By Ross Jackson
The final preseason game for the New Orleans Saints provides one more opportunity for players to either earn or solidify a roster spot. If not a roster spot, then at least a chance to latch on to the practice squad. The trust is, the Saints likely already have an idea of what their 53-man roster will look like, and it will take an outstanding performance to change things.
As of now, here is what we believe the Saints’ 53-man roster may look like come roster cuts on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
OFFENSE: 25
Quarterbacks (4): Derek Carr, Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, Taysom Hill (offensive weapon)
No big analysis needed here. This is simple. The Saints typically carry three quarterbacks, not including Hill. That should be the same this year. While Hill is going to move around the offense playing in the backfield, in-line, in the slot and out wide, his position designation is still “QB”, so he falls into this group for this exercise.
The question of backup passer remains and is something that actually can be impacted by the final preseason game. Right now, Haener should be considered the front-runner. The Saints tend to lean on experience.
Running Backs (4): Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Jordan Mims
The running back depth chart should look exactly as it did last year. It was clear that would be the plan from the get-go as the team added only one player, undrafted rookie Jacob Kibodi, to the group this offseason.
The big difference going into 2024 is the Miller conundrum. The third-round rusher has not been at training camp beyond individual drills of the first day. With a new NFL rule, a team can place two players on Injured Reserve (IR) on roster cuts day without ending their season. He should be a candidate for that mechanism. But it seems just as likely that New Orleans will simply carry him into the season and try to give him a chance to prove something once he is healthy.
Fullback (0)
This is the same strategy the team employed last season. While Adam Prentice looks to be the Saints’ choice at fullback, they could try to sneak him past waivers and add him to the practice squad. From there, they could elevate him for a few games before moving him back to the active roster. This adds roster flexibility. With Hill also on the roster, you can stomach losing a fullback to waivers if a team is so inclined.
Wide Receivers (5): Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., A.T. Perry, Bub Means
This one is tough after the top four. Olave, Shaheed, Wilson Jr., and Perry are obvious choices based on their camp performances and status with the team. The fifth wideout is a tougher choice.
Means has an edge as a drafted player but has also turned it on late in camp to prove he is deserving of more opportunity. Wideouts Kevin Austin Jr., Stanley Morgan Jr. and Samson Nacua have each had strong practices with Nacua having the stronger preseason showing of the three. Undrafted rookie Mason Tipton has been shut down the majority of camp so far with an injury and thus has not been able to build on his strong start.
The team could also choose to keep 6 wideouts. Last year, that is exactly what the San Francisco 49ers did, which is where the Saints new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was previously. If they kept six, an argument could be made for Morgan Jr. or Equanimeous St. Brown for their blocking ability.
Tight Ends (3): Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Dallin Holker
The only thing that complicates this selection is health. Holker is viewed as the team’s “eighth-round pick” but has also been out with a sprained ankle of late. That could open the door for tight end Michael Jacobson to sneak in and impress. But if the team truly believes as strongly as they say about Holker, it would be hard not to see him make this roster.
Offensive Line (9): Taliese Fuaga (LT), Lucas Patrick (LG), Erik McCoy (C), Cesar Ruiz (RG), Trevor Penning (RT), Landon Young, Oli Udoh, Kyle Hergel, Tremayne Anchrum
IR: Nick Saldiveri
This one is pretty standard. The expected starting five and the most valuable and versatile pieces seen throughout training camp. Keeping a ninth offensive lineman could be substituted for that sixth wide receiver spot, but for now this unit needs all the depth it can get.
Young, Udoh and Hergel provide a ton of versatility, and Anchrum has been one of the team’s few consistently healthy pieces among the unit. Meanwhile, the starters are as expected with Patrick taking the left guard spot and Penning sticking at right tackle. Whether they add more talent at roster cuts to upset either the starters or depth remains to be seen.
Saldiveri going to IR with the new roster rule makes sense. He, like Miller, has not been back participating in practice for a while after missing the majority of his rookie season last year. Giving him more time seems to be necessary, so the Saints could use this rule or just carry him as the ninth guy.
Rookie tackle Josiah Ezirim could be a candidate, but the more practical approach looks to be sending him to the practice squad to continue his development. Ezirim was fired up when draft, and a squad assignment wouldn’t be an indictment on his ability. It’s simply the reality for a player who transitioned to the offensive line in college. Remove him from the pressure of having to step in because of injuries and let him focus on growth. If need be, he could be a game day elevation.
