Saints roster preview(Advocate): New Orleans could have depth at safety

Safeties (4-6)

Locks: Vonn Bell, Jairus Byrd, Kenny Vaccaro

Good bets: Roman Harper, Erik Harris

On the fence: Alden Darby, Trae Elston

If you allow yourself to be optimistic, like cornerback, safety is another position that could be much improved for the Saints this season.

The Saints have a proven asset at safety in Kenny Vaccaro, who, along with serving as one of the heartbeats for the defense, is also one of the best players on that side of the ball. One of the more interesting storylines during training camp will be monitoring how defensive coordinator Dennis Allen deploys the versatile strong safety.

Free safety isn't as locked down in terms of expectations, but the potential is there for the position to be improved. Second-round pick Vonn Bell was selected by New Orleans because the team believes he can play and be an asset this season. He should have a role if he performs up to expectations.

One of the more interesting components of his addition is to see if it changes the way Jairus Byrd is used. It's very likely we'll see New Orleans use more three-safety looks this season, which means Bell and Byrd should be roaming deep on some snaps this season. Doing so, theoretically, should help Byrd make more plays since he'll only have to worry about covering half the field at times.

The veteran Roman Harper, who was signed this offseason, should also contribute in some form or fashion to the three-safety package. He should be able to contribute in a role that will likely be somewhat limited.

One of the other exciting aspects of the offseason was seeing the emergence of Erik Harris during organized team activities and minicamp. A CFL import, Harris was something of an unknown entering the summer. Expectations are now higher.

While it might be premature to put him in the "good bets" category, he separated himself from the other safeties lower on the roster during the summer program. He'll have to keep it going, but, at least from this view, he has the inside edge for a roster spot.

Advocate