RB Antonio Pittman (Official Thread)

[gbearbuck]

If Pittman holds his own this year, it looks like Deuce will be traded at the end of the year... that's a lot of money tied up in the RB position with Deuce and Bush... Pittman will offer a much cheaper alternative... fifth round, what a steal for the Saints (on that note, too bad for Pittman... i'm sure he thought he was a second round type guy)...

 

[WoodyWorshiper]

If Pittman holds his own this year, it looks like Deuce will be traded at the end of the year... that's a lot of money tied up in the RB position with Deuce and Bush... Pittman will offer a much cheaper alternative... fifth round, what a steal for the Saints (on that note, too bad for Pittman... i'm sure he thought he was a second round type guy)...

Good post gbear. I think alot of folks thought Pitt was a 2nd rounder, I sure as hell thought he was. Here's hoping he gets down there and turns some heads, has a few great seasons then strikes it rich on his next contract.

 

[O'Rourke]

I can't believe Pittman was the 10th back taken. What happened? Was he just not big enough at ~205 lbs? He perfromed great at the combine in the 40 yd dash and all the agility drills. I'm shocked that 5'7", 170 lbs. soaking wet Garret Wolfe went ahead of him if size was an issue.

I think Pittman is going to show people he was worth a second round pick.

 

[osugrad21]

ABJ

Pittman taken in fourth round by Saints

Eight Buckeyes overall selected by NFL teams; three go to Indianapolis

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - Ohio State junior tailback Antonio Pittman was shocked Sunday that he landed in a New Orleans Saints backfield that already features Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.
``I hadn't talked to the Saints at all,'' Pittman said on a conference call. ``I think I met with them in Indianapolis one time, but other than that I haven't heard from them until not too long ago.''
It was a disappointing NFL Draft for the junior from Buchtel High School, who lasted until the eighth pick in the fourth round. Projected as a second- or third-round selection by the league's scouting service, he went No. 107 overall and was the 10th running back taken, not counting fullbacks. The Saints moved up from No. 123 to get him

Cont...

 

[cincibuck]

For what it's worth, I think the Rose Bowl and the BCS NC game really hurt all of OSU's draftees. It seriously eroded the value of beating Michigan. It cheapened the value of being Big 10 Champs. throw in LSU stomping ND and all midwest teams took a plunge in comparison to the SEC.

It's not so much that you lose as it is when you lose, just ask the 97 Rose Bowl champs.

 

[BuckBojangles]

Agreed

Cinci, I agree, but Pitt had his chance to stay for another year. It's just a shame. Out of anyone on the team, Pitt had the strongest game versus Florida.

Even Cooper had enough sense to tell players not to leave early unless they were for sure 1st or 2nd round.

I'm disappointed in the advice he received. But I also have no doubt Tressel tried to help him out as much as he could and support Pitt whatever he did.

 

[RB07OSU]

It's a shame he went so late, especially when he said at the spring game he was hearing that he would go late first round...but it was his choice.

 

[Gatorubet]

Cinci, I agree, but Pitt had his chance to stay for another year. It's just a shame. Out of anyone on the team, Pitt had the strongest game versus Florida.

Even Cooper had enough sense to tell players not to leave early unless they were for sure 1st or 2nd round.

I'm disappointed in the advice he received. But I also have no doubt Tressel tried to help him out as much as he could and support Pitt whatever he did.

Well, as a Saints fan, I was happy to get him down here. Deuce is aging, and any back would love to share the field with Reggie. The two of them in the same backfield would give DCs fits.

I admit I was puzzled by y'alls BCS game decision not to run Pittman more - especially after his TD - and the only thing I can think of was that the coaching staff was stunned to be behind by so many points early on, and it got to Tressel and your OC. They were determined to play catch up by passing, even though it played into our strengths. Weird. Nothing like a third and long to make a Gator DE happy. I'd have pounded Pittman again and again to wear us out (and to keep Harvin and Co. off the field).

In any event, Pittman sure has my respect, and I think he will be warmly welcomed by the Saints' organization and fans.

 

[IronBuckI]

This pretty much sucks for Antonio. It appeared as though he was leaving because:
A) He thought that his stock was higher than this.
and
B) He didn't want to share the backfield with Beanie this year.

Now he goes as a fourth round pick and he has to share the backfield with Deuce and Reggie for his first year, and probably share with Reggie for the majority of the rest of his career.

I admit I was puzzled by y'alls BCS game decision not to run Pittman more - especially after his TD - and the only thing I can think of was that the coaching staff was stunned to be behind by so many points early on, and it got to Tressel and your OC.

We were only down by a touchdown after Antonio's run. And...I don't want to talk about it.

 

[Gatorubet]

And...I don't want to talk about it.

I'm sorry. I wasn't talking about anything to the best of my recollection. You must be mistaken.

I was talking about the Saints and how great it is to have Pittman.....yep. That's all. And how great is was that 8 bucks were drafted. Yep. Yessiree Bob.

 

[mdtrackman]

This pretty much sucks for Antonio. It appeared as though he was leaving because:
A) He thought that his stock was higher than this.
and
B) He didn't want to share the backfield with Beanie this year.

Now he goes as a fourth round pick and he has to share the backfield with Deuce and Reggie for his first year, and probably share with Reggie for the majority of the rest of his career.

We were only down by a touchdown after Antonio's run. And...I don't want to talk about it.

He won't share all that much with Reggie, considering that Reggie isn't a "real" RB, more of a RB/WR hybrid...
Once Deuce retires, Pittman might be getting a whole lot of carries for a great team.

 

[CookyPuss]

He won't share all that much with Reggie, considering that Reggie isn't a "real" RB, more of a RB/WR hybrid...
Once Deuce retires, Pittman might be getting a whole lot of carries for a great team.

I don't think he will have to wait until Deuce "retires." My understanding is that this is the last year of his contract and it is not likely he will be back after this season. Probably off to another team rather than into retirement.

 

[scooter1369]

I don't think he will have to wait until Deuce "retires." My understanding is that this is the last year of his contract and it is not likely he will be back after this season. Probably off to another team rather than into retirement.

And if that is the case about Deuce, they'll use him less and use the guy that will be around for a few years.

 

[CCI]

And if that is the case about Deuce, they'll use him less and use the guy that will be around for a few years.

Agree, Pitt has so much determination and a winning attitude. No doubt he will get alot of playing time in NO. Bush is used in so many ways that getting pitt in the rotation of RB's won't be any problem for the staff to see.Pitt will show the coaches he is willing to go above and beyond the call to do whatever it takes to play.

 

[IronBuckI]

And if that is the case about Deuce, they'll use him less and use the guy that will be around for a few years.

If Deuce is their best back, and he isn't expected to come back next year, they will use him until they can't use him any more. I believe that this will probably be an evaluation year for Pitt. Learn the system, show what he can do in practice, and earn a shot at some real PT next year.