NFL Scouting Combine invites to watch for Saints

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

The NFL Scouting Combine will take place from February 23 through March 2 in Indianapolis. During which time, typically upwards of 300-330 collegiate players get a chance to showcase their skills with team interviews, on-field drills and workouts in the hopes of improving their draft stock and realizing their NFL dreams. Some will end up realizing those goals with the New Orleans Saints, who should have a keen eye on some of the most promising prospects at this year’s Combine.

On Wednesday, the NFL announced the 319 players that were invited. Here are five names at each position the Saints should keep an eye on, should their invites be accepted. All players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Quarterbacks

While the Saints won’t be in the market for a quarterback in this year’s early rounds, late-round passers could be valuable for depth.

Drew Allar, Penn State
Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Taylen Green, Arkansas
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Cole Payton, North Dakota State

Running Backs

Several backs should be on the Saints’ radar, depending on how free agency goes. The good news for New Orleans is that there is a deep class of rushers this year, headlined by a bona fide superstar at the position.

Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Jonah Coleman, Washington
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia

One note here, Singleton unfortunately suffered a broken foot during Senior Bowl practices. If the back accepts his invite to the Combine, it appears unlikely that he’ll be able to participate in on-field drills and workouts, but the interviews could serve as a chance to update teams on his recovery process.

Wide Receivers

This position has become one of the most lauded of this year’s draft class and is certainly one in which the Saints could look to invest. Many names will be on the radar here, far beyond the five listed. But there are some key names to track.

Chris Bell, Louisville
Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Makai Lemon, USC
Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Tight Ends

With several outgoing tight ends on expiring or voiding deals for New Orleans, tight end could be a position the Saints address multiple times this offseason.

Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
Max Klare, Ohio State
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Offensive Lineman

Another position the Saints are likely to address through multiple means is along the offensive line, with a particular focus on the interior.

DJ Campbell, Texas
Pat Coogan, Indiana
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

Edge Rushers

Splitting up edge rushers and defensive tackles looks like a smart choice here as the Saints should be keen on both positions. This year’s defensive end class includes a mix of smaller, speedy edge rushers and bigger defensive ends. Both have their place in the Saints’ odd-front defensive scheme.

David Bailey, Texas Tech
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Derrick Moore, Michigan

Defensive Tackle

Adding talent on the interior of the defensive line could help the Saints with their improving run defense. In the meanwhile, putting another space-eater next to fourth-year defensive lineman Bryan Bresee could help to open his game up even more as a pass rusher. This will be a vital position to tend to this offseason.

Zane Durant, Penn State
Zxavian Harris, Mississippi
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Tim Keenan III, Alabama
Domonique Orange, Iowa State

Linebackers

New Orleans has a talented second level, including some underrated options. But adding more talent here could help to prepare them for their future at the position, especially if veteran leader Demario Davis departs in free agency.

Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Cornerbacks

Much like edge rusher and defensive tackle, there’s plenty of reason to keep an eye on both cornerback and safety. The potential departure of “STAR” cornerback Alontae Taylor could send the Saints to the market for a new talent at corner.

Tacario Davis, Washington
Mansoor Delane, LSU
Chris Johnson, San Diego State
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Keionte Scott, Miami

Safeties

As aforementioned, the Saints’ safety room is strong, especially with the return of Julian Blackmon and Jonas Sanker’s promising rookie season. But the talent at some areas of the draft may be too hard to pass up because of the depth of this position in the draft.

Bud Clark, TCU
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
A.J. Haulcy, LSU
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Malik Muhammad, Texas

Specialists

While the Saints are likely to add both a punter and kicker this offseason, it won’t likely be through the draft. The kicker would be for the purpose of competition for incumbent leg Charlie Smyth, but also to make sure that the team isn’t carrying one kicker through all of training camp. Teams like to have alternating kickers and punters so that no one’s leg gets worn out before the season begins. However, there will likely be a search for a new punter through undrafted free agency.