TheOak

A look at the New Orleans Saints' projected offensive depth chart as it stands today:

QB – Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Ryan Griffin

RB – Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson, Travaris Cadet

FB – Erik Lorig, Austin Johnson

WR1 – Marques Colston, Nick Toon, Andy Tanner

WR2 – Kenny Stills, Joe Morgan, Chris Givens, Charles Hawkins

TE – Jimmy Graham, Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill

LT – Terron Armstead, Marcel Jones

LG – Ben Grubbs, Senio Kelemete

C – Tim Lelito

RG – Jahri Evans

RT – Zach Strief, Bryce Harris, Ty Nsekhe

Thoughts: There are two holes the Saints still need to address. The most important is the interior line, where I still expect the Saints to sign a veteran center (either re-signing Brian de la Puente or adding a short-term solution like Jonathan Goodwin). Maybe Tim Lelito can wind up winning a starting job at center. But even so, the Saints need some depth behind him and Pro Bowl guards Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs. I think the Saints will add an interior lineman somewhere in the draft, as coach Sean Payton suggested last week during his media session at the NFL meetings.

The next priority is wide receiver. I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Saints add a veteran to the mix to at least compete for a roster spot. Re-signing Robert Meachem would fill that void. The Saints have also shown interest in veteran Sidney Rice as a possibility. Either way, I also expect the Saints to draft a receiver at some point this year since the rookie class is so loaded with talent -- maybe even in Round 1. The Saints could use a dynamic playmaker to rotate into the mix right away and develop into a future starter.

Next on the list might be a backup left tackle. I like Bryce Harris' potential, and he already served as the “swing” backup at both tackle spots last year. But he projects as more of a right tackle, and the same goes for less-experienced backup Marcel Jones.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Saints draft a tight end since veteran backup Benjamin Watson is getting older. But they are high on the potential of second-year pro Josh Hill. And it wouldn't be shocking to see the Saints draft a running back, even though they're loaded with depth right now. Mark Ingram is scheduled to be a free agent next year, and Pierre Thomas is 29.

I think it's too early for the Saints to invest a high draft pick on a young quarterback, though. For one thing, Drew Brees probably has at least three or four good years left. For another thing, the Saints like the potential of second-year pro Ryan Griffin. Payton, however, did say that the Saints are always on the lookout for young talent at quarterback when he addressed that topic last week.

Analyzing Saints depth chart: Offense - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN