Halfway through the preseason, now seems like an appropriate time to make predictions on what the 53-man roster might look like for the New Orleans Saints when they open up their 2016 regular season schedule on Sunday, September 11, against the Oakland Raiders.

QUARTERBACK: (3)

Drew Brees, Luke McCown, and Garrett Grayson:

McCown looked better against the Texans, and while it might be a little frustrating to keep three quarterbacks, the bottom line is that Grayson probably hasn't shown enough to make them comfortable just keeping two.

RUNNING BACK: (5)

Mark Ingram, Tim Hightower, C.J. Spiller, Daniel Lasco, John Kuhn

Marcus Murphy has continued to have his issues hanging on to the football, and Travaris Cadet just seems to be stuck behind Lasco. This is a tough position to project, as seven could have NFL jobs in 2016, but only five, and possibly six, will have a job with the Saints.

RECEIVER: (5)

Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Michael Thomas, Tommylee Lewis, Brandon Coleman

Keep in mind; the Saints opened 2015 with only four receivers. Coleman's stock has dropped, but I think the Saints want to keep his size, at least for now.

TIGHT END: (3)

Coby Fleener, Michael Hoomanawanui, Josh Hill

No surprises here, as barring injury, it would be a shock if these three are the tight ends, and the only tight ends, once the season opens.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: (9)

Terron Armstead, Tim Lelito, Max Unger, Andrus Peat, Zach Strief, Senio Kelemete, Tony Hills, Jack Allen, Landon Turner.

This is probably the most difficult position to project. The Saints' offensive line issues in training camp have been discussed greatly, and it's quite possible that one, or possibly even two linemen currently on other teams, will be with the Saints when the season opens.

DEFENSIVE LINE: (9)

Cam Jordan, Nick Fairley, Sheldon Rankins, Kasim Edebali, C.J. Wilson, David Onyemata, Obum Gwacham, Tyeler Davison, Bobby Richardson.

This position is intriguing, with John Jenkins, Davis Tull, and Darryl Tapp all possibilities as well.

LINEBACKERS: (6)

Stephone Anthony, James Laurinaitis, Dannell Ellerbe, Craig Robertson, Nate Stupar, Michael Mauti

Mauti is certainly on the bubble here. If the Saints keep six linebackers, he stays, if they only keep five, then he gets cut. Five would make them a little thin at the position, so I think they'll keep six.

CORNERBACKS: (5)

Delvin Breaux, P.J. Williams, De’Vante Harris, Ken Crawley, Damian Swann

Swann may be in some danger, but his upside is way too big. Cortland Finnegan is an insurance policy.

SAFTIES: (5)

Kenny Vaccaro, Jairus Byrd, Vonn Bell, Erik Harris, Roman Harper

No surprises here.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Connor Barth (place-kicker), Thomas Morstead (punter), Justin Drescher (long snapper)

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