IRVINE, Calif. — Anyone who follows the New Orleans Saints will be paying attention to the team’s quarterback competition in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. That’s obvious.

But there’s also plenty else to monitor.

Here are six players — in six separate position battles — who could benefit from a strong performance to begin the preseason

Velus Jones, running back

When told running backs coach Joel Thomas called him the fastest running back on the roster, Jones declared he was the fastest player on the team. Period. Will that speed help him land a roster spot? The former wide receiver turned running back has had an impressive camp, but running back might be the team’s most competitive battle — even when including the quarterbacks.

Torricelli Simpkins III,

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