With the second preseason matchup of the year underway for the New Orleans Saints, many of the position battles that shaped up in Week 1 have now carried over into their second game. One of the most interesting competitions to keep an eye out for following training camp was the linebacker position, especially when factoring in the new defensive scheme brought in by Brandon Staley.
These first two matchups have made it even more unclear who will take the last few linebacker spots. With Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Danny Stutsman locked into the roster, and Nephi Sewell likely landing a spot, there is potentially room for one more player alongside that group. For now, the battle would be between Isaiah Stalbird, Jaylan Ford, D’Marco Jackson, and Tyreem Powell.
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Of that bunch, the two names that have stood out are Stalbird and Ford, especially in game two, as both have made their mark in different ways. Stalbird has made an immense impact on special teams through the first two games, both via tackles and in pressuring the returner. On the other hand, Ford has taken a little more time to find his stride, but an interception in the Jaguars game certainly helps his case.
This battle will likely come down to the third game of preseason, and it will be a compelling one, as they continue to battle for one spot on the roster and potentially one or two practice squad spots as well.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints’ most compelling roster spot battle might be at linebacker