New Orleans Saints: 5 starting position battles to watch out for

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Janoris Jenkins #20 of the New Orleans Saints forces a fumble on Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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Linebacker – Alex Anzalone and Zack Baun

Alex Anzalone was injured all last year. In fact, most of the linebackers for the New Orleans Saints were injured last year. So much so that the Saints had to go out and sign Manti T’eo off in free agency to try and fill gaps.

With Anzalone back though, ESPN has him moved all the way up to the starter at linebacker with Zack Baun backing him up. That might be the case now, but after training, Baun could easily beat out the injured Anzalone for the top spot.

The rookie is coming off of an impressive senior season at the University of Wisconsin. He totaled 12.5 sacks, 75 tackles (19.5 of which were for a loss), and one interception in by far his best college season yet.

If he can remotely transition those numbers to the professional level, then he has a fantastic chance to take that starting job from Anzalone especially if Anzalone sees another injury again this year.

It’ll likely be Kiko Alonso or Anzalone fighting for a spot with Baun but expect the Saints’ draftee to get a fair shot at first-team snaps.

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