Akiem Hicks News: Hicks will start out at defensive end in the Saints' new 3-4 defensive alignment under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Hicks will start out at defensive end in the Saints' new 3-4 defensive alignment under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Hicks was tentatively slated to start at nose tackle, but with the Saints drafting massive DT John Jenkins in the third round, the team shifted gears. While Hicks will still likely see playing time at all three defensive line positions, he holds slightly more value if he can lock down the starting position at defensive end, as it should provide an increased opportunity to rack up a few more sacks.