Will Smith News

After taking a huge pay cut to stay with the New Orleans Saints, Will Smith will now have to make a position change.

New Orleans Saints players say they expect their return to the practice field this week to be intense, given the tone Sean Payton has set at club headquarters since his return from his bounty ban.

Moss Point native Tom Johnson spent his first two seasons with the Saints securing his role as a contributor, a defensive tackle that could be relied on to come off the bench and make plays.

Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quartet against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium.

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints receiver Marques Colston runs after a catch in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium.

Saint's linebacker Martez Wilson is expected to help improve team's pass rush under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

The Saints almost halted Kalkee's run of premierships last year and have been in dominant form again this season, while Taylors Lake has struggled to cope with the loss of several key players.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma during the first annual Ben Grubbs charity softball game at Zephyrs Field in Metairie Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

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.

Time to continue our division-wide look at each team's weakest link with the New Orleans Saints and their pass rush.

UPSET: Noradjuha-Quantong's Jarred Combe helped his side produce the upset of the season by beating Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend.

DE: Cam Jordan, Will Smith, Akiem Hicks, Kenyon Colemon, Tom Johnson, Tyrunn Walker- I know this is a lot of DEs, but who can you cut? This is Smith's last year in New Orleans and I think Hicks will be his replacement, maybe as soon as this year.

They now embark on a portion of the draw some perceive as 'softer', but there will be no easy victory on offer against Noradjuha-Quantong on Saturday.

New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper talked for the first time Wednesday night since the Saints drafted fellow safety Kenny Vaccaro.

With a new 3-4 defensive system in place and the return of Sean Payton, this may be the most interested that I have ever been in a preseason as a Saints fan.

Sept 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.

My now-standard and short-version response is that I love the position and we'll see about the player.

SEPTEMBER 09: Devery Henderson #19 of the New Orleans Saints tries to avoid a tackle by Madieu Williams #41 of the Washington Redskins during the season opener at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Rob Ryan, who was the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator last season, spoke briefly with WWL-870 on Thursday.

How about a cornerback to help out last season's struggling secondary? Maybe an left tackle to protect Drew Brees' blind side -- or with his top receivers getting up in age, will coach Sean Payton lobby for a receiver with the 15th overall pick of Thursday's NFL Draft? The Saints aren't saying, just like the rest of the 31 teams.