Arrington, Nicks look to validate Saints’ decision

The Associated Press

MEATAIRIE, La. - Former Michigan receiver Adrian Arrington hopes he’ll soon be labeled a draft-day steal. The same holds true for former Nebraska offensive lineman Carl Nicks.

Coming into last month’s NFL draft, few questioned their talent as much as their ability to behave off the field.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton sees himself as one who puts a premium on good character.

But since Nicks was available in the fifth round of the draft, and Arrington in the seventh, the Saints decided it was worth risking of a couple late-round picks on them.

On Saturday, after the third practice of the Saints’ three-day rookie camp, both players expressed gratitude for the chance they’ve been given by New Orleans and their desire to make the best of it.

“I’m hoping to be a big steal,” Arrington said. “I’m just trying to work hard every day in practice and do exactly what the coaches are telling me to do. When they see that, that’s something they can work with.”

Arrington was a junior at Michigan last season, his first as a starter. A broken ankle sidelined him for most of 2005. During 2006, he was arrested after a fight with his girlfriend, though misdemeanor domestic violence charges were later dropped. He also was suspended from the team by then-coach Lloyd Carr during 2007 spring drills. However, he won reinstatement to the squad and had 67 catches last season for 882 yards and eight TDs.

With both Arrington and Nicks, Payton had the benefit of knowing their former coaches.

Saints tight ends coach Terry Malone was once an assistant at Michigan and recruited Arrington. Payton also is friends with former Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan, who offered Payton insight on Nicks.

Nicks was arrested at a party and also was suspended for part of a game for missing a class, which Nicks said he slept through.

Payton spoke to Nicks by phone before the Saints drafted him, curious to see whether Nicks would blame others for his past problems or hold himself accountable. The coach liked the answers he got.

“He’s a guy that has some maturing to do and is going to need to take on some responsibilities,” Payton said. “Whether he missed class or showed up at a party �” he had some of those incidents in college that concern you and you pay attention to them, but I don’t think we’re drafting a bad guy. I think we’re drafting a guy that needs work and we have to provide him an environment to give him a chance to be successful, and I think he has some of the tools that you look for when you look at his size and athleticism.”