Saints defense, Spencer Rattler shine in OTA Day Nine
06/05/2025
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Saints were back on the practice field in front of the media on Thursday, and the fireworks were not lacking. In previous practices, the offense reigned supreme during the typically favorable 7-on-7 and 9-on-7 drills. However this week, the defense bounced back in a big way.
Defense Wins The Day, Led By Alontae Taylor
It’s hard to miss No. 1 on the football field in this new Saints defensive system. First, because he’s been taking snaps from just about everywhere and doing a little bit of everything. Taylor’s versatility will make him a constant and effective presence in new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme.
#Saints CB Alontae Taylor was the standout of practice today.
A couple of passes defensed, great communication with the defense, celebrated every move of his teammates, super vocal and brought a ton of energy.
Defense owned the day today despite a few red zone touchdowns.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) June 5, 2025
Head coach Kellen Moore said that Taylor’s versatility, energy and leadership are helping to grow his impact.
“He is everything you want,” Moore said. “He competes every day, he’s got juice, he’s got energy. He’s out there flying around. He can play a number of positions. I just feel like he’s going to become a real prominent leader for our team.”
Saints defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph had similar praise for Taylor in our one-on-one conversation following practice while discussing his ability to fit into the demands of the Star role.
“Alontae really has the skill set,” Joseph said. “And it’s a really great fit for him and his mentality. Because he has that physical component of the game that he can really make the offenses account for him in a lot of different ways.”
Taylor was the vocal leader and performance leader on the field Thursday. His energetic presence and celebration of his teammates helped to keep the competitive nature of red zone 7-on-7s going strong.
Taylor, Tra Fluellen, Rejzohn Wright, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Justin Reid and Jordan Howden made up the long list of defensive backs that made standout defensive plays by either forcing the quarterback to move on in his progression, breaking up a pass or defending enough to force incompletions.
Spencer Rattler Had The Top QB Performance
The team focused on red zone 7-on-7s drills today, making touchdowns skyrocket. Rattler himself claimed three or four depending on where the ball spot would have been for his final pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Rattler finished 6/8 with three or four touchdowns and one pass broken up by Fluellen who had a strong practice. Rookie Tyler Shough went 7/8 with one touchdown while Hunter Dekkers went 2/4 on his limited reps with a touchdown strike as well.
Spencer Rattler was the strongest QB performer today, in my opinion. Finished 6/8 for three or four TDs depending on the ball’s spot.
Looked quick and decisive as he has been all OTAs. Showed a lot of patience and movement ability during 7-on-7s in the red zone.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) June 5, 2025
Rattler’s Touchdowns:
- 20 yards to TE Juwan Johnson on a wide open catch-and-run.
- Seven yards to Kevin Austin Jr. with Howden in coverage.
- 18 yards to Chris Olave with two defenders in coverage.
- Five yards to Wilson Jr. depending on the spot. Caught at the two and ran in with safety Ugo Amadi closing in.
Shough’s Touchdown:
- Five yards to Johnson with McKinstry closest in coverage.
Dekkers’s Touchdown:
- Five yards to tight end Michael Jacobson, looked a defender off by looking to the flats before going back to Jacobson. Nifty eye work by Dekkers.
Attendance
Not seen: TE Taysom Hill, WR Brandin Cooks, S Tyrann Mathieu, CB Dallys Beanum, RB Alvin Kamara, S JT Gray, OL Cesar Ruiz, DT Nathan Shepherd, EDGE Cameron Jordan, EDGE Chris Rumph and EDGE Chase Young
Sidework: Quarterback Jake Haener participated a bit early, but did not participate in 7-on-7s. Tight ends Foster Moreau and Dallin Holker worked off to the side, but were present. The same goes for Saldiveri, who watched on the side of his position group.
Debuts: Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and linebacker Demario Davis made their debuts in front of the media on Thursday. Both have been present for previous practices as well.
Injury Updates
Some good news on the recovery front with rookie cornerback Quincy Riley participating in individual drills for the first time. A good sign of progress for the young defender.
Moore said that both cornerback Dallys Beanum and offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri were unavailable Thursday due to some injuries or ailments. However neither are expected to be long term.
A Small Shuffle On The Offensive Line
With Ruiz not present and Saldiveri watching on from the sideline, free agent signing Dillon Radunz moved into the right guard spot for the day. He started 15 games at that position in 2024 for the Tennessee Titans. There was no indication that Ruiz’s absence was injury-related.
Special Teams
Blake Grupe went 5/5 on kicks from extra point distance out to 54 yards. All operations were clean. Both Grupe and Charlie Smyth have now kicked in front of the media and perfect in the indoor facility on those reps.
The Saints worked punt fielding and gunner drills as well.
What’s Next?
New Orleans will now move on to mandatory minicamps, for which Moore said that he expects all players to be in attendance.
Mandatory Minicamp will take place June 10, 11 and 12 with the first two practices open to the public that booked tickets in advance.