With Anthony Spencer sidelined with an unspecified injury, Powell received some first-team snaps in Sunday's practice, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

With the offseason release of Junior Galette, there are a couple of starting outside linebacker spots up for grabs in the Saints' base 3-4 defense. Spencer, assuming he can stay healthy (no small feat for him), is expected to lay claim to one of those starting spots. Powell, however, hasn't come up often as a potential starting option, after he made only two tackles in his rookie season. Yet, Powell has impressed early in training camp, even apparently outplaying 2015 second-round draft pick Hau'oli Kikaha. With plenty of competition, the Saints' 2014 fifth-round draft pick remains a long shot to earn a starting gig, but as a former blue chip recruit with loads of athleticism, he's a player worth keeping an eye on in IDP leagues if he can continue to build on his early momentum.

Saints rookie OLB Ronald Powell saw time with the first-team defense during OTAs.

Saints signed fifth-round OLB Ronald Powell to a four-year contract.

A former top high school recruit, Powell suffered two ACL injuries during his disappointing career at Florida. He ran 4.65 at the Combine with a 9-foot-6 broad jump and has enough upside to compete for a sub-package role. If he can put together a strong camp, Powell should emerge as a situational pass rusher.