When the Saints made a trade with the New York Jets and acquired middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma in late February to be the centerpiece of their defense, the team's fans were ecstatic.

Their only question was Vilma's health considering a knee injury that eventually led to surgery ended his 2007 season after seven games. Would the former Pro Bowl pick return and be the player that won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2004?

The Saints certainly considered the move to be low-risk since they gave up a fourth-round pick. But when the team began its Organized Team Activities (OTAs), it was already looking like the risk would turn into reward.

In the first week of the on-field coaching sessions, Saints coach Sean Payton had to pull back on Vilma's reins to make sure he wasn't doing too much while he continues his rehab from the fall surgery.

"He's participating in half a practice," Payton said last week. "He's not taking part in any of the team reps, but he's working in the individual and seven-on-seven sessions. I have been encouraged with his progress. There have not been any setbacks. It's been real positive."

When reporters were allowed to view their first session at mid-week, there were no signs of a limp and Vilma wasn't wearing any knee brace or protective sleeve on the knee.

While he didn't think there was a need for a knee brace, Vilma admitted that he wasn't 100 percent just yet. But it was easy to tell that he didn't like going half-speed.

"It's one of those things where there's no need to be out there and forcing the issue, especially when we have a couple of months ahead of us," Vilma said. "Right now it's more of a time where you just take it in stride and just gradually go ... it's really just about taking it easy. Unfortunately, I have to hold back, which is something that I don't like to do.

"I'd say I'm pretty close," Vilma said. "I'm pretty close, barring any setbacks. I should be ready to go by training camp. ... I feel good about where I am right now, but I'm not going to be satisfied until I get out there and we're playing full pads."

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