Watson a promising rookie for the Saints

Completing negotiations with a promising rookie who is expected to immediately battle for a starting spot, the New Orleans Saints have signed LB Courtney Watson to a five-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. Watson, the Saints' second pick in the second round (60th overall), was a three-year starter at inside linebacker for Notre Dame. He was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker, after recording a team-high 117 tackles (69 solo), 3.5 sacks, 15 stops for losses and a pair of interceptions in 2003. As a junior, he was one of three finalists for the Butkus Award and a first-team All-American choice. "Getting Courtney to agree to a contract was a priority because we believe he can be a factor in the competition for the starting job at middle linebacker," said Loomis. "What he needs is the experience that comes with repetitions, so he couldnt afford to miss any of training camp." A starter for his final 32 games for the Irish, Watson (6-foot-1, 246 pounds) was called "everything you would want in a leader" by Notre Dame Coach Tyrone Willingham. In his college career, Watson posted 294 stops (163 solo) and 8.5 sacks. He returned two of his seven career interceptions for touchdowns, and averaged 28.9 yards per return.

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