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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Colby Bockwoldt lined up at middle linebacker when the New Orleans Saints began their weekend mini-camp. By the end of five practices over three days, Bockwoldt had lined up at all three linebacker positions, as had all of the Saints' other linebackers.

New coach Sean Payton and his staff want to see all of the linebackers at all positions so they can select the best combination, regardless of where they played previously.

Bockwoldt started at weakside linebacker last season. Strongside starter Sedrick Hodge signed with Miami as a free agent, and middle linebacker Courtney Watson is now backup after New Orleans signed Scott Fujita and Anthony Simmons as free agents.

"We've acquired some players because it was an area we felt like we needed to improve and whether or not it's finished there, it's probably too early to say," Payton said. "Some of these guys we've been able to sign we're getting a good look at now and some have more experience than others."

Bockwoldt made the team on special teams as a seventh-round draft choice in 2004 and worked his way into the starting lineup by the end of the season.

"For me, I'm treating this year as my rookie season," Bockwoldt said. "There's a whole new coaching staff. They don't know me from Joe Schmoe. It's a whole new scheme. I've never played in a different scheme. I've always been with the Saints. So for me this is my first year. I have to go out there, be serious, play hard, learn a new scheme, put in extra film time, extra football work."

Fujita started the last eight games for the Cowboys last season. He was acquired in a trade with Kansas City prior to the season after playing three seasons with the Chiefs.

"This a fresh start for me with all these new players and the new coaches; it's a fresh start for them as well," Fujita said. "Any knocks that have been on any players or any positions on this team, everybody gets a new chance. That's what's so exciting about this, to start something from the ground up."

Simmons is a nine-year veteran who missed all of last season with the Seahawks because of a wrist injury.

"He's a guy that was a former first-round draft pick that's got good ability, can run, is excited I think to get back in the game," Payton said. "He's someone who's had experience in this league."

Notes:

The Saints re-signed kick returner/wide receiver Michael Lewis, who had been a free agent, to a three-year contract. Lewis has returned kicks for the Saints since 2001 and went to the Pro Bowl after the 2002 season. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game last season. Quarterback Drew Brees, who did not throw during the mini-camp because he's just three months removed from shoulder surgery, said he was returning to Birmingham, Ala., to resume his rehabilitation. He expects to begin throwing in about two weeks.


http://www.nola.com/sportsflash/loui...st=nola_sports