Rolling on: 5 Saints to keep an eye on through training camp

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Jun 14, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (99) during the first day of minicamp sessions at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle

Going into the 2016 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints knew they had to improve on their defensive line. The interior looked extremely thin with only John Jenkins and Tyeler Davison returning from the previous season. So as a result, the Saints used their 13th overall pick on the 3-technique defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

Not only will Rankins be exciting to watch because of his first-round status, but also because of his position. A 3-technique defender in Dennis Allen’s defense is a position that has lacked talent and production for the Saints during the last several years. It’s also a position that has changed a lot over the last season because of the change in schemes and personnel.

The Saints now hope they have the defensive tackle of the future, and Rankins is hoping to show exactly that for the next couple of weeks and hopefully throughout his rookie season.

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