Five standouts from Saints OTA practice

By Ross Jackson

During the first open day of New Orleans Saints Organizes Team Activities (OTAs) there were some standout performances to witness. In the first practice in front of the media that included both rookies and veterans, a number of players from both groups stood out. 

WR Kevin Austin Jr. 

The veteran wideout reeled in the best catch of the day, reaching up high to snag a pass in traffic in the middle of the field. The pass was placed precisely where only Austin had a chance to make a play on the ball by quarterback Spencer Rattler. 

Austin finished the season strong last year and is in contention for what may only be one remaining open roster spot. If nothing else, he should be a lock for the practice squad if he continues the trajectory of last year. 

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

McKinstry was given props by defensive coordinator Brandon Staley near the sideline after the team’s 7-on-7 drills. He was in coverage of the top wideout in each rotation he faced and didn’t appear to give up much space at all in coverage. 

Typically, not noticing a cornerback is a good thing. It means the ball isn’t often going their way. From what was seen on Thursday, there wasn’t a lot of intent in testing the third-year corner. 

WR Bryce Lance

Lance moves so remarkably well for a player his size and it leaps off the field while watching him. He didn’t come up with any highlight grabs or big plays this time around, but the dedication to his craft, working and talking with other wideouts off to the side, and his movement ability were highlight enough. 

OL Dillon Radunz

Retaining Radunz may have been one of the Saints’ wisest moves this past offseason, keeping quality depth in the building for the offensive line. Radunz won the team’s reaction drill, led by director of sports performance Ted Rath. 

Along with strength, movement ability and a high football IQ, reaction time is vital for linemen. Radunz showed this on Thursday with a knockout tournament-style drill that required players to react to callouts from Rath in a split-second. 

S Julian Blackmon

While it was safety Jonas Sanker leading the conversation after practice because of his apparent lead in the STAR/slot role, Blackmon’s return to the deep safety position was noticeable. 

He covers so much ground very quickly on the backend of the defense and operates with discernible instinct. New Orleans was excited to get him in the building last year, that excitement is sure to continue after he’s chosen to return this season. 

HM: QBs Tyler Shough 

It’s effectively a given that Shough would stand out so I focused on non-QBs on this list. But he showed his impressive ability to step in and take charge as a leader. 

This OTA period represents his first time being the standard-bearer through an NFL offseason. He’s taken the reins quickly and impressed in the process.