Aug 12th 2008 3:02PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, NFC SouthCarl Nicks saw character concerns damage his standing in the draft, but they’re not keeping him off the field this training camp.

Nicks, a right tackle in Nebraska, was a fifth-round selection in New Orleans who by most accounts had second- or third-round talent. Some incidents pushed him down the ladder, but he was an instant sleeper who many figured would factor into the Saints’ starting line sooner than later.

In order to put Nicks in a position to get on the field more, the Saints moved him from the crowd at tackle to left guard, where veteran Jamar Nesbit is unspectacular, steady, and can easily be improved on. Nicks has had time there and at right tackle, and got to work a little with the first team in last Thursday’s preseason opener against Arizona.

Nicks is known for his power, and the Saints could use a large presence to aid in their substandard interior run game. He’s got 15 pounds on Nesbit and his legs are eight years fresher. Physically, he’s shown capable. If he can prove himself able to handle the mental rigors of offensive line in the NFL, particularly while switching positions, there’s a good chance he’ll be starting this year.