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New Orleans Saints training camp is quickly approaching, thankfully. To mentally prepare, we're evaluating each position group to take stock of who is on the roster and determine which players are likely and not so likely to make the final cut.
Today we start off with the running backs. Below is my evaluation of the current crop of RBs on the roster they enter training camp. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions on the subject.
Definitely
Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller
Not only is Ingram a sure thing to be the Saints starting running back this year, he's also expected to blow up and have his most incredible season to date. Only time will tell.
Spiller is new in New Orleans but a veteran running back with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He's the Darren Sproles/Reggie Bush type of back the Saints have always had in the past which means there is no way he's not on the Week 1 roster and figuring heavily in Payton's offense.
Likely
Khiry Robinson
I could probably put Robinson above in the "Definitely" category but I had to put someone here so here we are. I'd be shocked if Khiry wasn't an integral part of the Saints offense this season and even more shocked if he didn't make the team for some reason. Only an injury and/or an incredible showing from rookie Marcus Murphy could change this.
On the Bubble
Marcus Murphy, Tim Hightower
The Saints' final 2015 draft pick, Marcus Murphy, comes with a lot of hype. He's definitely the unknown x-factor in this position group. Murphy's work as a return specialist could be his golden ticket and solidify his spot on the roster.
Drafted back in 2008, Hightower joins the Saints after sitting out the last three seasons rehabilitating from a knee injury suffered in 2011. Three years out of football is a huge red flag. We shouldn't expect much from the veteran. I'm definitely not.
Longshot
Edwin Baker
Baker has been with three different NFL clubs in as many years in the league, never really making a huge impact along the way. With a few proven backs ahead of him on the depth chart, he'll probably be a training camp cut and end up finding a home with yet another new team who needs a little help.