said Haslett. “I hoped for two out of three picks and we got three out of three.”

Mueller also said he was shocked to get all three of the team’s top picks. However, what will be shocking is if these top prospects, all from highly reputable teams, Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio State, will have ample opportunity and guidance to continue building spectacular careers. Past stars from any level of college ball have come to New Orleans and for some mysterious reason, whether it is the women, food, or coaches and other players, they have become a shadow of their previous ability. Then, as the story goes, excuses are made to coat the situation and the players are let go, only to reemerge as an iron butterfly (not the band) with another team. Whether the story repeats itself this year or not, the 2002 draft definitely beefed up the team on offense, defense and special teams and should make for easier and more productive play execution. Should Joe Horn stay with the team, the plan of hiring Stallworth will balance the team’s passing by having two top quality wide receivers stretching defenses.

At special teams, the draft provided at least five new players, who are expected to speed up the attack. Again, that’s if they don’t fall into their own shadows. But, the guys picked from these later spots should feel they have something to prove and not rest until they show their full worth.

ROBERT L. LEE is the sports editor. He can be reached at 985-652-9545.