By Ross Jackson
It looks like several New Orleans Saints running backs are in the running behind star back Alvin Kamara for the second ball-carrier to contribute to new head coach Kellen Moore’s offense.
Third-year back Kendre Miller was seen as an early contributor before OTAs began, but as those practices rolled along, rookie back Devin Neal and veteran rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire have also gotten considerable snaps.
Whomever it is that ends up taking snaps out of the backfield behind Kamara will not see an easy list of responsibilities.
Contributing as a rusher, pass blocker and pass catcher will be necessary in order to earn meaningful snaps.
Kendre Miller Has A Real Chance
The third-year back is seen as a potential breakout candidate in Moore’s new run system, an approachthat should complement better what Miller does successfully.
As a one-cut, interior rusher at TCU, Miller was explosive and a standout at the position. Last year, he was a part of a Saints’ offense that sent a wealth of their run game outside of the tackles. That could be set to change under Moore.
Edwards-Helaire’s Eclectic Skill Set Opens Path
The veteran rusher has a clear path to the roster because of his expansive skill set. Edwards-Helaire is not only a successful inside/outsider rusher, but he’s an excellent route-runner, pass-catcher and most importantly, pass protector as well.
That’s the kind of workload that will keep a back on the field. It also provides a diverse enough deployment that defense don’t get clued in on what’s coming based on personnel. The former LSU Tiger is a great asset for an offense.
Devin Neal Hand-Picked By New Staff
While both Miller and Edwards-Helaire have experience on their side, Neal was hand-picked by Moore and his staff.
Neal, a 2025 sixth-round selection, looks tailor-made for Moore’s rushing scheme. He is versatile like Edwards-Helaire, but without the NFL experience. Despite that, his impressive amount of production at Kansas is going to make it tough to keep him off the field, should the skill set translate.
Neal piled on three-consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, two-straight 16 rushing touchdown years and never missed a game to injury in college.
His durability and production will both keep him in early consideration to take meaningful snaps behind Kamara this year.
The Saints also have backs Xazavian Valladay, Velus Jones Jr. and Marcus Yarns looking for chances to contribute. One of the best ways to drive development and generate top-level production is to create competition, something the Saints have done well at running back.