DEFENSE: 25
Defensive Line (9): Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, Chase Young, Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, Khristian Boyd
This unit should not need to see much change. Everything stays the same as last year except for two new faces: Young and Boyd.
Young has been an outstanding addition thus far to the defensive line bringing disruptive speed and athleticism. Boyd has been as solid as they come as a run stopper with good agility. Look for this unit to be more successful this year than last. Finishing plays at the quarterback will be the largest test of their success.
Linebackers (5): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay Jr., Anfernee Orji, Khaleke Hudson
Gay Jr., the newest addition, has been a fantastic boost for this unit. His speed and sideline-to-sideline capabilities are exciting and add another level of playmaking ability to this defense. The linebacker unit has been one of the most impressive this offseason. Linebackers coach Michael Hodges has done a fantastic job developing the talent of both young and veteran players.
Orji has been one of the most improved players on the team this offseason and deserves to go from the practice squad spot he held last season to the active roster this year. Hudson has starting experience and a bounty of special teams acumen. Both make him an easy pick for the roster.
However, if linebacker D’Marco Jackson is healthy in time (suffered a calf injury in Wednesday’s practice), it is more likely that Jackson holds one of these spots instead. That would be deserved. Jackson has had a very strong camp.
Cornerbacks (5): Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Shemar Jean-Charles
The top four here is as obvious as just about any position group gets. Lattimore and Adebo will start on the outside while Taylor holds down the slot. Taylor has, without a doubt, been the most improved player of camp looking from 2023 to 2024. His focus, his drive and his play have all taken major steps forward this offseason despite being well-off to begin with.
The fifth cornerback spot is where the competition wages. Corners Rico Payton and Rejzohn Wright have made successful pushes with standout levels of play. However, a late injury to Payton may have derailed his momentum. He was playing like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL throughout his two preseason games. Jean-Charles’ familiarity with the team (he joined the roster late last season) and special teams ability are the reasons he gets the edge. But this one will be a tough decision to make.
McKinstry is expected to be ready for the first week of the season. He provides valuable depth as it is unlikely for any NFL club to keep all three of its starting cornerbacks healthy for a full 17-game season. McKinstry is likely to have his number called.
Safeties (6): Tyrann Mathieu, Jonathan Abram, Jordan Howden, Will Harris, J.T. Gray, Ugo Amadi
This position has included one of the most hotly contested battles of camp. The safety spot next to Mathieu still feels up for grabs, though Abram feels like the likely candidate. While Howden, Harris and Gray have all also gotten opportunities there, it will be hard for the coaching staff to shake the Mathieu-Abram tandem’s success to close out the regular season last year.
The good news is that this safety room, as constructed, packs a ton of versatility. Therefore, things can always shift based on matchup, game plan and game situation. Gray remains the special teams captain while Amadi gives the team another core special teamer with familiarity and depth in the slot.
SPECIALISTS: 3
Kicker (1): Blake Grupe
While Grupe and rookie kicker Charlie Smyth have been engaged in a camp battle, it always felt that the separation would have to be wide in order for the incumbent to lose his spot. His effectiveness through the end of the season is a paramount display of his comfort and growth, something the Saints will likely bet on.
Smyth has been outstanding this camp, but accuracy within 50-yard kicks is going to be a place he will continue to develop. The 65-yard kicks are nice and flashy, but teams are typically not attempting many of those. If the Saints can sneak Smyth through waivers, they could add him back to the team as roster exemption. He would then not count against the roster numbers but could not be called upon during the regular season. There is value in this move for his and the Saints’ kicking future.
Punter (1): Lou Hedley
Rookie punter Matthew Hayball has made his case to steal this spot, but he likely fell just short. Despite the heated battle, the Saints are normally a team that relies on familiarity, and that is two-fold in this move. Head coach Dennis Allen highlighted Hedley’s ability to locate punts which allows for some level of predictability–a good trait to have at the position. This would also keep the snap-hold-kick operation from last year together for the ever-important field goals that will be attempted throughout the season.
Long Snapper (1): Zach Wood
Wood may seriously be the safest player on the roster year-in and year-out. Not only will he return to his mantle as the team’s long-snapper, but he also deserves to carry the Captains’ badge again this season.
