Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams had some very interesting things to say about safety Darren Sharper when he met with the New Orleans media on Thursday.

Sharper

Back when the Saints signed Sharper, 33, in the offseason, I heard a lot of rumblings around the league that he was washed up. I even had a couple of personnel guys speculate that Sharper wouldn’t be on the opening-day roster and wouldn’t make it out of training camp. Apparently, Williams heard the same forecasts of gloom.

“There are a lot of people, and I’m not accusing anybody here, but there are a lot of people in the media and a lot of personnel people in the National Football League that thought he was washed up,’’ Williams said. “They didn’t think we made a very good decision bringing him here. Look how young he looks and I think as you look and see the plays he’s made, the game changing plays he’s made, I’m more proud of his tackling. I’m more proud of his contact. I’m more proud of his leadership behind the scenes.’’

The Saints should be very proud of Sharper. He’s made a huge impact on their rebuilt defense and he has five interceptions. He also was looking very young following Thursday’s practice.

“It’s looks like he can play for quite a while right now,’’ Williams said. "He’s out there racing corners. That’s why I was late coming over here. He was over there racing our corners in the 40-yard dash. I was hoping he wasn’t going to pull up here. Let’s not get too young out there racing some of our young boys. That’s the fun part of it. Attitude is everything.’’