By Ross Jackson
With OTAs starting for the New Orleans Saints this week, some veterans will be back on the practice field on a voluntary basis. While a lot of excitement is already being directed at the incoming rookie class, there are several under-the-radar veterans that could put themselves back on the map as they look to make an impact under their new coaching staff.
Here are three veterans that could have a larger impact than expected.
TE Juwan Johnson
After signing a new three-year extension, Johnson is expected to have a major impact, but the general public doesn’t seem to have much faith in his ability to produce. While he is being counted out, the tight end has impressed when he has been given more opportunities late in seasons.
Moore’s offense relies heavily on tight end production, and Johnson has the talent to provide it. He’s been the team’s best yards-after-catch threat for several seasons and has the athleticism to contribute as a consistent target on crossing routes, a staple in Moore’s offense. His blocking development will be important when it comes to getting and staying on the field as well.
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.
The Saints’ wide receiver room desperately needs another role player to step up. Wilson will have to fight for a roster spot, but if he gets it, he’ll be reunited with Moore for the first time since his breakout 2021 season. Since that year, in which he piled up 602 receiving yards and six touchdown catches, he hasn’t been able to recapture that success in his stops since.
One of the ways that Moore got the most out of Wilson was utilizing him in the slot. That hasn’t been replicated since 2021, but perhaps the head coach can change that with his fellow Boise State alum.
EDGE Isaiah Foskey
With the team’s new defensive system under coordinator Brandon Staley set to be installed, Foskey may finally be utilized in a way that supports his skill set. After wrangling 11 sacks in each of his final two seasons at Notre Dame, Foskey has been mostly limited to a special teams role. But if Staley and new EDGEs coach Jay Rodgers can get him back into a standup rusher role, perhaps Foskey can rekindle his collegiate success.
Notre Dame DE Isaiah Foskey (#7 right EDGE in this clip) is as good as any college player at the strip sack. He had six forced fumbles in 2021. Another great season in 2022 will help land him a spot in Round 1 of next year’s NFL draft. pic.twitter.com/Z9vUxFVDOz
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) July 13, 2022
