Drew Brees breaking in new WR, possibly a new center and a fresh hair cut

NFL, Saints

Michael Thomas proved last season that nobody can guard Mike as he set the NFL record for most receptions in a season. What’s even more impressive about the feat is that the Saints didn’t have a trusted #2 option opposite Thomas, so defense knew where the ball was going.  That won’t be the case this season following the addition of Emmanuel Sanders. 

"There's just a veteran presence, a mature nature and just a way that he goes about his work and his business and his preparation, his attention to detail, and just a lot of little things just begin to pop up and you realize why he's been able to play at such a high level for so long,” said Drew Brees about his newest offensive weapon.

Could get used to this --@drewbrees x @ESanders_10 pic.twitter.com/Goe1a9WMcx

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2020

Sanders is 33 years old, but still has plenty of tread on his tires. After getting traded from Denver to San Francisco last season, he caught 36 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games for the 49ers. 

Besides breaking in a new WR, Brees could be also be getting a new center. The Saints drafted Cesar Ruiz 24th overall and Coach Payton made it clear they didn’t select the kid out of Michigan that high for him to be a back-up. But, 2019’s 2nd round pick Erik McCoy held down the center spot for all of last season, which could cause Ruiz to shift over to guard.    

“Those guys have been working and rotating,” Brees said about McCoy and Ruiz at the center spot. “We are mixing and matching quite a bit right now just to see what might end up being the final lineup.  But, at the end of the day I think all those guys know we can mix and match a little bit. That's the versatility we have at that position.”

Does the 41-year old signal caller have any first impressions of the 21-year-old Ruiz.

"Yeah, he comes across as a really sharp, smart football player, a guy that is not fazed by the speed or the strength on the other side of the ball,” responded Brees. “He's not afraid of the challenge, not afraid to work. So we'll see how that plays out; but I've been impressed with him."

Brees on #Saints first-round pick Cesar Ruiz (@_OverCees) #SaintsCamp pic.twitter.com/FbSrZEan9L

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2020

Also sharp, was Brees’ fresh camp haircut.  He says the close cut serves two purposes.

“It makes me feel younger. Especially when I'm losing hair up top, I might as well just cut it off. But, when it's 1000 degrees outside, it cools things off a bit."