New Orleans Saints Projected 53-Man Roster

With only one preseason game remaining, and after a couple of new additions, it's time to make some more predictions on what the 53-man roster might look like for the New Orleans Saints when they open up their 2016 regular season schedule on Sunday, September 11, against the Oakland Raiders.

QUARTERBACK: (3)

Drew Brees, Luke McCown, and Garrett Grayson:

McCown looked better against the Texans, and he took a step back against the Steelers. It might be a little frustrating to keep three quarterbacks, but the bottom line is that Grayson probably hasn’t shown enough to make them comfortable just keeping two.

RUNNING BACK: (5)

Mark Ingram, Tim Hightower, C.J. Spiller, Daniel Lasco, John Kuhn

Same as last week. Spiller looks like he might have his burst back. Marcus Murphy has continued to have his issues hanging on to the football, and Travaris Cadet just seems to be stuck behind Lasco. This is a tough position to project, as seven could have NFL jobs in 2016, but only five, and possibly six, will have a job with the Saints.

RECEIVER: (5)

Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Michael Thomas, Tommylee Lewis, Brandon Coleman

No change here from last week. Keep in mind; the Saints opened 2015 with only four receivers. Coleman’s stock has dropped, but I think the Saints want to keep his size, at least for now.

TIGHT END: (3)

Coby Fleener, Josh Hill, Chris Manhertz

The change from last week has Manhertz making the team, with Michael Hoomanawanui being put on IR. The Saints will almost certainly keep three tight ends.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: (9)

Terron Armstead, Tim Lelito, Max Unger, Andrus Peat, Zach Strief, Senio Kelemete, Khalif Barnes, Jack Allen, Landon Turner, Joseph Creek

The Saints signed Barnes on Monday, and while he certainly is no guarantee to make the squad, he gets the benefit of the doubt this week, if only by default. Does he have anything left?

This is probably the most difficult position to project, and things could certainly change, quickly. The Saints’ offensive line issues in training camp have been discussed greatly, and it’s quite possible that at least one other linemen currently on another team will be with the Saints when the season opens.

DEFENSIVE LINE: (9)

Cam Jordan, Nick Fairley, John Jenkins, Kasim Edebali, C.J. Wilson, David Onyemata, Obum Gwacham, Tyeler Davison, and Chris McCain.

I suspect that Sheldon Rankins will begin the year on the IR, and will be the one player they can activate from the IR, when he is healthy, hopefully for game five of the season.

The changes from last week are that McCain, who the Saints traded for on Monday, is on the list, as is Jenkins.

This position is intriguing, with Bobby Richardson, Davis Tull, and Darryl Tapp all possibilities as well.

LINEBACKERS: (6)

Stephone Anthony, James Laurinaitis, Dannell Ellerbe, Craig Robertson, Nate Stupar, Michael Mauti

No changes here. Mauti is certainly on the bubble here. If the Saints keep six linebackers, he stays, if they only keep five, then he gets cut. Five would make them a little thin at the position, so I think they’ll keep six.

CORNERBACKS: (5)

Delvin Breaux, P.J. Williams, De’Vante Harris, Ken Crawley, Damian Swann

Swann may be in some danger, but his upside is way too big. Cortland Finnegan is an insurance policy. Brian Dixon is the guy who could put Swann's spot in jeopardy.

SAFTIES: (5)

Kenny Vaccaro, Jairus Byrd, Vonn Bell, Erik Harris, Roman Harper

No surprises here, and no changes.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Connor Barth (place-kicker), Thomas Morstead (punter), Justin Drescher (long snapper)