Three takeaways from Saints first depth chart

By Ross Jackson

The first depth chart of the regular season is now available on the New Orleans Saints’ team website. 

Saints depth charts ahead of Week 1: pic.twitter.com/j9RCzyiz8N

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 29, 2025

Unlike the preseason unofficial depth charts, this one is expected to mimic the actual playing time, position and rotation of players until any changes are made. Players can still jostle for position and earn more playing time in practice while others can always be added from the practice squad and free agency. While this depth chart is more official than those seen throughout the exhibition games, it is also very fluid.

The list solidifies some elements that were already expected. Offensive lineman Trevor Penning is listed as the starting left guard, running back Kendre Miller looks to have earned the No. 2 spot and Julian Blackmon is one of the team’s starting safeties.

There are some intriguing decisions.

Offensive Line Depth Raises Eyebrows

Nothing is necessarily concerning here, but interesting. During the preseason, undrafted rookie Torricelli Simpkins III was a revelation at backup center. He was thrust into the role much earlier than anticipated, having started practicing at that position about a week or so earlier during training camp. 

Simpkins has a collegiate background at center thanks to his time at NC Central before transferring to South Carolina, but started his time in New Orleans at guard. Now, after the trade acquisition of center Luke Fortner during the preseason, Simpkins is listed as the third left guard with Fortner at backup center.

Meanwhile Asim Richards, another player acquired recently via trade, is listed as both the backup left and right tackle spots. Xavier Truss, who was initially expected to play tackle upon arrival in New Orleans is currently listed as the team’s backup right guard instead. A 6-foot-7 guard is a choice reminiscent of head coach Kellen Moore’s Philadelphia Eagles offensive line.

Danny Stutsman Backing Up Demario Davis

When he was drafted, many thought Stutsman would push fellow linebacker Pete Werner for his starting role. The desire was always a bit misplaced since the two manned different linebacker spots, but versatility sometimes wins out. 

The Saints have been training Stutsman to be a “MACK” in their new defense. That sets him up to be the “green dot” communicator in the middle of the defense rather than the weakside coverage backer. Of course, should there be a need at either position, Stutsman would likely be tasked with filling in. But for now, his focus has been backing up Demario Davis, one of the most important players on the team at one of its more important positions.

Rashid Shaheed Is Still Returning Kicks

Another widespread assumption was that with Shaheed seeing his role expanding on offense that maybe the team would remove him (or at least mostly remove him) from kick and punt return duties. As of right now, that does not seem to be the case. The team’s new depth chart backs up what special teams coordinator Phil Galiano had to say earlier in the week about Shaheed and his continuing role as a returner.

“I would not say that,” Galiano said when asked if Shaheed has passed the point of being used as a returner. “I think there’s an injury factor to every player. I think he’s the best in the league at what he does. He’s been an All-Pro, anytime he touches the ball he can score. And the more points we score, the better chance we have of winning.”