JACKSON: Saints should strongly consider rotating in young players

By Ross Jackson

There are three young players that the New Orleans Saints should take advantage of opportunities to get a look at sooner rather than later. 

It might not be time, or even possible, to move them into starting roles yet. But holding them back only for emergencies isn’t the best way to build their experience. Therefore, rotating them in for certain looks, packages or situations could make sense depending on the game flow. 

CB Quincy Riley

New Orleans is yet to notch an interception on the season through its first two games. This is the bread and butter of Riley’s game. Rotating him in on nickel snaps on the outside opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry could give New Orleans an early look at one of its promising young defenders. 

Of course, in order for any cornerback to see success, pressure from the defensive front will have to be more consistent. It’s hard for any corner, let alone a rookie, to cover for five or more seconds. 

LB Danny Stutsman

Veteran linebacker Pete Werner had a tough showing against the San Francisco 49ers that has a lot of fans calling for a change at the position. While such a change is unlikely when it comes to long-term decisions, there may be some opportunities available over the early portion of the season for Stutsman to see action.

Whether it’s in a rare three-linebacker set or a rotation of sorts, the fourth-round rookie could provide another spark for the Saints’ defense and second level. 

The trick with Stutsman would be finding a role that works for him and that he’s been coached up for in the Saints’ defense. It appeared during camp that he spent most of his time getting reps as a backup in Demario Davis’ role. 

OL Torricelli Simpkins III

The undrafted rookie offensive lineman was the team’s preseason star. Though he took all of his exhibition game snaps at center, the Saints have also liked him at guard, which is where he has spent most of his time since. 

Should starting left guard Trevor Penning be ruled out for this week’s game against the Seahawks, Simpkins would be next up with Dillon Radunz injured and out. 

However, if Penning is cleared, Simpkins could be used as the sixth offensive lineman whenever head coach Kellen Moore wants to show those looks on Sunday.

In any of these three cases, getting the players out on the field with a specific plan and role, even if rotational, may be a more comfortable exposure for them all rather than having to go in for an emergency situation. The earlier the experience, the better, as the Saints work to catalog their roster’s talent and development throughout the season.