Jackson Free Press

Here are five things to keep an eye on as New Orleans builds their squad for the 2014-15 season.

For a running back, the Saints must find someone who wants to be the lead dog. Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson, Travaris Cadet and others will get a chance to prove they deserve the ball when the game is on the line. Mark Ingram Jr. still has a ton to prove as a former first-round pick. If he doesn't have a breakout season, his days in New Orleans may be numbered.

This preseason, watch the development of young wide receivers. Everyone wishes Marques Colston would never grow old, but it happens to every player. Nick Toon, Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks all need to develop this season. Most of the development pressure will fall on Cooks, whom the Saints traded up to get in the first round. Cooks is a speedster, and New Orleans will want him to replace some of the role vacated by Darren Sproles.

Drew Brees will be Drew Brees this season, but he can only carry the Saints as far as the help he gets. Finding the right mix of running backs and wide receivers will make that job easier for him.

After a historically bad season in 2012, the Saints' defense vastly improved under Rob Ryan. The Saints have plenty of depth at nearly every position. Cameron Jordan and Akiem Hicks could be stars at defensive end, and New Orleans has plenty of talent in linebackers.

Cornerback and safety are the positions to watch over the preseason. The players who make the team at these two positions must produce results.

Finally, the last battle to watch is kicker. New Orleans cut Garrett Hartley late last season and replaced him with Shayne Graham. Graham has the edge to keep the job, but Derek Dimke will challenge that. Championship dreams can be derailed if the team doesn't get the kicking job right.

New Orleans begins the preseason Aug. 8 against the Rams in St. Louis, who seem to have the team's number lately. The Saints host a solid Tennessee Titans team in their second preseason game Aug. 15. Two potential playoff teams await the Saints in their final two preseason games. New Orleans battles the Colts on the road in Indianapolis Aug. 23 before coming home to face the Baltimore Ravens in their final preseason game Aug. 28 before starting the season on the road against rivals the Atlanta Falcons Sept. 7.