Saints HC Dennis Allen discusses important camp competition at linebacker

The New Orleans Saints have a clear depth chart hole as of right now on defense. At linebacker, Demario Davis and Pete Werner headline the position. Davis is a top-five LB in the NFL, and Werner is an emerging stud that still has even more room for growth. Behind those two, there is a large […]

Adam Holt NFL News Writer
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The New Orleans Saints have a clear depth chart hole as of right now on defense. At linebacker, Demario Davis and Pete Werner headline the position. Davis is a top-five LB in the NFL, and Werner is an emerging stud that still has even more room for growth. Behind those two, there is a large question mark for off-ball linebacker. Currently, the top listed options are Nephi Sewell and D'Marco Jackson. Neither player has had a consistent NFL role so far in their career. The depth behind those two is completely unproven, too. 

Accordingly, the competition during camp at linebacker is the largest on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Dennis Allen confirmed that on Wednesday. 

It's good to see that Allen notices the potential hole on the roster that remains as of right now. The Saints hosted LB Anthony Barr on a visit this week, but no contract came from that as of yet. They remain in communications, but I would not hold my breath on that. 

Not to mention, it shows the importance of the preseason before the regular season starts. Jobs can be won, and linebacker remains one that will need a boost for New Orleans. 

Damien Lewis, Jayon Brown, and Blake Cashman are potential free-agent LBs that could be on the Saints' radar. There's not too many proven players at the position left in the pool, though. That's the bad news for the Saints.

Regardless, the Saints may have to hope a guy on the roster emerges to be the third guy for the rotation to begin the season. Only time will tell. 

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