Saints depth chart shifts: Boyd rises, new center top backup

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints released their final unofficial depth chart ahead of this weekend’s preseason closer against the Denver Broncos.

#Saints third unofficial depth chart.

– Khristian Boyd listed directly behind Davin Godchaux following the Khalen Saunders trade.

– Luke Fortner listed as the top backup center, but they’ve deviated from the depth chart order at center a ton already. pic.twitter.com/6a2dVSgFWM

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) August 19, 2025

On it, there is much of the same from the first release: no clear indication at quarterback and a lot of personnel ordered by seniority, neither of which is surprising for the Saints or any NFL at this time of year.

But two changes did quickly catch eyes.

Defensive tackle Kristian Boyd is listed as the immediate backup behind starting nose tackle Davin Godchaux.
Newly acquired center Luke Fortner is already listed as the primary backup to Erik McCoy.

Both shifts are related to the same move. The Saints traded defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars following Sunday’s game. In return, the team got Fortner in a player swap to help recoup some of the offensive line depth it has already lost this offseason.

Boyd effectively leaps veteran defensive tackle Josh Ridgeway III, who is listed in a second line of defensive tackles as the third option. This could be great for Boyd who waded through a frustrating season last year where he made the active roster but was often inactive on gameday. Now, he’s in a defensive system that better supports his talents and is making good use of the opportunity.

The Fortner placement is intriguing as the Saints have commonly deviated from their unofficial depth chart at that position. Undrafted rookie Torricelli Simpkins III has been listed as a guard all offseason, but has been the team’s go-to backup center in both preseason matchups after Will Clapp was lost to injury. Where Fortner and Simpkins play throughout the practice week will be interesting to watch.