Could the Saints look to "The Swamp" to add to their re-built linebacking corps?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections InterviewsNew Orleans Saints SatireWho Dat HistoryCanal Street Chronicles TutorialNFL DraftNFL Draft Profiles2019 New Orleans Saints draft prospects: Vosean Joseph New Youth Teddy Bridgewater Jersey ,1commentCould the Saints look to "The Swamp" to add to their re-built linebacking corps?CDTShareTweetShareShare2019 New Orleans Saints draft prospects: Vosean Joseph Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsThe most improved area on the New Orleans Saints in 2018 was their linebacking corps. Demario Davis had been signed as a free agent during the previous offseason and played at a Pro Bowl level. Alex Anzalone, a 3rd round pick in 2017, remained healthy and added an athletic and playmaking element along with Davis. A.J. Klein had a quietly efficient year, and all 3 players showed the capability to play all inside and outside spots, as well as the ability to stay on the field regardless of situation. Craig Robertson was re-signed in the offseason to provide depth, and insures that the team has a linebacking unit with both solid athleticism and excellent versatility. While Davis is one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL, and Anzalone seems on the verge of stardom, Klein is headed into a contract year and has a rather high cap number. New Orleans may look to add another athletic playmaker to this level of the defense, and the subject of today's draft profile could fill that role perfectly. Vosean Joseph, LB (Florida)6'1230Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsJoseph attended Norland High School in Miami, FL. Teddy Bridgewater Jersey Stitched , earning all-state recognition as a senior. He kept his talents in-state, but moving north to attend the University of Florida. He saw some defensive action as a freshman, despite being on a team with eventual high draft picks Anzalone and Jarrad Davis at linebacker, but mainly participated on special teams. Joseph moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore, and was inconsistent but flashed potential, finishing with 55 tackles and an interception. He was a bit more consistent in 2018, leading the Gators with 93 tackles (including 9 for loss), 4 sacks, and five passes defensed. Joseph did not participate in the on-field workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. His athletic potential is off the charts, but inconsistent performances has him likely destined for a mid-day 2 or early day 3 draft pick. Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsVosean Joseph is an explosive linebacker with outstanding range and good aggression. He has terrific change of direction, and flows seamlessly sideline to sideline from anywhere on the field. Joseph can match up with opposing tight ends in man coverage Youth Larry Warford Jersey , has excellent ball skills once the ball is thrown, and can even pick up a bigger wideout in the slot. He can be a devastating blitzer from the edge, providing a disruption in the backfield and has elite pursuit abilities to finish with a closing burst. Joseph slides along the line of scrimmage well against the run, knifing quickly through gaps between blockers to make a play. Joseph has very good read and react skills, but he must hone his natural instincts and aggressive nature to avoid getting caught out of position. He struggles to take on blockers head-on, and can get pushed around or hung up in traffic. Joseph packs a punch as a hitter, but can get grabby at times as a tackler instead of wrapping up and finishing. Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsVosean Joseph played many of his snaps as an off the ball middle linebacker in college, but was able to excel all over the field. He has the athleticism and reaction skills that will translate well against NFL passing attacks, with the frame to add more bulk as a run defender. His best fit initially may be on the weakside, where he can utilize his athletic ability better in open space as a blitzer and in coverage, with the possibility of moving to the middle as a nickel 'backer. The Saints defensive coaches insist on versatility from all their defensive players Larry Warford Jersey Stitched , but particularly from their linebackers. This unit is more athletic than we've seen in years, and a player like Vosean Joseph could be a perfect fit in their defensive system. METIAIRIE, La. (AP) — New Orleans Saints veteran tight end Ben Watson announced on Thursday that he’s retiring after this season.Watson turned 38 this month and is in his 14th NFL season out of Georgia.“I knew coming into this year that it probably would be the last year,” Watson said. “Our approach was as a family we were fortunate to come and play for another year, but you kind of know. You hope you get to exit on your own terms.“You hope you get to exit with a great win. And it’s been great to be a part of this team and have this sort of winning at this point of my career.”His initial announcement came through an NFL Films video about his family that was posted on Thursday. Watson also confirmed his decision with reporters after Thursday’s practice.“The injuries add up, the body struggles more and more. And it becomes evident that it’s time,” Watson said. “It’s always a very hard thing.”Watson has caught 33 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns this season, helping the Saints capture the top playoff seed in the NFC.After one of his touchdowns, Watson, a father of five, celebrated by holding up seven fingers Youth A.J. Klein Jersey , signaling that twins were on the way.Watson began his NFL career with New England in 2004 and also has played for Cleveland and Baltimore. He has 5,856 yards and 44 TDs receiving in his career.But Watson said he hoped his legacy as a player would be more about the way he has conducted himself on and off the field.“I want my legacy to be somebody who loved his wife and somebody who loved his kids and tried to lead his family, and encouraged other guys that they have what it takes to be the men that they’re called to be,” Watson said.“And I want to be somebody that was reliable, that a coach could count on. A guy that when you put him out there, he did his job, whether it was with flash or without flash, he could be reliable and dependable on the field.”