By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are ready to move to the next phase of their offseason after this week’s final OTA practice. The team will have one more day open to the media on Thursday, and there are a few players that we’ll be watching carefully.
Both quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough are, of course, the pique of intrigue. But we’ll focus on non-quarterbacks for this list, knowing that we’ll all be watching Rattler and Shough closely.
WR Bub Means
One of the breakout candidates for the Saints in 2025, Means has shown some notable progress throughout his offseason opportunities so far. He caught a deep pass for a touchdown last week, but it was his release and ability to stack the corner on his way to getting open that was most impressive. Continuing his strong OTA performance ahead of next week’s minicamp would be a promising sign.
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DE Chase Young
The edge rusher was away during the first week of OTAs, but returned for the second and looked fantastic in the new defensive system. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has the perfect role for Young, one that allows him to pin his ears back and do what he does best: get after the quarterback. He’ll have additional responsibilities like dropping into the flats in coverage, but you can hardly miss how fast and disruptive he is even in a controlled OTA environment.
TE Juwan Johnson
The athletic tight end is being put in more positions to contribute as a playmaker. Head coach Kellen Moore’s offense is going to require tight ends to help as blockers, just like many other schemes, but for Johnson, getting cut loose early in the year to make plays as a pass-catcher will be key.
Johnson outplayed Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (save one game) last year. Seeing him in Moore’s system, which typically features the position, is an exciting notion. The two will continue to build upon that in the final week of OTAs.
RB Kendre Miller
Miller has looked consistent, smooth and comfortable with what’s been asked of him in Moore’s offense. He’s catching passes, running at a variety of points of attack and looks to be moving extremely well. Miller may finally be in a situation that plays to his strengths.
LB Danny Stutsman
Stutsman has seen a lot of action throughout OTAs as well. With this phase of the offseason being voluntary, Demario Davis has been in and out of practices from what can be seen on the Saints’ social media videos. That has allowed Stutsman and fellow linebackers Pete Werner and Nephi Sewell to see a lot of first team reps.
Stutsman is an energetic and vocal presence that is hard to miss on the field. His football IQ and preparation habits have some very excited inside the facility.
