As the New Orleans Saints square off with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, the biggest names will have the biggest impacts. Quarterback Tyler Shough headlines the Saints’ key players while, despite injury scares, wide receiver Chris Olave and edge rusher Chase Young will quickly reveal their value if they take the field as expected.
But, like last week against the Detroit Lions, there will be the more unheralded or neglected contributors that can change everything for New Orleans. Here are three to keep an eye on in Baltimore.
DL Vernon Broughton
The second-year defensive lineman finished the opening game against the Lions with the highest Pro Football Focus defensive grade among interior defenders. A third-round draft selection in 2025, Vernon Broughton’s rookie season was cut short with a season-ending hip injury. This year, he has the opportunity to be a key contributor for the team’s defensive line rotation. With fellow lineman Christen Miller a late addition to this week’s injury report, Broughton could be in for another big day matching up with one of the NFL’s best running backs in Derrick Henry of the Ravens.
WR Devaughn Vele
Along with Olave, wide receiver Devaughn Vele was a key piece to the Saints’ offensive attack in Week 1 and should be again in Week 2. Vele’s catch radius, and ability in contested situations, make him a go-to target in the red zone and on third downs. Expect the third-year receiver to continue to remain a major target in those have-to-have-it situations.
RB C.J. Donaldson
While Vele is a go-to target in certain passing situations, undrafted rookie running back C.J. Donaldson has become a go-to rusher in short-yardage situations. After eschewing the fullback position in 2025, the Saints have unveiled a variety of packages that include the position, as they transition to an offense that’s run from under center. Donaldson was moved to the active roster recently and, if active on game day, will continue to get consistent work in those short-yardage opportunities.
