5 New Orleans Saints with the most to prove in 2016

Nov 8, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (21) collide the ball would be caught by Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) and run in for a touchdown during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) holds Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Strief

Most Saints fans probably expected the team to cut the longtime starting right tackle Zach Strief after he struggled for a big portion of the 2015 season. The move would have made sense after the team drafted Andrus Peat with 12th overall pick last year, and he showed he can play well at the tackle position in his rookie season. The offseason went on, but the Saints never made any move on Strief, so he should have the starting spot at least going into camp.

If he keeps his starting job going into the season, then he will have to show that he can protect Brees’ strong side and make sure stuff like the Jacquies Smith hit in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers doesn’t happen again. The Saints need Drew Brees all season, and if Strief can’t perform, there are a bunch of players ready to take his spot on the offensive line.