New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The New Orleans Saints Depth Chart has enough talent on the surface to get the team back into the playoffs.
While the starters listed on the New Orleans Saints Depth Chart are solid, they lack depth in other area that could potentially derail their season. A lot will depend on the development of some younger players.
Quarterback
Starter: Drew Brees
Backups: Luke McCown and Garrett Grayson
Drew Brees is back for another run with the Saints. He’s been very durable over the years which means its’ unlikely we’ll see the backups get into the mix. However, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Garrett Grayson during the preseason.
Running Back
Starter: Mark Ingram
Backups: CJ Spiller, Tim Hightower and Daniel Lasco
Mark Ingram is the bell-cow and will get a large majority of the work. He’s a better pass catcher than most realize which could limit Spiller’s playing time. Don’t overlook Tim Hightower who had a really strong run at the end of the year.
Fullback
Starter: Austin Johnson
Wide Receiver
Starters: Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas
No. 3: Willie Snead
Backups: Brandon Coleman, Vincent Brown and Reggie Bell
Michael Thomas should easily grab one of the starting receiver spots despite being a rookie. His size is something Bradin Cooks and Willie Snead lack. Overall, this is a solid group that could make some noise if Thomas quickly picks up the offense.
Tight End
Starter: Coby Fleener
Backups: Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui
Coby Fleener has the natural skills needed to be a difference maker in the passing game. The Saints are hoping to unlock that potential under Sean Payton. New Orleans match an offer sheet for Josh Hill which means he’s likely to remain in the game plan.
Left Tackle
Starter: Terron Armstead
Backups: Andrus Peat and Tyrus Thompson
Terron Armstead has quickly transitioned from an “athlete” to one of the better left tackles in the NFL. He’s still working on his craft and will only get better.
Left Guard
Starter: Senio Kelemete
Backups: Tim Lelito, Kaleb Eulls and Landon Turner
There will be some competition for the starting left guard spot with Senio Kelemete the leader in the clubhouse. Keep an eye on undrafted free agent Landon Turner as someone who makes a surprise run at the job.
Center
Starter: Max Unger
Backup: Jack Allen
Max Unger continues to play at a high level and is the leader of this offensive line group.
Right Guard
Starter: Andrus Peat
Backups: Tim Lelito, Kaleb Eulls and Landon Turner
Andrus Peat is slowly developing into a solid contributor who is still working to adjust to the guard position.
Right Tackle
Starter: Zach Strief
Backups: Andrus Peat and Tyrus Thompson
Zach Strief is a veteran presence who has played well enough to hold off some younger talent. Look for Peat to get the first crack at the right tackle job if Strief is forced out of the lineup.
Defensive End
Starters: Cameron Jordan and Kasim Edebali
Backups: David Onyemata, Bobby Richardson and Obum Gwacham
Cameron Jordan is entrenched as a starter and arguably the most talented defender on the team. The other starting job is up for grabs with Kasim Edebali a good bet to win the competition.
Edebali shows a lot of promise last year and will look to earn a bigger role.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Sheldon Rankins and Nick Fairley
Backups: John Jenkins, Tyeler Davison and Lawrence Virgil
The Saints are expecting big things from Sheldon Rankins in his rookie season. He and Nick Fairley have a chance to be a disruptive presence in the middle of the defense. John Jenkins will see most of his action in obvious running situations.
SAM Linebacker
Starter: Stephone Anthony
Backups: Davis Tull and Craig Robertson
Stephone Anthony had a solid rookie season but will need some time to adjust to his new position. Athletically, he has the tools to play any of the three linebacker spots.
Middle Linebacker
Starter: James Laurinaitis
Backups: Michael Mauti and Nathan Stupar
James Laurinaitis was an under the radar signing which provides the Saints with some veteran leadership. His addition allowed the Saints to bump Stephone Anthony outside– effectively improve two positions.
WILL Linebacker
Starter: Dannell Ellerbe
Backups: Davis Tull and Craig Robertson
Dannell Ellerbe rebounded nicely last year and will be counted on to perform. Davis Tull is a great athlete who’s the first man up should an injury occur.
Cornerback
Starters: Delvin Breaux and Keenan Lewis
Nickelback: PJ Williams
Backups: Damiam Swann, Kyle Wilson and Brian Dixon
Delvin Breaux was a nice surprise last year, but the Saints need Keenan Lewis to return to form. Otherwise, they’ll be counting on unknown commodities like PJ Williams and Damian Swann.
Safety
Starters: Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd
Backups: Vonn Bell and Roman Harper
Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd will head into training camp as the starters, but look for Vonn Bell to get a look should one of the starters struggle. It’s also possible that Bell gets some time at cornerback.