New Orleans Saints Release First Depth Chart With Several Surprises
Over a week into training camp, the New Orleans Saints released their first depth chart of 2014. Several surprises stand out among a common theme.
When the chart is unveiled every summer, it is typically dominated by veterans at the top of the chart. This year is no different, as wide receiver Robert Meachem (pictured) is listed atop the wide receiver depth chart. Meachem missed several practices of camp with a tight back. Second year wide receiver Kenny Stills, who many project to start opposite Marques Colston, has missed nearly all of training camp after pulling his quad on day 1.
Rookie first round pick Brandin Cooks is listed as the 5th receiver on the depth chart, but in reality, Cooks will be heavily featured in the 2014 offense.
On a similar note, cornerback Champ Bailey is listed first on the cornerback depth chart, alongside Keenan Lewis. Bailey has missed the last several days of training camp and was spotted working on the stationary bike this afternoon. Head coach Sean Payton said he will not discuss any injuries related to Bailey. Point being, Bailey likely isn't running with the first team in Friday's preseason opener at St. Louis. As a veteran, he ranks high on the list.
One exception appears to be veteran running back Pierre Thomas who is not listed as the top tailback. Mark Ingram finds himself atop the running back depth chart, followed by second-year pro Khiry Robinson. Thomas is third, followed by Travaris Cadet.
The only position who lists two players first on the depth chart is Center. Both Jonathan Goodwin and Tim Lelito share the OR between their names. Payton noted last week that the battle for starting Center will likely last the entire preseason.
On another note, rookie Khairi Fortt, who played inside linebacker at Cal, is listed as an outside linebacker.
The opening depth chart never looks the same in Week 1. Don't put too much stock into this initial release.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
POS FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
WR Marques Colston, Nick Toon, Brandin Cooks
LT Terron Armstead, Bryce Harris, Tavon Rooks
LG Ben Grubbs, Senio Kelemete, Jason Weaver
C Tim Lelito OR Jonathan Goodwin, Matt Armstrong
RG Jahri Evans, Marcel Jones, Manase Foketi
RT Zach Strief, Thomas Welch, Ty Nsekhe
TE Jimmy Graham, Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill
QB Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Ryan Griffin
FB Erik Lorig, Austin Johnson
RB Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson, Pierre Thomas
WR Robert Meachem, Kenny Stills, Andy Tanner
DEFENSE
POS FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
LDE Akiem Hicks, Tyrunn Walker, George Uko
NT Brodrick Bunkley, John Jenkins, Brandon Deaderick
RDE Cameron Jordan, Glenn Foster, Rufus Johnson Jr.
OLB Junior Galette, Keyunta Dawson, Victor Butler
ILB David Hawthorne, Kyle Knox, Todd Davis
ILB Curtis Lofton, Ramon Humber, Kevin Reddick
OLB Parys Haralson, Khairi Fortt, Ronald Powell
LCB Keenan Lewis, Corey White, Trevin Wade
SS Kenny Vaccaro, Vinnie Sunseri, Marcus Ball
FS Jairus Byrd, Rafael Bush, Pierre Warren
RCB Champ Bailey, Patrick Robinson, Stanley Jean-Baptiste
SPECIAL TEAMS
POS FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
P Thomas Morstead
K Shayne Graham, Derek Dimke
LS Justin Drescher
H Luke McCown
PR Travaris Cadet, Brandin Cooks, Charles Hawkins
KR Travaris Cadet, Brandin Cooks, Charles Hawkins
KO Thomas Morstead, Shayne Graham, Derek Dimke