Saints Camp Notes: First practice in pads bodes well for defense

Saints practice notes from Monday:

The New Orleans Saints worked in pads for the first time Monday.

The team worked for about 90 minutes and it was a good day for the defense, the winning side of many battles with the offense.

PJ Williams was a standout, forcing a fumble and picking off a pass from Jameis Winston which was tipped by wide receiver Juwan Johnson.

Missing practice were tight end Josh Hill, starting left guard Andrus Peat, linebacker Anthony Chickillo and defensive back Tino Ellis.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Hill is close to returning. There was no word offered on the others not practicing.

Payton said that Erik McCoy is working at center with rookie Cesar Ruiz at right guard but that they are switching up at times, every third repetition. Payton and Drew Brees both said Ruiz is a quick study, processing things very well.

Payton said he was pleased with Jameis Winston, saying Winston has a good work ethic and attitude to go with a live arm.

Janoris Jenkins was solid at cornerback, with a nice defense of a pass while Marshon Lattimore had an interception and defensed a pass in one-on-one drills.

Six-year veteran running back Ty Montgomery showed well, looking the part of a good receiver out of the backfield.

Seventh-round pick Tommy Stevens worked at tight end, not getting and repetitions at quarterback.

UPDATE: Starting right guard Andrus Peat missed practice with a reported hand injury.