Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

(Mike Triplett)
Current depth chart:

G Jahri Evans. Age 30, signed through 2016. 2014 salary and bonuses: $7.5 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $11 million.

G Ben Grubbs. Age 29, signed through 2016. 2014 salary and bonuses: $6.1 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $9.1 million.

C Brian de la Puente. Age 28, unrestricted free agent.

G/C Tim Lelito. Age 24, scheduled to become unrestricted free agent in 2016. 2014 salary and bonuses: $495,000. 2014 salary-cap number: $496,666.

Analysis:

I don't expect the Saints to make dramatic changes here in 2014. All three starters played very well during the second half of the 2013 season after struggling early in the year, and they were at their best in the playoffs. I think guards Evans and Grubbs both wound up earning their trips to the Pro Bowl -- and I expect both of them to stay in New Orleans, despite the fact that they're set to earn some monster salaries.

However, the Saints need to start re-stocking the shelves. There's a good chance that they'll lose de la Puente in free agency, unless they can get him back at a very affordable rate. And both Evans and Grubbs will be 30 by the start of next season.

The Saints like what they have in young backup Tim Lelito, who earned a roster spot last year as an undrafted free agent from Grand Valley State. Lelito made two spot starts at left guard -- struggling mightily the first time in Week 3 against Arizona, but holding up very well the second time in Week 12 at Atlanta. However, Lelito will have to prove that he can make the transition to being a full-time center to earn a starting job.

Even if Lelito proves ready to step into the job, the Saints will need to find a reliable young backup who can develop into a future starter. So they could certainly look at these spots early in the draft, if not free agency.

As for de la Puente, I'm not sure what his market value will be as a free agent. He struggled a bit early last season, but he finished strong. And he was excellent in both 2011 and 2012. The 6-3, 306-pounder was part of one of the greatest offenses in NFL history in 2011 when he was first thrust into the starting lineup. And he has been versatile as a pass protector, run blocker and screen-pass blocker in the Saints' multiple offense. ... It may depend on how many teams have a strong need at the center position.

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Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

I want a big ,stout, mean, nasty run blocking, pass protecting monster Center.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

So do I! Let's draft one.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

Without looking, name the last O-lineman we drafted that started right away.

Hint: it was over 7 years ago.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

Evans?

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

we are getting old and we have not drafted to well over the past few years. this line needs to be restocked big time over the next three years.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

Correct, Tennent, Tiller, Bushrod, Jones, Brown, Strief all took time. Even Nicks and Armstead took a few games

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

Evans might go down as one of our top 5 draft picks ever.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

I'm ready for a center with a nasty disposition that can back it up on the field.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 4 Center/guard
 

I do agree!!