LT is Starting to Scare Me

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It's no new development that the New Orleans Saints are looking for an answer at the LT position after 2012 starter Jermon Bushrod signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason, but as we take a step back and regard each team's situation heading into training camp, the battle for the gig in 2013 -- as well as the long-term future at the position -- continue to be dominant storylines for Sean Payton's team.

The incumbent heir to the position is Charles Brown, a 2010 second-round pick. Unfortunately, Brown has been plagued by injuries throughout his NFL career, and this is likely his final chance to make a name for himself. While Brown was a second-rounder in 2010, another competitor -- Jason Smith -- was the second pick overall back in 2009. After a falling out with the club that drafted him (St. Louis), and a somewhat forgettable 2012 campaign with the Jets, Smith is the LT option on the roster with perhaps the highest ceiling. Lastly, there's 2013 third-rounder Terron Armstead. There are high hopes for Armstead, but given that he's making the jump from the FCS level, the Saints may envision him more as their LT of the future than their LT of the present.

To that end, both Brown and Smith have contracts that expire after 2013, so if Armstead is not showing proper development through his rookie campaign, the Saints may be back to the drawing board when the 2014 offseason begins.

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