After Further Review: Updated Saints' 53-man roster projection

(WVUE) - As expected the first eight practices of camp have brought some changes to my roster projection. Here's how I see things at this point in camp.

Quarterback (3)

Drew Brees

Tom Savage

Taysom Hill

Though Hill has had a few solid practices, Savage has been a bit more consistent in executing the offense. Preseason games are going to be interesting in this competition. There's likely to come a time when Hill's athleticism takes over and he has a 'wow' moment. Still, given his high volume of special teams snaps, I'd say Hill is still third in this race.

RB (5)

*Mark Ingram

Alvin Kamara

Boston Scott

Terrance West

Trey Edmunds

Zach Line

Scott gets his way back on because of his consistency. I just like the way he competes. Edmunds adds versatility as a back, fullback and special teams. I gave West the nod over Shane Vereen because of running style and availability. Vereen has been banged up the last few practices.

WR (5)

Michael Thomas

Ted Ginn, Jr.

Tre'Quan Smith

Cam Meredith

Brandon Tate

I've gone back and forth with the fifth receiver. Tommylee Lewis has made some big plays but has come back down to earth a bit the last few practices. When I watched Tate field punts, he looked most comfortable. Right now, that's the tiebreaker on the roster.

TE (3)

Ben Watson

Josh Hill

Michael Hoomanawanui

I didn't have Hooman on my roster, but after talking with Zach Strief and Deuce McAllister they convinced me he is too vital in the running game to let go. However, a new name has surfaced in this competition: Dan Arnold. Everytime he gets an opportunity, he seems to make a play. I'm not putting him on the roster just yet, but if he keeps making plays he'll enter the discussion.

OL (9)

Terron Armstead

Larry Warford

Max Unger

Andrus Peat

Ryan Ramczyk

Jermon Bushrod

Will Clapp

Josh LeRibeus

Cameron Tom

By far the toughest cut of any position group. I'm not sure that the Saints will keep nine linemen. At this point, I don't think they can keep Rick Leonard on the active roster. He is still raw in his development. Cameron Tom's injury has complicated things. LeRibeus and John Fullington have split reps at guard with Peat out. For this projection, I'm going with LeRibeus.

Defensive End (5)

Cam Jordan

Trey Hendrickson

Marcus Davenport

Alex Okafor

Mitchell Loewen

Loewen's versatility lands him the final spot over Al Quadin Muhammad.

Defensive Tackle (4)

Sheldon Rankins

David Onyemata

Tyeler Davison

Jay Bromley

The fourth defensive tackle was this defense's biggest vulnerability. Through eight practices, I think Bromley has proven he's capable of the spot.

LB (6)

DeMario Davis

Alex Anzalone

Manti Te'o

A.J. Klein

Nate Stupar

Craig Roberston

I like this group. The addition of Davis has really made this unit a strength. I'm curious to see how the depth chart shakes out once the season starts.

CB (6)

Marshon Lattimore

Ken Crawley

Patrick Robinson

Natrell Jamerson

P.J. Williams

Arthur Maulet

There will be a few tough cuts at the cornerback position. I can very easily see them keeping Justin Hardee over Maulet or Williams. For this projection, Hardee is on the outside looking in. Perhaps, they decide to keep seven with the new kickoff rule.

Safety (4)

Marcus Williams

Kurt Coleman

Vonn Bell

Chris Banjo

I left Kamrin Moore off this group. His injury has stalled his development and his spot may have be absorbed elsewhere.

Specialists (3)

Thomas Morstead

Wil Lutz

Zach Wood.