By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS – Ahead of their upcoming opener against the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints released their unofficial depth chart. While these depth charts do typically see some flux and change before the season actually kicks off, there are sometimes some details from which it is worth gleaning information. It is important to remember that the 53-man roster used to make this depth chart could see considerable changes before it is all said and done.
#Saints Week 1 depth chart lists Jordan Howden as safety starter next to Tyrann Mathieu.
They evoked the always fun “OR” for QB2, however. pic.twitter.com/zhmKDHIQnh
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) September 3, 2024
Still No Public Decision On QB2
The Saints are deploying the always fun “OR” on their depth chart when it comes to the backup quarterback. The thing to remember here is that gamesmanship is at play. The Saints are not interested in surrendering any knowledge of their plans at the position to the public and other teams. But that does not mean that what is happening in the facility matches that lack of transparency.
Inside the building, the team will know exactly who “QB2” is and the player will know that he has the role. Whether or not that role changes hands midway through the season in the spirit of a genuine competition is the question. But on a weekly basis, a backup quarterback will be known. The NFL rules require it.
The real concern is whether or not the team will be able to make enough work and snaps available to Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler in order to properly develop their talents simultaneously rather than focusing on one. But that is a negotiation the Saints seem very comfortable making and a challenge they seem confident with overcoming.
Safety Jordan Howden Listed As A Starter
New Orleans is very fond of its second-year safety in Howden. That has not been a mystery at all. Based on the unofficial depth chart, it looks like Howden may be back in line for the starting role next to veteran Tyrann Mathieu.
Howden has been known to be more of a post, or deep coverage, safety. They gave him a lot of run in the box throughout the preseason in an attempt to get him up to speed there. He will still have some growing pains close to the line of scrimmage. But the smarts and physicality that he does bring should allow him to settle in if he is indeed the starter beside Mathieu
No Surprises On The Offensive Line
The offensive line looks exactly as expected. Rookie tackle Taliese Fuaga will hold on to the starting left tackle role while third-year tackle Trevor Penning will be stationed on the right. Veteran free agency addition Lucas Patrick looks to have the starting job at left guard.
Foster Moreau Tight End No. 1?
This one is interesting, but it makes a lot of sense. This is unlikely to be anything against previous No. 1 Juwan Johnson. Two things are true here. The first is that Moreau has been healthy and may be further along in his conditioning than Johnson who only returned to team drills the final week of camp. The second is that Moreau may offer more upside as a blocker and therefore fits the scheme as the starter more often.
The other thing to remember here is that the Saints will use a ton of tight end sets. So Moreau, Johnson and Taysom Hill should all see a lot of snaps at the position regardless of who is listed as the starter.
Speaking Of Taysom Hill…
Hill spent all of last year listed as a quarterback. However the first unofficial depth chart of the regular season has him listed as a tight end. This makes sense as he has not taken a wealth of quarterback snaps during practices throughout camp. Tight end seems to be the most common position he has manned. So the position destination makes sense. It may also be good for the fantasy football crowd.
This roster is subject to change over the week and by the time the season begins. But it has some interesting nuggets to watch develop over time.
