Quarterback
The Saints have started four different quarterbacks in each of the past two seasons. This is a dilemma that Mike Ditka must fix soon. With Kerry Collins in New York, look for the "Battle-of-the-Billy Joe's" in training camp. Billy Joe Hobert, last year's opening day starter, appears to have the inside track at No. 1 over Billy Joe Tolliver and Danny Wuerfel. Heath Shuler was cut this off-season and replaced depth-wise with Jake Delhomme.

Running Backs
Lamar Smith led the team with 457 yards but he was ineffective for the most part and doesn't figure to be a feature back. Troy Davis, Aaron Craver, and rookie Wilmont Perry had their shots as well but didn't get the job done. Look for the Saints to get their franchise back in the draft.

Wide Receivers
Sean Dawkins was the team's lone consistent performer, but for whatever reason, Ditka has made it clear that he won't be back for a second season in the Big Easy. Andre Hastings is a physically gifted player but is no better than a good No. 3. Speedster Keith Poole is a guy that can stretch the defense but again nothing more than a good third receiver/role player. The Saints cut third-down receiver Eric Guliford this off-season and Quadry Ismail probably won't be back either. After coming over via trade from St. Louis, burner Eddie Kennison will be looking to regain his rookie form (54 rec., 924 yds., 9 TD).

Tight Ends
Cam Cleeland, one of the NFL's top rookies a year ago, led the team in receptions (54) and receiving touchdowns (6). Behind Cleeland is a logjam of average-effort guys like Tony Johnson, John Farquhar, Scott Slutzker and Josh Wilcox. While Cleeland is a force in the passing game, the Saints desperately need a quality blocking tight end.

Offensive Line
The Saints missed C Jerry Fontenot after he sustained a season-ending knee injury. If Fontenot can't regain his old form, the Saints will probably plug in ex-Raven Wally Williams at center. Chris Naeole is solid at right guard and if Williams is at center, look for Kyle Turley to remain at left guard. If Fontenot is healthy and can go at center, Williams will play left guard and Turley will then make a permanent move to right tackle. Clarence Jones left for Carolina in free agency, leaving Keno Hills as the only backup at tackle.

Defensive Line
With the addition of a quality left end, this could be one of the most dominating groups that the league has seen in the 1990's. LDT Wayne Martin slowed down at the end of last season because of arthritic knees that required off-season surgery. La'Roi Glover and Joe Johnson form the best right side in football. Other than the "big three", guys like starting LDE Jared Tomich and Brady Smith are nothing more than quality depth players. Rookie Julian Pittman could be a player if he loses the off-field baggage.

Linebackers
ROLB Mark Fields is the only legitimate starter of the group. MLB Kevin Mitchell is good player when healthy but he has struggled to keep himself on the field. Keith Mitchell is strictly a third-down rush specialist, not an every-down player. Rookie Chris Bordano showed some promise filling in for Kevin Mitchell and could develop into a player. It is possible that reserve Vinson Smith will retire prior to training camp. The Saints would like to upgrade the overall talent of this unit before training camp.

Defensive Backs
This gambling group tied for the NFC lead with 21 interceptions but its propensity to surrender the big play landed them dead last in pass defense. LDC Alex Molden is good athlete that needs to become more confident and aggressive in man coverage. SS Chad Cota was signed by Indianapolis this off-season and his departure will hurt this group. FS Sammy Knight picked off six passes (two for scores) but gets himself out of position too often. Tyrone Drakeford is a quality nickel back and the Saints are counting on the continued development of Fred Weary and Rob Kelly.