Camp Battles: Can rookie Quincy Riley compete his way into a starting role?

By Ross Jackson

While one cornerback spot is spoken for on the New Orleans Saints’ defense, the other perimeter spot could be up in the air. 

The Saints have lost both of their starting cornerbacks from Week One of the 2024 season, thus opening the conversation at at least one of those spots. 

With a new defensive scheme and coaching staff in the building, there’s a chance for a trio of players to lock down the No. 2 cornerback spot by battling it out in training camp.

The Competitors

It’s the classic story of rookie versus veteran for this one. Eight-year cornerback Isaac Yiadom and rookie corner Quincy Riley could be set to duke this one out. Second-year corner Rico Payton deserves a nod, as well. 

The Saints could also look to add more competition here depending on how the eventual follow up with former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. goes.

What It Will Take To Win

A big part of this battle will come down to where Riley is deployed. He has the ability to play on the outside as well as in the slot, which means he could be competing to be Alontae Taylor’s backup at the nickel. But based on what’s been seen so far, Riley’s chance could be on the boundary where he could put his ballhawking talents on full display.

That would align him with Yiadom and Payton to compete for the spot opposite solidified starting corner Kool-Aid McKinstry. 

With the three battling it out, Yiadom will just need to show consistency to hold on to what should be considered his role to lose at this point.

Meanwhile, Riley and Payton would have to bring with them a propensity to make plays by taking the ball away. It would be the quickest and more effective way to unseat the veteran cornerback, showing their value as takeaway creators.

#Louisville CB Quincy Riley Kick-Step Technique

– Stab the shoulder
– Chest to chest
– Look back and run the WR into the sideline

The 2025 CB class is deep and talented. pic.twitter.com/0kuUVOjqXm

— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) June 6, 2024

Is There A Front-Runner?

Yiadom should be considered the front-runner right now. He has seven-years of NFL experience, has overlapped twice with new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and had a stellar performance in New Orleans just two seasons ago in 2023. 

Yiadom absolutely should be viewed as holding the edge in the conversation right now. But with Riley getting healthier and more involved heading into training camp, he will certainly put up a fight.