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Here are five things Saints coaches could be looking for during the three-day camp, which is closed for the most part to media — except for a 30-minute window Saturday — and in its entirety to fans:

1. Where will first-round pick Kenny Vaccaro line up?
During a four-year career at Texas, Vaccaro filled a number of roles while starting games at free and strong safety and outside and middle linebacker. The Saints envision him playing either safety spot as well as the nickel back when they go to five defensive backs, so they’ll be eager to get their first extended look at him.

2. Does Terron Armstead have a chance to start at l eft tackle?
The Saints need a new left tackle after Pro Bowler Jermon Bushrod left in free agency, so Armstead will get an early opportunity to see whether he can be the man and beat out Charles Brown. While Armstead is raw and unpolished, he started the last 32 games of his career at left tackle and soared up the draft charts with rare speed and quickness for a 6-foot-5, 304-pounder.

3. Can massive John Jenkins help plug up the middle at defensive tackle?
The players won’t practice in pads, so they won’t get a chance to see how Jenkins could help a defense that gave up 147.6 rushing yards per game and 5.3 yards per attempt last fall. What they’ll get a good grasp on is Jenkins’ work ethic and how he manages his 6-4, 359-pound frame, although coach Sean Payton said the coaches expect him to play at between 340 and 345.

4. Do the Saints have another small-school gem in Rufus Johnson?
Like Armstead, Johnson, who played at Division II Tarleton State, exhibited 4.72-second speed in the 40-yard dash during pre-draft workouts and caught the eye of several teams. Johnson is a solid pass rusher who had 10 sacks last year, and the Saints believe the 272-pounder has the speed and ability to make the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker to help at a critical position in the new 3-4 scheme.

5. Which undrafted free agents will impress?
The early favorites are Tulane quarterback Ryan Griffin and Stanford linebacker Chase Thomas. Griffin threw for more than 9,000 yards in college, and many think he has the skills and ability to earn a roster spot — although he likely will be ticketed for the practice squad if the Saints like what they see. Thomas was projected as a third- or fourth-round pick but inexplicably fell through the cracks; he’ll be motivated to prove people wrong.

Five things to watch at Saints rookie minicamp | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

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