Defensive Tackle

It’s a bad sign when your team leader in sacks is a safety. Granted, Roman Harper’s 7.5 sacks was one of the highest totals of sacks for a defensive back ever, but the Saints did managed just 33 sacks. Their defensive tackles didn’t get much pressure at all. Both Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rogers are free agents, so they need a new defensive tackle next to Sedrick Ellis, particularly a penetrating, pass rushing defensive tackle as Ellis managed just 0.5 sacks last year.

Outside Linebacker

One of these years the Saints won’t need help at outside linebacker. Both Scott Shanle and JoLonn Dunbar struggled as the starters outside last season.

Wide Receiver

The Saints love depth at wide receiver, but now Marques Colston is a free agent and might not be resigned with Drew Brees and Carl Nicks also needing to be resigned. If he leaves, they’ll need help at the position.

 

Guard

Carl Nicks is the other free agent who will need to be replaced if he leaves. I can’t see them being able to resign both Carl Nicks and Marques Colston after resigning Drew Brees.

Defensive End

Cameron Jordan was a major disappointment at left end as a rookie, managing just 1 sack. He’ll be given another shot because he was just a rookie, but right end Will Smith is getting up there in age. Once a great pass rusher, Will Smith turns 31 this offseason and has managed just 12 sacks in the last 2 seasons combined. He’s owed a lot of money between now and 2014 so he could be a cap casualty at any kind, including, possibly, this offseason.

Tight End

Jimmy Graham is a stud, but the Saints have always utilized multiple tight ends. They didn’t really have the defense to do so last season so they could add another tight end in the late rounds.

Quarterback

Drew Brees is a free agent. He obviously needs to be resigned, but I have a hard time believing he’ll go anywhere. His backup, Chase Daniel, is a restricted free agent and might not be back. If he isn’t, they’ll need a new backup for Brees.