The New Orleans Saints opened training camp presented by Verizon at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on Thursday. The first practice was closed to the public. The players were in helmets and shorts for the just over two-hour workout. Coach Sean Payton said he was pleased with Day 1 and compared the format with the heavy teaching that occurs during OTAs and mini camp during the offseason. Here are a few observations from practice No. 1:

1. The most important observation of the day was noting the health of the roster at the start of camp. Wide receiver Brandon Coleman and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui are the only two players on the Physically Unable to Perform list. They both worked through rehab off to the side. All other players who either had injuries related to late last season or this offeseason, or who missed some part of OTAs or mini camp were available. That list includes Michael Thomas, Alex Okafor, Cameron Meredith, Marcus Davenport and Andrus Peat. 
2. We've heard a lot of about the lofty expectations for the Saints from those analyzing the team from outside of the Saints' facility. There apparently has been a lot of talk about those lofty expectations inside the building, too. Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore said part of the message delivered to the team on the eve of camp was, "To prove those expectations right." Lattimore said that often the feeling is to prove people wrong, but the opposite may be the better approach in this situation.
3. As the Saints defensive secondary started its work Thursday, I couldn't help but remember how many times in recent memory I had so many questions floating through my mind (???????) about the position group. Thursday, it was more like (!!!!!!). It's a very impressive group and easy to get excited about a number of the players. The addition of Kurt Coleman could be a key ingredient to watch during the coming weeks. His leaderships skills already stand out.