The New Orleans Saints are prepared to take the field for their second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with the local media present on Wednesday. After the opening week, much was learned about the team’s approach to the STAR/slot position, backup center role and implementation of rookie players.
Going into the second week, some of the key takeaways will revolve around the progress and health of key rookie additions, possible adjustments to important rotations and further installment of more complex game nuances.
Progress for Tyson, Miller
Since the first day of rookie minicamp, first-year wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has been only seen observing rather than fully participating in drills. Head coach Kellen Moore says that the team is ramping Tyson up, seeing some progress with more involvement in the second week would be a promising sign.
Similarly, second-round rookie and defensive tackle Christen Miller is also undergoing a recovery process. He went from absent during rookie minicamp to observing during the first open OTA practice. If he were participating in individual drills this time around, the progress would be be a welcome sight for the club.
Rotational Changes?
During the first week of OTA practices, it was safety Jonas Sanker leading the rotation at the STAR/slot position. The decision was an expected as nothing is finalized as to who will hold the position come the 2026 regular season. Sanker led the rotation the last time that the media was present. Should that change, it may suggest a less front-runner status than assumed for Sanker.
The same can be said for the backup center role. With starter Erik McCoy firmly in place, his backup is a role others will compete to earn. Second-year offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III appeared to be the No. 2 at the position ahead of lineman William Sherman. Like STAR/slot, if the rotation changes, or doesn’t change, will suggest the status of the battle for the position.
Installing More Core Concepts
New Orleans has wasted no time getting its players accustomed to finer details like motion, personnel substitutions, line of scrimmage communication and more. It will be interesting to learn how much more the time looks to involve early, as it gives a glimpse of what the core concepts and DNA of the team will be in 2026.
OTAs are about installing some of the basics, or at least introducing those concepts, if something is being woven in now, it suggests that the wrinkle will be a key piece of the team’s approach and identity.
