3 surprises on the New Orleans Saints initial depth chart release

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints reacts to a play in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Kaden Ellis > Zack Baun

Following training camp, it felt like third-round draft pick Zack Baun was going to be vying for a starting roster spot. Kaden Ellis has been listed as the starting SAM linebacker. Demario Davis and Alex Anzalone are the other two starting linebackers.

Ellis appeared in just three games a season ago after being the Saints seventh-round draft pick in 2019. Ellis is a strong, athletic linebacker that had a season-ending knee injury to finalize a disappointing rookie campaign.

However, he’s returned, and he’s apparently is high regard with the defensive coaching staff. The Saints’ linebacker coach did note that he wants Baun to be a “positionless” star, so the rookie may see snaps at multiple linebacker positions this season.

With middle linebacker Alex Anzalone and Ellis both coming off season-ending injuries, Baun should be able to impact the defensive at some point this season. Apparently that just won’t be to start the season.

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