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Notes
- While none of the three are up there when it comes to high quality or elite players, the Saints' top three running backs are all impressive enough to be considered good starters. That's going to make the competition for snaps all the more interesting, with Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller and Khiry Robinson all capable of being a big part of the Saints' offense.
- What's concerning for Drew Brees, however, is what's happened to the pass catchers this offseason. Jimmy Graham, who may not be a complete tight end but is up there with the best in the league as a receiver, was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, and wide receiver Kenny Stills was jettisoned to Miami. They were the only two tight ends or wide receivers to finish 2014 with a positive grade as a receiver. Hopes will be high that Brandin Cooks can improve on his rookie season, and it's important that he does.
- The Saints' defensive backfield has two players who are at least above average, in cornerback Keenan Lewis and safety Jairus Byrd. The problem is that outside of that there are concerns. Kenny Vaccaro hasn't developed as many hoped he would, while new addition at cornerback Brandon Browner comes with the physicality many teams like, but that also leads to a high number of penalties.
- How they line up at linebacker, provided they stay in a predominantly 4-3 defense, will be interesting. Dannell Ellerbe struggled in Miami, but the other options at middle linebacker are complete unknowns. On the outside, first-round draft pick Stephone Anthony figures to have a big role from Day 1, and fellow rookie Hau'oli Kikaha will push for playing time, too, either competing with Parys Haralson for snaps, or seeing plenty in sub-packages as a pass rusher.
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