I thought I would sit down and put together projected depth charts together for each position, as of the start of training camp. A lot of this is theory, which will be either proved or disproved over the next few weeks. The chart goes through third-string; beyond that, or any error that you may perceive, is fodder for the comments section.

First of all, many thanks to Superstar Blogger SMQ, for the assistance with table making.

(Incidentally, if anybody knows a better HTML color code for Saints' Old Gold than CCB466, please let me know)

Let's look at the depth chart for the Saints offensive line:

Discussion Points:

• Across the board, the starters are strong. Brown is a Pro-Bowler, Evans possibly will be someday.
• The second-stringers are adequte on the outside and uninspiring on the inside. Should injuries happen at guard, the choices are Alleman (a rookie), Goodwin (who is the primary center backup) and Sims (who is an unproven journeyman). It's doable, but worrisome.
• Bushrod is another rookie who will probably make the team, meaning that there will be two rookie backups.

Finally, the quarterbacks:

Discussion Points:

• Brees is the starter.
• In the event of a Brees injury (knockonwood), the offense would shift into the Single Wing Offense, run by Aaron Stecker under center, with Bush, McAllister and Pittman as the primary ballcarriers. The "receivers" would be largely ornamental, save for several reverses, end arounds and option passes run each game.
• Third- and fourth-string are coaches, Payton and Martin. Despite Martin's relative youth, Payton gets the nod because he is the architect of the offense. Both are coaches-on-the-field, both in knowledge and ability.
• Fifth-string is the winner of the Palko-Fife training camp battle. This is actually a fairly significant battle in the careers of both men, because the loser will probably be cut. Right now, I have Palko leading, only because Fife clearly didn't impress enough last season to secure a spot this season.

Just so we're clear, here's the real depth chart: