Saints vs Ravens: Here are 5 things to watch for in preseason opener

The quarterback battle is and will be the most-watched part of the preseason for any Saints fan.

Coach Sean Payton didn’t outline exactly how much each quarterback will play in the first preseason contest of the year, but he said both will play, and the starter will flip for Week 2. Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill have had their moments of good, bad and ugly during camp so far. The bottom line measurable for any quarterback is points. Whoever leads their offense on positive, productive drives will likely gain the edge in the QB battle.

With Patrick Robinson retiring earlier this week, the gap of competition is even wider for the cornerback spot opposite Marshon Lattimore. Robinson was the early frontrunner to man that position. Now it's likely down to veteran cornerbacks Ken Crawely and Prince Amukumara as the leaders in the clubhouse.

Also keep an eye on rookie Paulson Adebo, who I think is gaining ground with his performance so far in camp.

With Michael Thomas down for the foreseeable future, the receiving corps is undoubtedly a position of high interest.

WR Marquez Callaway looks like he’ll be the No. 1 target with Thomas out. Beyond No. 1, the race is wide open. Ty Montgomery was moved to receiver full-time early in camp after spending most of his NFL career as a running back. Veteran Chris Hogan has impressed at times, but by and large the receiving corps has had trouble creating separation in camp.

The former Oregon wide receiver -- and now tight end -- might be the most interesting player in camp so far.

Every day he’s made a couple of freakish catches that raise eyebrows. Johnson came to New Orleans as an undrafted free agent last season, but after a year in the Big Easy the Saints have converted his now 240-pound frame to a new position. He has red-zone mismatch written all over him. He could develop into a really nice find for Sean Payton and company.

The Saints are looking for some help on interior defensive line after losing Malcom Brown and Sheldon Rankins in the offseason.

The second-year player Jalen Dalton was on the Saints practice squad a year ago, but has flashed at times in camp and is making a bid for the final roster. If he continues to be disruptive against the Ravens that will solidify his bid even further. Dalton isn’t just a run-stopper, he's also making noise as a pass-rusher at times during camp.