Kamara eager to improve versatility in 3rd season

An even more versatile Alvin Kamara is a dangerous thought for NFL defenses.

Already one of the most difficult players to defend, the New Orleans Saints running back is focused on adding different facets to his game this offseason.

"I'm so anxious to see like, 'What else?' You know what I'm saying? What else could I do? Where else could I line up? How else could I be successful? That's the best part of this profession for me," Kamara said on Friday, according to Glenn Guilbeau of the Lafayette Daily Advertiser. "What's the next step you're going to take? 'OK, he was good last year. How are you going to prove that you are what you are?'"

Though Kamara said he hit a rookie wall in 2017, he leaned on quarterback Drew Brees to improve his understanding of the Saints' offense, and to read defenses better.

"From my first year to now, there were a lot of things I was trying to figure out," Kamara said. "I took a step back and was like, 'All right, well, if I want to be the best, then I've got to know what the best knows.' And I think Drew is probably one of the (smartest) - if not the smartest - people playing football right now. I can only get better if I know as much as Drew or try to be on the same page at least as Drew."

The Pro Bowler has been successful as a runner and receiver early in his career. Still just 23 years old, Kamara has totaled 31 touchdowns in 31 games, averaged 5.1 yards per carry, and amassed 81 receptions in each of his first two NFL campaigns.

"I don't feel like a vet," he said. "It's my third year, but it's been quick. I still feel like I consider myself a younger guy still. But my rookie year, it was more like, 'Shoot, I hope I don't mess up.' Now, I'm smart. I'll say I'm an A-plus. I'm in the top percentile right now."

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