New Orleans Saints: Vonn Bell Irks Drew Brees

Drew Brees is not an easy many to fluster, but it seems the New Orleans Saints quarterback was a little irritated by one of the teams’ new rookies.

Not in any malevolent way. Young safety Vonn Bell simply made him look bad during team drills in their most recent training camp practice by picking off a Brees pass. Keep in mind this is a man who is insanely competitive. During an interview with ESPN he flatly stated he feels he can play five more years at minimum. Remember, he’s 37. So for a guy who has done all the things he has, it’s never a welcome feeling to know a rookie with no game experience in the NFL just snagged one of his passes.

When asked about it afterwards, Brees was cordial though his laugh was obviously forced and stated, “Good for him … but I don’t plan on that happening again.” Though he was the center of attention on that sequence, it was a good boost of confidence for Bell. A 2nd round pick from Ohio State, teams knocked on him for his rather average size and speed. Yet coaches who knew him and much of the tape showed that this was a kid who knew how to make plays. All he required was a team to believe in him and offer the opportunity.

Given how horrible the New Orleans Saints secondary has been in recent years, they were willing to pass on talent in favor of finding production. Bell had eight interceptions in his final two seasons with the Buckeyes and helped them win a national championship in the process. He’s not afraid to drop into the box but seems to hold his own in coverage. If he continues to play like that in practice, chances are the team will choose to cut ties with overpriced veteran Jairus Byrd who has been a major flop since signing a few years ago.