As the New Orleans Saints continue to prepare for training camp later this month, the starting positions are being established, and standout players are moving up the depth charts. While official rosters and depth charts are months from being released, many fans and experts have already begun assembling the Saints roster for 2024. We’ll break down the leading players, position by position, and discuss the hottest position battles going into training camp.
Quarterback
First and foremost, let’s look at the quarterbacks. Derek Carr has cemented his position as the starter, working closely with Klint Kubiak to develop the New Orleans Saints’ revamped offense. Jake Haener is the presumptive No. 2, but Spencer Rattler has been getting plenty of reps and has shown flashes of greatness. It’s doubtful that anything will change for Carr, but Spencer Rattler may be able to win the backup position during camp.
Running Back
With Alvin Kamara still holding out, the battle for the backup running back has been the focus. Kamara skipped OTA’s and has only participated in two minicamp practices. However, he is still the clear starter for the New Orleans Saints at this point, provided they come to an agreement. Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller have both been seeing plenty of action and will probably be used in a rotation behind Kamara.
Fullback
That’s right, fullback. Klint Kubiak’s offense clearly intends to bring back some old-school, smash-mouth football, resurrecting the fullback position in New Orleans. Very few teams in the league use a fullback, but those that do have been successful. The 49ers and the Ravens, for example, have reaped the benefits of the position.
In a major role change, Taysom Hill is currently concentrating on the new fullback position for the New Orleans Saints. Hill has always been an effective lead blocker and runner from the backfield, and he has fully embraced his new role. We should also expect to see him at tight end, slot receiver, and maybe as QB occasionally.
The New Orleans Saints also brought in Zander Horvath from the Chargers practice squad, where he was a designated fullback. Horvath has been in the league for a few years but has moved around quite a bit.
Adam Prentice, the third fullback, has been a Saint since the start of his career in 2021, making several back-and-forth moves between the practice squad and the active roster as a running back. Horvath and Prentice are big guys (250+) and should be well-suited for the position.
Tight End
With Juwan Johnson sidelined after recent foot surgery, it will be up to Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill to lead the New Orleans Saints’ sizable tight end squad. Moreau played 15 games for the Saints in 2023 after playing three seasons for the Raiders. Juwan Johnson will be out until at least the start of the regular season, so Moreau has a chance to improve his standing during training camp.
Taysom Hill has been practicing at fullback and tight end, and the addition of Spencer Rattler probably means the end of Hill’s niche role at QB. Hill’s main role has always been tight end, and he has been a consistent performer. Though he will be splitting reps with the fullbacks, we can expect that Taysom will also spend plenty of time at tight end.
Wide Receiver
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Star wideout Chris Olave has been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, but he has been practicing with a no-contact jersey, and all signs point to him being ready for training camp. Rashid Shaheed remains the clear No.2, performing well in minicamps and adapting to the New Orleans Saints’ new offense.
As for the slot receiver and the alternates, there is plenty of room for A.T. Perry, Cedric Wilson Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown, and rookie Bub Means to duke it out in training camp for those spots. With lots of big bodies in the receiver room, expect to see frequent use of slot receivers to overpower smaller DB’s on play-action routes.
Offensive Line
The O-Line has been a constant topic of discussion this offseason, with the New Orleans Saints having expended tremendous draft and free agency capital to shore up this ailing squad. Ryan Ramczyk’s return is increasingly doubtful, leaving an inexperienced Front 5 who seem to be struggling to grasp the new offense.
First-round draft pick Taliese Fuaga is the clear front-runner at left tackle, with Landon Young backing him up. Nick Saldiveri should be the first team left guard, followed by Olisaemeka Udoh. At center, longtime starter Eric McCoy will continue his duties with Lucas Patrick as his presumed alternate.
Cesar Ruiz seems to have cemented his position at right guard, having battled Mark Evans II and Kyle Hergel in OTAs and minicamps. Right tackle is where things get interesting. Trevor Penning has been struggling to hold his spot behind the injured Ryan Ramczyk. Justin Herron has been nipping at Penning’s heels, and they are likely fighting for the starting spot if Ramczyk doesn’t return.
Defensive Line
The New Orleans Saints defensive line got some fresh blood this year with the addition of Chase Young from free agency and Khristian Boyd from the 2024 NFL Draft. Young has been a solid defensive end for the 49ers and will play immediately in 2024. Khristian Boyd is a beast of a defensive tackle from Northern Iowa, considered by many to be one of the best sleeper picks of the draft.
The only problem is…injuries. Cam Jordan has been hobbled since having ankle surgery in March, and Chase Young had neck surgery shortly after signing with the New Orleans Saints. They may be doing walkthroughs, but neither is back to full speed yet. Tanoh Kpassagnon has also been sidelined with an Achilles tear, so many of the leading defensive ends haven’t been able to do much in practice.
Things are a little deeper at defensive tackle, with seven healthy players in the mix. Veterans Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders should be the squad leaders, with second-year man Bryan Bresee and the aforementioned Khristian Boyd backing them up. The veteran know-how and young talent mix should create a dynamic DT squad in 2024.
Linebacker
The New Orleans Saints added some talent this offseason at linebacker bringing in Willie Gay from Kansas City and drafting Jaylan Ford in the 5th round of the NFL Draft. Ford has already made his presence known, working with squad leader Demario Davis in the middle. Davis is a great player and leader, but he has spent too much time on the sidelines, and Jaylan Ford may be his wake-up call.
Willie Gay has already stepped up and is one of the presumed starters until Nephi Sewell returns from an ACL injury. Pete Werner and Anfernee Orji should also see plenty of reps in training camp. Overall, the Saints’ linebacker corps is solid and relatively healthy at this point.
Defensive Back
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The New Orleans Saints already had a deep squad of defensive backs, so not many moves were made in this area except for drafting the colorful Alabama standout, Kool-Aid McKinstry. McKinstry has shown promise in early practices and has quickly moved up the depth charts at cornerback and nickel.
Marshon Lattimore is the leading corner and squad leader, along with Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. Rejzohn Wright and Shemar Jean-Charles will also fight for cornerback and nickel reps during training camp.
Tyrann “The Honey Badger” Mathieu leads the safeties, along with Will Harris, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram. With nine healthy players on the safety squad, there should be plenty of competition in training camp among the alternates.
Special Teams
Second-year kicker Blake Grupe will continue as the starter with Charlie Smythe as the No. 2. At punter, Lou Hedley will lead off with Matthew Hayball as second. Hedley and Hayball will also hold for place kicks. Zach Wood will continue as long snapper, and Rasheed Shahid will return punts and kickoffs, backed up by Jermaine Jackson and Cedric Wilson, Jr.
Goals for the New Orleans Saints Training Camp
With lots of new talent from the NFL Draft and free agency, the Saints’ first goal should be establishing a strong and lasting team dynamic. The team leaders must step up and bring everyone together on both sides of the ball.
Second, Klint Kubiak and the New Orleans Saints must develop and learn the new offense. From what we know, the new offense will focus more on play-action and the run game, along with significant use of tight ends and slot receivers. This more conservative approach should benefit the New Orleans Saints in the red zone, especially if executed properly.
Third, several key players, namely Ryan Ramczyk and Cam Jordan, are recovering from major injuries and/or surgery. These are key players and team leaders, and their absence will surely be felt on the field at training camp. The New Orleans Saints must adapt to and overcome injuries and stay healthy if they hope to have a decent season in 2024.
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