CRASH COURSE: Rookie running back Alvin Kamaraalready has experienced the increase in tempo during practice now that the veterans are participating. "They know what's going on, they've been seasoned, they know the plays and they know what Coach Payton wants," the third-round pick said. But his development is being accelerated by post-practice work with quarterback Drew Brees. "He's real good about just working with me," Kamara said. "I've got a lot of questions and he's real responsive. He lets me know what I need to know – just about positioning on certain plays, routes, things like that. (I'm) trying to get in and get some film work in with him. He says whatever I need, just hit him up."

BACK ON THE GRIND: Cornerback P.J. Williams, who finished last season on injured reserve due to a concussion he received in the second game of the season, is back on the scene (now wearing No. 26; safety Rafael Bushhas returned and is wearing his familiar No. 25, which Williams wore last year). Williams worked his way into the starting lineup last offseason, so his return promises to bolster the Saints' secondary. ""Feeling good," he said. "Been working hard this offseason, and looking forward to this season. I'm just looking forward to getting it all going." Williams said he has had no lingering effects and that he's not concerned about future concussions. "That was my first concussion, ever," he said. "I feel like the way I play, that shouldn't happen. So I'm not thinking about that at all."

THE STATESMAN: In terms of Saints service, 26-year-old safety Kenny Vaccarois the most-tenured member of the secondary, which includes 20-year-old rookie safety Marcus Williams, 21-year-old rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimoreand 23-year-old P.J. Williams, who played two NFL games in his first two seasons. Vaccaro does his part to mentor, but also is careful to not step out of bounds. "A.G. (secondary coach Aaron Glenn) is doing a good job staying on top with those guys, extra meetings," Vaccaro said. "I just try to give a pointer here and there when I can. I don't want to be the vet that thinks he knows it all, because I don't have all the answers myself. I'm still learning, I'm still growing as a player in this league. So I try to help them when I can."