Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

The New Orleans Saints added some talent last week during the NFL draft and when signing undrafted rookies. But how much has the team’s depth chart actually changed?

We’ll have to wait until training camp and the preseason to see how and where the rookies fit in. Yet for now it seems most of them will have a hard time earning immediate playing time.

https://www.nola.com/resizer/Jk88rmy...3CP2MV7OV4.JPG

Let’s look at a breakdown by position and some of the key position battles coming up this summer. The roster could change a bit by the time training camp begins, but here’s how it looks now:

Rookies underlined. Undrafted players added via sources and reports.

Quarterback

Drew Brees
Teddy Bridgewater
Taysom Hill
J.T. Barrett
Running back

Alvin Kamara
Latavius Murray
Dwayne Washington
Martez Carter
Devine Ozigbo
Darnell Holland
Key position battle: The No. 3 running back job behind Kamara and Murray should be hotly contested. Washington will have the edge because of his experience and special teams ability, but undrafted running backs have found a way onto the roster in the past.

Fullback

Zach Line
Tight end

Jared Cook
Josh Hill
Dan Arnold
Garrett Griffin
Alizé Mack
Jake Powell
Key position battle: Cook’s arrival pushed everyone down the depth chart, and now there will be heavy competition for No. 3 tight end. Arnold and Griffin have some experience, and Mack and Powell will try to unseat them.

Wide receiver 1

Michael Thomas
Cameron Meredith
Keith Kirkwood
Simmie Cobbs
Travin Dural
Emmanuel Butler
Wide receiver 2

Ted Ginn Jr.
Tre’Quan Smith
Austin Carr
Deonte Harris
Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Key position battle: Every wide receiver role behind Thomas is open. The Saints already have plenty of experience here, which is why they didn’t aggressively pursue another receiver in the offseason. Ginn versus Smith and Meredith versus Kirkwood will likely be the top battles, but the rookies have a chance to make it.

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Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

Top battles IMO
Center
WR
DT and DE #3 / situational
CB slot
TE

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

Going back to 2009, teams have drafted 14 centers in the first two rounds. Thirteen of those 14 started at least 10 games during their rookie seasons. The only one who didn't was Rodney Hudson, who started just one game but played in all 16 as a rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011.

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

This will be the end of the line for either Cameron Tom or Will Clapp. Nick Easton will have one of the C/G backup spots and that’ll leave one spot.

LT: Armstead, Ola
LG: Peat
C: McCoy, Easton
RG: Warford
RT: Ramczyk, Newton

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

Austin Carr could be a goner.

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

Should be a really interesting camp and make the preseason games well worth watching deep into the second half.
There will be a lot of front offices watching to see who gets cut

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

I totally agree with you sf that these will be the most hotly contested battles in training camp. The best thing is that none of them are fighting for a starting job. Let...me say...that.....again....No battles for the starting spots! Sweet!(besides center. Which, really shouldn't be much of a battle)

I am also interested in backup tackle and the third safety battles. Although Gardner may fill the slot CB spot.

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

not-so-bold predictions:
Washington, Crawley, Carr and Ginn get cut
Easton starts, McCoy plays the utility role and gets on the field a lot

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

I'd add linebacker. With Teo's departure, there's an opening.

Re: Updated Saints depth chart, key position battles after draft
 

Move Dural up that list. He was set to make the roster before his injury last year.