By Ross Jackson
It might not be fair, but much of a team’s success will be burdened by the external expectations of a few players, typically those at prime positions.
Even with the revamping of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff, approaches and roster personnel, they will fall into the same situation. Here are three players that are likely to shoulder the brunt of the team’s success or struggle in 2025.
The Quarterback
Whether Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough or both end up starting games for New Orleans in 2025, their success will define almost every bit of the team’s decisions over this busy offseason.
- Did the Saints make the right decision at quarterback?
- Should they have brought in a veteran?
- Did they draft the right player at the position?
- Did they choose the right starter?
- Did the team hire the right head coach that can develop a passer?
All of those questions and more will (though prematurely) be affixed with an answer based solely on the results of the 2025 season’s quarterbacking results. If the Saints’ young passer is a success, so too are the Saints themselves, no matter how unfair that may be on the opposite end of the spectrum.
LT Kelvin Banks Jr.
If Banks does indeed end up starting at left tackle, as is currently expected, his job in keeping the quarterback clean as a rookie will have a major impact on the team’s success.
If he struggles, the Saints may be forced to re-shuffle their offensive line, continuing the recent inconsistency of the unit’s deployment. New Orleans is trying to lock in its starting five at the position, maximizing investments by moving Trevor Penning to left guard.
Banks is the reason the team has that option. If he struggles, which would be understandable for a rookie at his position, the rest of the protection group is likely to struggle along the way. The good news for New Orleans is that the former Texas lineman already looks like a seasoned veteran on the field.
#Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (6–4, 324)
Very raw, but naturally gifted pass protector. Physical run blocker. Plays with plenty of raw power. pic.twitter.com/I0ryJbJI8D
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) June 5, 2024
EDGE Chase Young
Young represents the changing approach in defense. As an athletic pass rusher being asked to use his speed and athleticism to win around the edge in the new defensive coordinator’s system, Young has a real chance to re-establish the Saints’ defense as a threat by setting the tone in the trenches.
He won’t be alone in the endeavor, but as the priciest and most recent monetary investment for his side of the ball, money-well-spent will go a long way in the team’s perception.
