White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. - The New Orleans Saints worked in full pads Thursday as Training Camp 2016 presented by Verizon continued at The Greenbrier. It was perhaps the most physical session yet as the Saints worked on the run game and in the red zone on the artificial turf field. Here are some observations:
- Rookie wide receiver Tommylee Lewis turned heads with his best showing yet. The Northern Illinois product showcased his speed with a scoring run on a jet sweep in the red zone. He also caught multiple balls in traffic and deep. He's listed at 5 feet 7 and plays with an edge to go along with above average quickness. He's been involved on special teams, too. He has a long way to go to make this roster, but Thursday certainly helped his case. Coach Sean Payton said Lewis reminds him in some ways of David Patten who played for the Saints and four other NFL teams.
- Rookie safety Vonn Bell can tackle. Bell was criticized at times for his tackling at Ohio State. He rebuked those criticisms when drafted and backed it up Thursday in red zone defense. He delivered several nice tackles including one of fellow rookie Daniel Lasco. To Lasco's credit, the former California running back lowered his shoulders and flattened Bell in the open field later in practice. It was a good practice for both members of this year's draft class.
- Thursday's contact filled workout also allowed nose tackle Tyleler Davison and defensive end Kasim Edabali to continue to show their wares. Both continue to turn in impactful reps and make solid cases to perhaps win starting jobs. There's a long way to go but I expect Davison and Edabali to be at or near the top of the first depth chart released next week.
