Each year, players impress consistently throughout the training camp process and become known as “camp darlings.” The phrase isn’t a pejorative one, as many players go on to find roles with their clubs and make an impact.
Here are a few of the New Orleans Saints’ players that are making a positive impression thus far throughout camp and are looking to follow in the best possible footsteps of going from camp darling to impactful contributor by the time the regular season begins.
WR Barion Brown
Since arriving in New Orleans, Brown has been the big-play manufacturer in the passing game. It’s already expected what he’ll bring to the return game, entering the league as an elite kick returner, but Saints head coach Kellen Moore has been adamant about Brown’s capabilities as a pass-catcher, as well.
“He’s a receiver as well,” Moore said of Brown over the offseason. “I think that’s the important asset that we view this as is we’re onboarding a guy who’s a returner and a receiver. It’s not going to be just a returner and nothing else.”
So far, that’s shown up throughout training camp. Brown’s been in position to make some big plays downfield and in catch-and-run opportunities. As he continues to develop, his camp stardom should only grow brighter.
CB Jayden Price
Defensively, Price has been one of the most pleasant surprises of camp. Stepping into a second-team role as the backup STAR/slot defender behind safety Jonas Sanker, he’s been aggressive, anticipatory and physical. He’s already jumped a number of routes, making plays on the ball consistently. He’s also a willing tackler and adds special teams value as well. Price has gone from UFL star to NFL practice squad developer to now being in line for a spot on the 53-man roster.
TE Moliki Matavao
Another player that’s risen from last year’s practice squad, Matavao is hard to miss on the football field. First, his imposing size certainly draws attention, but also how consistently the ball seems to find its way to him. Already a strong blocker, Matavao realised his potential as a pass-catching threat during his collegiate stint with UCLA before entering the league. The Saints’ expected usage of multi-tight end sets lends itself to the 2025 seventh-rounder’s skill set at the position.
With the Saints expected to lean heavily on tight end usage in 2026, holding on to four players at the position on the 53-man roster makes a lot of sense. Matavao has been making a convincing case for one of those slots.
EDGE Mike Heldman
This year’s undrafted rookie standout, Heldman has been on a tear as a second- and third-team pass-rusher. Not a day goes by that No. 63 doesn’t end up in practice notes because he’s generated a pressure, been in position for a sack or makes a good play in the run game. With so many veterans ahead of him, the numbers aren’t necessarily in his favor to land a roster spot, but he should be considered a shoo-in for now to grab a chance to keep developing with the team on the practice squad.
