Saints’ most competitive position groups

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are set to begin rookie minicamp this month, with OTAs soon to follow. As the team undergoes this process and gets ready for training camp later in the summer, competition will begin to heat up across the roster.

From depth to starting roles, there will be important position battles taking place heading into the September season opener. Here are a few of the positions that will see the most competition and jostling for opportunities on the depth chart.

Wide Receiver

From concern to loaded room, the wide receiver group saw a major overhaul in the 2026 NFL Draft. With three wideouts drafted for the first time since 1989 in New Orleans, the Saints turned their wide receiver room from one with major depth questions to one with a lot of potential.

Behind the top three receivers, Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele and rookie Jordyn Tyson, the additions of Bryce Lance and Barion Brown go a long way in raising the floor of the group. But players recovering from injury like Ja’Lynn Polk, Trey Palmer and Bub Means aren’t to be forgotten, nor veteran Kevin Austin Jr. who rose to the occasion late last season when the room was marred with injury.

A return specialist like Brown can also add a vertical or run after catch element to the offense.

With three roles projected to be filled, plus Brown presumably taking up a spot as a returner and the fourth-round investment in the speedy Lance, there may only be one spot left for seven competitors at best.

STAR/Slot Cornerback

Who exactly is in the running here remains a question mark in and of itself, but a combination of cornerbacks and safeties could be battling it out for this versatile, productive and foundational role to defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. 

It’s assumed that cornerback Quincy Riley will be in the conversation, especially after the addition of veteran boundary corner Martin Emerson Jr., along with safeties like Jonas Sanker, Julian Blackmon and Jordan Howden. There is always the potential for a new addition to shake things up, as well.

Offensive Line

While it’s not a battle that draws a lot of eyes, the competition along the offensive line should be palpable this offseason. Particularly from a depth perspective. Finding a backup center the team can rely on is a must for New Orleans, but additional competition is expected when it comes to backing up guard and tackle spots. The more fierce the competition in this area, the more every player improves, thereby narrowing the drop off from starter to reserve. This will be an important theme over the course of training camp.