METAIRIE, La. -- Here’s a player-by-player look at the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster:
QUARTERBACK (3)
Drew Brees: Expect a bounce-back year after a turnover-plagued 2014.
Luke McCown: Saints trust the steady vet -- but hope he never plays.
Garrett Grayson: This will be a “redshirt” year for the third-round draft pick.
RUNNING BACK (5)
Mark Ingram: Finally broke out in fourth season, proving he can be a workhorse if needed.
C.J. Spiller: Exciting potential in this offense as runner/receiver if knee injury doesn’t linger.
Khiry Robinson: Has shown potential to be a starter, but touches will be limited when everyone is healthy.
Tim Hightower: Back from three-year absence; awesome comeback story, even if stay winds up being temporary.
Marcus Murphy: Seventh-round pick should be top kick returner; drew raves from Sean Payton this summer.
FULLBACK (1)
Austin Johnson: Former undrafted linebacker beat out more experienced vet Erik Lorig.
WIDE RECEIVER (4)
Brandin Cooks: Dynamic second-year pro is poised to become Saints’ top playmaker.
Marques Colston: 10th-year veteran still plays big role, especially in the red zone.
Brandon Coleman: Second-year sleeper is a younger version of Colston at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds.
Willie Snead: Another second-year sleeper who forced his way onto roster with great camp.
TIGHT END (2)
Benjamin Watson: Won’t come anywhere near Jimmy Graham’s numbers, but he should play bigger role as pass-catcher.
Josh Hill: Third-year pro was special teams MVP last year, will also play bigger offensive role.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8)
Terron Armstead: Athletic third-year pro emerging as one of the Saints’ best players.
Zach Strief: 10th-year vet has arguably been team’s most consistent lineman over past two years.
Andrus Peat: Top draft pick has great size and agility, but he’ll begin as backup after struggling early this summer.
Max Unger: Two-time Pro Bowler was big reason behind Jimmy Graham trade with Seattle.
Senio Kelemete: Will likely be Saints’ top backup at both center and guard.
Jahri Evans: Six-time Pro Bowler still above average but has started to show some inconsistency.
Tim Lelito: Solid but unproven third-year pro getting first chance as a full-time starter.
Mike McGlynn: Eighth-year journeyman earned backup job after signing in May.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
Cameron Jordan: Saints counting on him to return to 2013 Pro Bowl form after signing five-year, $55 million extension.
Akiem Hicks: Powerful end/tackle trimmed about 20 pounds after quiet year in 2014.
Tavaris Barnes: Undrafted rookie was part of Clemson’s top-ranked defense last year.
Bobby Richardson: Another undrafted rookie flashed as inside/outside pass-rusher.
Obum Gwacham: Saints claimed raw developmental rookie off waivers from Seattle.
John Jenkins: Saints need more consistency from third-year pro who said he lost 35-40 pounds this summer.
Kevin Williams: Saints signed six-time Pro Bowler in June and immediately plugged him in as starter.
Tyeler Davison: Rookie fifth-round pick has shown athleticism, versatility versus run and pass.
Kaleb Eulls: Yet another undrafted rookie lineman with versatility to play tackle/end.
LINEBACKER (8)
Hau’oli Kikaha: Second-round draft pick should start; had 19 sacks as senior at Washington.
Kasim Edebali: Second-year edge rusher switched from end to OLB midway through camp.
Davis Tull: Rookie fifth-round pick missed most of the summer after shoulder surgery but flashed in final preseason game.
Stephone Anthony: First-round pick has impressive athleticism, poise; should start as rookie.
David Hawthorne: Solid but unspectacular eighth-year vet could start at weak-side or middle linebacker.
Dannell Ellerbe: Athletic veteran missed most of the summer with injuries after arriving via trade with Miami.
Ramon Humber: Seventh-year pro has been solid backup, core special-teams player since arriving in 2010.
Michael Mauti: Saints claimed New Orleans-area native, special-teams asset off waivers from Vikings.
CORNERBACK (6)
Keenan Lewis: A true No.1 CB; Saints will miss him while he recovers from reported hip surgery.
Brandon Browner: Saints’ top free-agent target brings physical press coverage, vocal leadership.
Delvin Breaux: Stellar play this summer has capped a remarkable comeback from broken neck in high school.
Damian Swann: Rookie fifth-round pick showed some growing pains but flashed enough to earn nickel role.
Kyle Wilson: Former Jets first-round pick showed inconsistency this summer but saved some of his best for last.
Brian Dixon: Second-year undrafted pro brings value as a gunner on kick coverage.
SAFETY (4)
Kenny Vaccaro: Great as a rookie in 2013, struggled in 2014. Added muscle in hopes of bouncing back.
Jairus Byrd: Injuries keep derailing three-time Pro Bowler, who missed all of training camp with an unspecified knee issue.
Rafael Bush: Solid fifth-year pro is a reliable alternative while Byrd is out; could push him for starting job when both are healthy.
Jamarca Sanford: Seventh-year vet signed late last season; an asset both on D and special teams.
SPECIALIST (3)
P Thomas Morstead: As good as it gets in NFL, Morstead made the Pro Bowl in 2012.
K: Zach Hocker: Second-year pro will make NFL debut this week; beat out fellow youngster Dustin Hopkins.
LS: Justin Drescher: Heading into sixth year with Saints, still under the radar. Both good signs for a long snapper.