New Orleans Saints
By Ross Jackson
With five days down of New Orleans Saints training camp, there has been a lot to watch. One day with pads, some run game install, interesting defensive looks and a ton of work for the young quarterbacks.
Here are five things we’ve learned over the Saints’ first five days of camp.
1. Spencer Rattler is leading the quarterback competition, so far.
Beyond just the passing numbers, Rattler has been the best quarterback on the field for the first five days. His processing abilities have made major strides since being thrown into the fire his rookie year and his chemistry with his wideouts is undeniable, especially with Rashid Shaheed and Mason Tipton. He’ll have to continue his promising start and add some more day-to-day consistency (not that he’s been unmanageably inconsistent) in order to fend off rookie Tyler Shough, who has another gear to unlock. But right now, he is undoubtedly the leader in the clubhouse.
Beyond the big throws that catch all of the eyes out at camp, Rattler has been efficient in taking what the defense gives him. Just as important to big, explosive passing plays are the four yard slants he’ll take without hesitation on a simulated third-and-three situation. This competition isn’t about taking the big shots over and over again. It will be about taking the right shots over and over again.
2. The Saints’ pass rush looks promising, but mostly at the top of the depth chart.
Edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson have been the standouts of camp, so far. They’ve lived in the backfield and have been relentlessly disruptive. With a pair of young tackles in front of them, it can be easy to dismiss their success, but it’s clear that the two pass rushers are operating on another level in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s new defense.
#Saints DE Chase Young looked incredibly explosive on this play.
Immediately gets to Spencer Rattler.
Young should have a lot of success in Brandon Staley’s scheme. pic.twitter.com/OIScVXaEMc
— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) July 27, 2025
Behind them, the position group has been a little quiet aside from flashes by free agent acquisition Chris Rumph II. Further development amongst the depth layers will be necessary. But for now, Young and Granderson are easy reasons for optimism for the defense.
3. Coaches are winning everyone over.
Thanks to new components like the freedom to adjust on the fly on defense, a modernized approach on offense and a common sense focus on health and recovery, the Saints new coaching staff has received heaps of praise from its roster. And, deservedly so.
Beyond that, head coach Kellen Moore has revitalized the fanbase, speaking with fans live before practices, running sweepstakes to have lunch with winners and more.
This staff has completely rebuilt the player relationship and the fan connection in a short while after both showed signs of hanging by a thread in the previous regime.
4. A healthy Rashid Shaheed has star potential.
The speedy wide receiver has all of the elements of a star NFL player. He’s a big play machine, he has a great, forward-thinking attitude and now he looks like he’ll be even more integral to the offense.
He’s seen the downfield target that have already put him on the map, but now there looks to be an emphasis to get the ball in his hands in the short and intermediate areas, as well. If he starts to get some catch-and-run opportunities along with his over-the-top abilities downfield, Shaheed could be on the brink of NFL stardom.
5. Rookie class shows promise.
Since the offseason began, rookie defenders have shown early impact capabilities. Safety Jonas Sanker snagged an interception during offseason activities, linebacker Danny Stutsman and cornerback Quincy Riley have each notched their own in camp, as well. Add in Shough’s pursuit for the starting job and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. already creating highlight moments, and it’s easy to see that this could be an impactful rookie class once given the opportunity.
Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman continues to deliver big plays for the Saints defense. On Sunday, he intercepted Spencer Rattler.
The Oklahoma Sooners alum will push for playing time this fall for the Black and Gold. pic.twitter.com/ARH2rq0Rcn
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) July 27, 2025
