After the New Orleans Saints’ opening preseason game, a few players have raised their stock. Whether vying for a roster spot or trying to solidify a role, these five players are being looked at a bit more seriously after Saturday’s action against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
QB Zach Wilson
After being the quietest of the backup passers through most of training camp, Zach Wilson made a lot of noise in his preseason opportunity.
He went 11-for-16 for 145 passing yards and completed a touchdown strike to rookie tight end Oscar Delp.
Wilson’s battle with quarterback Spencer Rattler is now much more of a conversation. Rattler was the more impressive throughout training camp, while Wilson showed his propensity to make plays in live action.
That along with institutional knowledge versus veteran experience will play a large role in the eventual decision of who backs up starting quarterback Tyler Shough.
WR Bub Means
Wilson’s top target all training camp, wide receiver Bub Means put it all together for his first game action in just over a year.
He hauled in four receptions for 77 yards and had two near-touchdowns in the process.
Means has been a consistent threat on the practice field and finally had his chance to showcase that ability against Jacksonville. The Saints may not look to keep six receivers after the surprising retirement of Ja’Lynn Polk. But if they do, Means is solidifying himself as an option.
CB Jayden Price
Finishing the day with a pass breakup, interception and a 24-yard kick return that was slightly shortened by a holding penalty, cornerback Jayden Price followed up everything seen in camp with a strong performance on Saturday.
Price’s journey has been a long one. After finishing college at NDSU, he went undrafted to the Atlanta Falcons before bouncing from the CFL to the UFL. Last year, he landed with the Saints and appears to have found a home in the team’s backup STAR/slot role.
He could be one of the players going from the 2025 practice squad to the 53-man roster this season.
LB Jaylan Ford
Going into his third year in the league and second season in Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley’s system, linebacker Jaylan Ford is playing comfortable, confident football this offseason.
That translated on Saturday.
He snagged an interception in the opening defensive possession and served as the green dot communicator throughout his playing time.
Ford displayed his playmaking ability, his development and his communication skills in a strong showing against the Jaguars.
EDGE Mike Heldman
The Central Michigan undrafted rookie was a terror on the defensive line all game. Heldman wrangled two sacks and a tackle for a loss on the day in what was an impressive debut.
Heldman’s pass rush plan developed throughout the day to better counter the blocking strategy of the tackles he faced. His quick, on-the-fly adjustments continuously put him in position to make plays.
If the Saints are looking for another edge rusher to add to the mix while veteran defender Cameron Jordan rehabs his hamstring injury, Heldman’s put himself in a great position.
