Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
There have been a few under-the-radar standout performers throughout the first three days of New Orleans Saints training camp. After a day off, those players will look to keep their momentum going. Here are three players that we’ll be watching closely as the Saints regroup for camp day four on Sunday.
Cornerback Rico Payton
In all honesty, Payton struggled a bit coming out of the gate in last year’s camp. This year, he’s done quite the opposite. So far, he’s only allowed a catch or two in team drills and notched back-to-back pass breakups in red zone 7-on-7 drills, which usually lend themselves to the offense. Payton came alive during the preseason last year and then earned a key role in special teams. This year, he’s making an impact early in defense.
Rico Payton with back to back plays in 7 on 7’s.@WWLTV pic.twitter.com/wcImjvWfxe
— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) July 24, 2025
Wide Receiver Mason Tipton
While he admittedly had a slower start to camp than last year, he and quarterback Spencer Rattler connected on a clean out-breaking route day one that became a bigger show on day three. The two connected in a similar concept on Friday, but then also pulled off a huge completion down the left sideline that quickly became one of the plays of camp. Tipton was camp’s star last year while he was healthy, staying on the field and making more plays this year could land him right back on the roster in 2025.
7 on 7:
Spencer Rattler to Mason Tipton deep down the sideline. Nice throw and catch. @wdsu pic.twitter.com/TDKknCkeWx
— Sharief Ishaq (@ShariefWDSU) July 25, 2025
Tipton reeled in four catches on Friday.
Defensive End Chris Rumph II
The edge rusher has flashed every day. Either because of good positioning and awareness in the run, pressure in the passer or good movement skills in the flats, “98” has found its way into notes quite often.
With Rumph’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, continuing to turn heads the way he has already could go a long way for him. The key will be developing a consistent presence instead of just flashing, as the Saints have seen in the past with the line of former end Payton Turner. But this is how it starts, and Rumph will be an interesting one to watch.
