Now that the first stretch of New Orleans Saints training camp is in the books, it’s time to look back over the first few days of notes and highlight standout players that have been making an impression.
It’s been a defensive showing through the opening three sessions, but some players on offense have still managed to steal some attention, as well.
The pads go on in a matter of days, so the early practices were geared towards acclimating players back into the competitive environment. Here are some of the players that caught eyes by maximizing that opportunity.
EDGE Chase Young
Few have been as energized and none have been as disruptive as Young early in camp. He’s flying around the field during first team drills and is seemingly living in the backfield. Young has set a tone early as an attacking force in a defense built to win with impact off the edge.
He already has numerous would-be sacks (in camp’s non-contact environment) and has created a ton of havoc in the early days of practice.
TE Noah Fant
From reeling in a big catch down the seam to scoring in the red zone, Fant is already proving to have the impact he was expected to provide when signed. His unique combination of size and movement ability have already led him to generate big plays as he builds chemistry in his new offense.
Fant is proving to be a weapon in head coach Kellen Moore’s system. His partnership with Juwan Johnson at the position appears ready to provide quarterback Tyler Shough with at least a pair of explosive contributors at tight end.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
The team’s top cornerback was sidelined for the third day of practice but in the two sessions beforehand, McKinstry is living up to his top-billing at the position. He has already pulled together a pair of pass breakups with a number of additional strong moments in coverage. McKinstry has been very impressive to start camp.
LB Pete Werner
The sixth-year linebacker is playing as if he is seeing the field in an entirely new way in the opening days. He’s been consistent ahead of reads when defending the run, filling gaps and putting himself in position to make big plays by stopping runs short, redirecting runners or wrapping up ball-carriers in the backfield. Werner is doing his part on the field to help elevate the new-look second level.
WR Barion Brown
No one’s speed is more evident through the first practices than Brown’s. From toe-tapping sideline catches to shifty moves with the ball in his hands, Brown is proving to be further ahead at receiver than some may have expected.
His special teams acumen is solidified, but he’s wasted no time in announcing his arrival as an offensive contributor, as well.
CB Jayden Price
One of the surprises of camp for those that missed him during OTAs and minicamp, Price has been aggressive, physical and fast playing as the backup STAR/slot defender behind safety Jonas Sanker.
Twice, Price has undercut passes with impeccable timing thanks to his impressive reaction speed and almost came up with interceptions. If he starts securing the passes he has been getting his hands on, he’ll be on a fast track to a 53-man roster spot.
TE Moliki Matavao
While all of the attention at his position is going to Johnson, Fant and rookie tight end Oscar Delp, Matavao continues to catch eyes. With a number of physical catches in traffic and his extensive blocking experience dating back to his days at Oregon before becoming a pass-catching threat at UCLA, the 2025 draft pick appears ready to make a leap in his second year.
