Saints Training Camp: Top 10 Storylines
 

NEW ORLEANS -- My Top 10 storylines on the eve of training camp. Players report July 25.

1. A MAGNET WITH NO NAME! That's how Coach Sean Payton described the team's depth chart at left tackle during the offseason. With the departure of free agent left tackle Jermon Bushrod to the Chicago Bears, the Saints must find a replacement from among three candidates: the oft-injured Charles Brown, third-round draft pick Terron Armstead and veteran Jason Smith, a perceived bust after being selected by the St. Louis Rams with the second overall pick in the 2009 draft. My bet is on Armstead before all is said and done.

2. RYAN FOR THE DEFENSE! Rob Ryan becomes the Saints' third different defensive coordinator in as many seasons, succeeding Steve Spagnuolo who was fired after his unit yielded the most yards in NFL history (7,042) in 2012. Spags' read-and-react 4-3 scheme has been scrapped in favor of Ryan's blitzing, attacking 3-4 scheme, reminiscent of the style employed by DC Gregg Williams from 2009 through 2011 before his fall from grace. This is Ryan's third team in four seasons (Oakland, Dallas and now NO).

3. PRESSURE POINTS! In Ryan's new-look defense, inquiring minds want to know where will the pressure come from and who will lead the charge on opposing quarterbacks? Junior Galette? Will Smith? Cam Jordan? Martez Wilson? Jordan led the team with eight sacks in 2012 and might be poised for a breakout season. The sudden loss of free agent outside linebacker Victor Butler to a torn ACL in OTAs certainly didn't help matters.


4. HE'S BACK! -- Coach Sean Payton returns after an unprecedented year's suspension for his role in the Bounty scandal. He returns as one of sports highest-paid coaches, armed with a five-year, $39.5 million deal, compliments of owner Tom Benson. Without question, getting Payton back is the team's No. 1 off-season move.

SAINTS ON THE BUBBLE 1.0
LT Charles Brown - Make or break season for second-round pick in 2010 who has finished two of his NFL seasons on IR. Time for him to step up and justify second-round pick.

SS Roman Harper - Will be pushed hard to keep starting job; might be looking at a reduced role.

CB Patrick Robinson - If reports are accurate that he suffered off-season knee injury (NFL Network analyst Darren Sharper on WWL radio), P-Rob might not be ready to open training camp. That would not be good news for an already thin position.

OLB Will Smith - Oldest original Saint on team with nine seasons in Black and Gold. Took a pay cut to remain with team; due $3 million base in '13. Will be asked to play stand-up OLB in 3-4.

LB Chris Chamberlain - A Spagnuolo-influenced signing who missed last season with a torn ACL.

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Re: Saints Training Camp: Top 10 Storylines
 

My top story line..........Drew throws for 5000 yards and we run for over 1600 yards.