Saints need youth and speed on D

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Outside Linebacker
James Allen and Derrick Rodgers are expected to return, but ideally both have to compete for a starting job. Rodgers, who turns 34 this year, is coming off a season-ending back injury and hasn't made enough big plays when he's been healthy. While Allen is more likely to hold onto his starting job, he frequently gets caught out of position.

Colby Bockwoldt and Levar Fisher, an unrestricted free agent who signed during the offseason, should provide good depth. However, neither is ready to compete for a starting role. Fisher missed all of last year with a knee injury and Bockwoldt, who lacks ideal athletic ability, may never develop into a quality every-down player.

New Orleans needs a linebacker capable of pushing Allen and/or Rodgers, and it should be able to find one in the early rounds of the draft.

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