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.