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The New Orleans Saints currently have eight picks in the NFL Draft to improve the roster, leaving plenty of maneuver room without many holes on the roster.
Linebacker, on the surface, appears set ahead of the draft when considering the addition of Demario Davis through free agency.
But the biggest takeaway from the 2017 offseason showed position coach Mike Nolan enjoyed strong competition at all three starting positions and it carried through the end of training camp and through the preseason.
The Saints sit near the bottom of the first round with the 27th overall pick and don’t have a second-round pick, but the latter scenario could change during the draft with a trade, of course.
With the draft on the horizon, here’s an overview of where the linebacker position stands and potential targets during the league’s annual three-day selection process.



Saints depth chart
A.J. Klein
Craig Robertson
Manti Te’o
Demario Davis
Nate Stupar
Alex Anzalone
Michael Mauti
Adam Bighill (reserve/future)
Jayrone Elliott (reserve/future)
Shayne Skov (reserve/future)
Sae Tautu (reserve/future)

Potential Day 1 (first round) selections
Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
Harold Landry, Boston College
Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
Rashaan Evans, Alabama
Lorenzo Carter, Georgia

Potential Day 2 (rounds 2-3) selections
Uchenna Nwosu, Southern California
Shaquem Griffin, Central Florida
Josh Sweat, FSU
Jerome Baker, Ohio State

Potential Day 3 (rounds 4-7) selections
Genard Avery, Memphis
Jeff Holland, Auburn
Hercules Mataafa, Washington State
Mike McCray, Michigan

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K Major

Alex Anzalone needs to prove me wrong that he isn't "injury prone".

ChrisXVI

Incredibly he’s never played more than 8 games a season in his career.

K Major

XVI, that's concerning for me. Constantly missing time due to injuries ... this is why I hope we draft another linebacker. Then factor end vets - Stupar (s/t ace) & Klein who weren't healthy towards the end of last season.

I hope we target another WILL LB in the draft. A Fred Warner (BYU) type backer lined up next to newly signed FA Davis (he almost never misses work) would be nice.

Side note - Robertson & Teo ... two really good depth players.

ChrisXVI

There are plenty of really good weak side LB options in this draft. You and I have both wanted Rashaan Evans for months... That guy just flows to the ball with bad intentions.

What could Mike Nolan do with Malik Jefferson? Could he help Jefferson put it all together?

halloween 65

I'm not sold on Anzalone at all, I think an upgrade is definately needed there, hurt or not.

K Major

On day 3 (his stock has fallen as of late) of the draft ... I'd be interested. UT faithful said exactly what you say ...he just never put it all together on game day. Production never matched his athletic ability but I do believe Nolan could really help develop his game. Not sure if you can teach instincts (he lacks) though.

Players like Jefferson, Jerome Baker or Fred Warner could be on the Saints radar.

Rugby Saint II

Nah.........I'm satisfied with our starters and our depth. We may not have the top line backing core but we are above average and need to invest in other areas Like O-line and D-line.