Akiem Hicks to start out at DE in the new 34 - other notes

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@LarryHolder: RT @MikeTriplett: Akiem Hicks starting out as defensive end in #Saints' new 3-4 defense LINK

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Among the more noteworthy nuggets from Wednesday night was the fact that Akiem Hicks is starting out at defensive end in the New Orleans Saints' new 3-4 defense. Originally, the Saints had tentatively planned to start Hicks at nose tackle, then cross-train him at end. But they probably shifted gears after drafting nose tackle John Jenkins.

It shouldn't matter too much with Hicks, who figures to play all three defensive line spots as a heavily-used backup. I picture him being used in a similar way that former LSU lineman Ricky Jean-Francois was used with the San Francisco 49ers in recent years (a comparison that Hicks agreed with). Hicks said he expects to play all three spots, which he said he had always done in the past while playing in three-man fronts in college.

Previously, I noted that second-year lineman Tyrunn Walker will also start out at nose tackle. Also on Wednesday night at guard Ben Grubbs' charity softball game, linebacker Martez Wilson specified that he is starting out at the strong-side linebacker spot (over the tight end), where he'll compete for playing time with newly signed Victor Butler. But those outside linebacker spots can also be interchangeable.

The one player I'm still most curious to find out about is veteran Will Smith, who has been a 4-3 end throughout his career. I think Smith will be a good fit as a 3-4 end, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him used as the "joker" outside linebacker at times since that position lines up as an edge rusher on the line of scrimmage so often.

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