Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
With the New Orleans Saints wrapping up their camp stay in New Orleans and heading to Irvine, Calif., it feels like a good time to look back at the first eleven practices and name some standout winners of the first stretch of camp.
With the quarterback battle feeling comfortably led by second-year passer Spencer Rattler, the focus for these winners will go to non-quarterbacks.
From eye-catching edge rushers to repeat top-flight performances in offense, the Saints had some clear winners make themselves known throughout the Metairie, La. stint of camp.
EDGE Chris Rumph II
Rumph has been one of the standouts of camp since day one, alongside fellow edge rushers Chase Young, Carl Granderson and undrafted rookie Jasheen Davis.
His familiarity in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme is evident and he’s also benefited from the landscape of the position’s depth chart. Third-year edge rusher Isaiah Foskey has yet to turn the corner that was expected in the new system. Despite some encouraging praise from Jordan, Foskey’s quiet camp has helped Rumph stand out even more.
WR Mason Tipton
For the second year in a row, the former Yale wideout has been one of the bright spots of camp. Last year, his ascension was derailed by injury. This season, he’s been on the field and is poised to prove he can be an impact player on gamedays, starting with the preseason. He looks to have very good chemistry with all three quarterback options, which could be important for him going into the regular season.
Rattler to Tipton 💣 pic.twitter.com/I4JZhPNVBY
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 25, 2025
NT Davon Godchaux
Unofficial depth charts are just that: unofficial. However, the leap Godchaux has quickly made in practice reps and on paper is notable.
Acquired via trade this offseason, it was always clear that the 6-foot-3, 311 pound run-stopper was going to have a major role in New Orleans. But how quickly he’s caught on and contributed to what the Saints hope will be an improved run defense in 2025 is very impressive. Godchaux has been imposing on the field both in sheer size and in dominant play.
S Julian Blackmon
Another newcomer that impressed immediately, Blackmon may end up being the starting safety next to Justin Reid week one. The former Utah safety had been on Staley’s radar for many years and now the two have finally united in New Orleans. He’s made several plays over the top and being a deep-field ballhawk to a defense desperate for turnover production.
Great coverage by Julian Blackmon breaks up a Spencer Rattler pass meant for Welch. #Saints pic.twitter.com/PhyJ1UN1qz
— dylan sanders (@DillySanders) August 3, 2025
K Blake Grupe
The one position battle that no one will bat an eyelash at for being called through just 11 practices is kicker.
Yes, second-year leg Charlie Smyth has struggled through camp sinking just 16 of his 27 field goal attempts. But more influential than that has been the unshakeable consistency of Grupe who is now 26/27 in camp with his one miss coming during a random spell of heavy rainfall.
Grupe won this expected competition so quickly with his reliability and composure that it was hardly a battle. If he maintains the composure he’s shown so far through the regular season, Grupe will be in for a big year.
