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5 New Orleans Saints Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

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Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

Sean Payton
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are coming off of a very disappointing 2014 season, and are hoping to surprise the league and make a run at the playoffs this season. After trading star tight end Jimmy Graham, there are even more question marks surrounding them in 2015. That being said, there are a few players who need to step up in particular.

Which five players must step up in 2015 OTAs for the Saints?

5. Luke McCown, Quarterback

Luke McCown
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5. Luke McCown, Quarterback

Luke McCown
Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are hoping that Drew Brees will stick around another few seasons, but went ahead and drafted Garrett Grayson this year. Grayson makes veteran quarterback Luke McCown very expendable, although he still has a chance to win the primary backup job. He'll need to come through with a big offseason of work in order to keep his job as the primary backup to Brees, and remain on the roster.

4. Khiry Robinson, Running Back

Khiry Robinson
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4. Khiry Robinson, Running Back

Khiry Robinson
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The running back position is a bit crowded in New Orleans as well, with the re-signing of Mark Ingram and the new addition of C.J. Spiller. Khiry Robinson is going to have a hard time earning any playing time this season, and will need to have a big offseason in order to put himself in the position to get some carries in 2015. He has the talent to play in the NFL, but he has a lot of work to do in order to play with the Saints.

3. Jairus Byrd, Safety

Jairus Byrd
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3. Jairus Byrd, Safety

Jairus Byrd
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jairus Byrd was signed by the New Orleans Saints ahead of last season, but he didn't make any kind of impact and his season ended early with an injury. He ended up recording 22 tackles, a forced fumble and two defensed passes in the four games that he was able to play. Looking ahead to 2015, the Saints are going to need Byrd to step up and play a much more important role if they want to take the next step defensively.

2. Benjamin Watson, Tight End

Benjamin Watson
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2. Benjamin Watson, Tight End

Benjamin Watson
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Now that Jimmy Graham is no longer a member of the New Orleans Saints, another player will have to step up and fill his shoes as the starting tight end. Benjamin Watson seems to be the first man in line for the job, but he'll have to beat out Josh Hill. Last season he caught 20 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, and has the experience and talent to step into the starting role this season.

1. Nick Toon, Wide Receiver

Nick Toon
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1. Nick Toon, Wide Receiver

Nick Toon
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Needless to say, the New Orleans Saints need some help at the wide receiver position as well after trading away Kenny Stills. Without Jimmy Graham and Stills, Nick Toon is going to have to step up alongside of Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston to give Drew Brees enough weapons to work with. At 6-foot-4, he has the size to create mismatches against opposing defenses, but has to find a way to prove himself during offseason action.

Evan Massey is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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