Posted on Fri, May. 09, 2008

-- Sean Payton has been adamant about preaching it's not how you arrive at the New Orleans Saints' practice field, but how you fare when you're out there as to whether there's a roster spot open for you.

The proof is already on the Saints' roster that Payton, the Saints' third-year coach, values the three-day, five-practice rookie minicamp that begins today.

"It's interesting when you look at it, there have been a number of free agents that not only have made teams, but have been Pro Bowl players," Payton said. "There's still a fair amount of work to do. We're looking to find a Pierre Thomas, a Steve Weatherford, a Tyler Palko - these are all guys that have made our team. Tony Romo made our team in Dallas when I was there."

The Saints' six draft picks will make their first impression for the team's coaching staff, albeit in shorts and T-shirts. The real test for them, though, will come during training camp as they are almost assured a spot until then.

The real challenge will be for the 16 undrafted free agents signed following the draft along with the 36 other players who will take part with the hopes of simply surviving past the weekend.

Results from rookie minicamp can certainly vary. The success stories of Thomas, Weatherford and Palko are fairly evident. Then there are the reaches like highly touted defensive tackle Walter Thomas, who only lasted about 15 minutes through the first practice last year.

Other Saints who made an NFL roster via the undrafted free agent route include defensive tackle Hollis Thomas, running back Aaron Stecker, cornerback Randall Gay, wide receiver David Patten, left guard Jamar Nesbit, defensive tackle Antwan Lake, safety Kevin Kaesviharn, linebacker Troy Evans, wide receiver Terrance Copper, tight end Ronnie Ghent, safety Chris Reis, wide receiver Lance Moore and tight end Mark Campbell.

The practices are closed to the public and only a snippet of one practice will be open to the media.