We now turn back to the defensive side of the ball in our absurdly premature examination of New Orleans Saints roster by looking at the safety position. All of the names we're going to discuss today should be familiar to you.
There are seven players currently set to compete for a job this summer/fall. We're ignoring any free agency or lockout implications that exist or may arise in the near future and assuming everyone get's re-signed. Make the jump to see exactly who's currently listed on the roster and to get my opinion on where they stand as far as their chances of making the team this year. Of course I want to hear your opinions on the subject as well.
Definite
Malcolm Jenkins, Roman Harper
This one is a no-brainer. Jenkins and Harper are the returning starters at both free and strong safety. They are both locks to make the final roster. Moving on...
Likely
Darren Sharper, Chris Reis
I think Payton and the coaching staff have a hard on for Chris Reis. He's the new Steve Gleason, which means he's got a great work ethic and he's a special teams stud. Sharper has actually been giving thought to retiring but all the extra time off because of the lockout has allowed him more time to heal his knee injury. If he returns, I think he's a member of the 2011 Saints.
On the Bubble
Usama Young, Pierson Prioleau, Matt Giordano
All three of these guys could go either way, though I would give Young and Prioleau better odds than Giordano. I think this battle here will be an interesting one when training camp actually begins and it's the subject of our poll below.
Longshot
None
I really wouldn't consider any of the Saints currently listed on the roster as a longshot. The three players mentioned directly above all have at least a little experience with the team already.