Notes and observations from first open Saints OTA practice

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints finally got their veterans and rookies on the field together this week with two practices during the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) phase of the offseason. On their second day, the local media was in attendance. Here are some of the biggest notes and takeaways from the day.

Shough Connects With Deep Bag of Receivers

Whether on the field or off to the side, Saints’ quarterback Tyler Shough found time to connect with just about every pass-catcher throughout the day. Shough is stepping into a major leadership role for the team as he enters the offseason as the bonafide ‘QB1’ free from competition and the adjustment from college to the pros.

The passer completed 10 of his 12 passing attempts Thursday. OTAs are typically limited to just over 10 reps of 7-on-7s (and sometimes 11-on-11s) along with some walkthroughs for the day. Shough maximized his reps by completing passes to seven different receivers in 7-on-7 drills, several others in routes on air work as well as finding time to talk to other pass-catching options throughout the practice period. 

Here is a quick look at Shough’s passing attempts for the day, all of which happened in 7-on-7s as there were no full team drills. It’s important to note that rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was asked to not participate in 7s. More on that later.

1. Shough complete to TE Noah Fant over the middle.
2. Shough complete to TE Moliki Matavao in the short-right area of the field.
3. Shough complete to WR Devaughn Vele in the middle.
4. Shough complete to Fant.
5. Shough complete to Vele in the right area.
6. Shough incomplete to Johnson over the middle.
7. Shough complete to Johnson for a big catch and run in the left flats, LB Kaden Elliss in coverage.
8. Shough complete to Fant over the middle, S Julian Blackmon in coverage.
9. Shough complete to TE Treyton Welch in the left flats, S Justin Reid in coverage.
10. Shough complete to WR Ja’Lynn Polk in the intermediate middle area, LB Pete Werner closest in coverage.
11. Shough complete to WR Ronnie Bell, CB Martin Emerson Jr. in coverage.
12. Shough incomplete to Matavao.

Backup quarterback Spencer Rattler completed eight of his 12 passing attempts, including the highlight snag of the day by wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. who pulled down a pass over the middle in traffic. Austin and wideout Bub Means celebrated together after the play.

Tyson Participation Remained Limited

No surprise, but the Saints are continuing to take things slow with their top draft pick. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson participated in individual drills but did not get involved in 7-on-7. He said after the practice that he trusts the plan the Saints have him on and is adjusting well to the pro game.

Fifth-round safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. also participated in individual drills without taking part in 7-on-7s. 

Slot Rotation As Expected

After speaking to head coach Kellen Moore before practice, it was clear that safety Jonas Sanker would be leading the day, at least early, in the STAR/slot rotation. That indeed ended up being the case. The team’s slot rotation consistent of:

• S Jonas Sanker
• S Terell Burgess
• CB Beanie Bishop
• CB Jayden Price

These players, along with Blackmon, were among those expected to see early exposure at the position. This list will continue to shift and change. But it’s considered evident that Sanker is the leader in the clubhouse at the position. 

Attendance

Not seen during Wednesday’s practice: 

• QB Zach Wilson (not injury related)
• WR Trey Palmer
• WR Mason Tipton
• P Ryan Wright (not injury related)
• RB Alvin Kamara (not injury related)
• DT Zxavian Harris
• DT Nathan Shepherd (not injury related)

Seen but not participating:

• RB Kendre Miller
• DT Christen Miller

Backup Center Rotation

Fans with a keen eye have been curious about where things would head at center behind starter Erik McCoy following the loss of last year’s backup Luke Fortner in free agency. As expected, second-year lineman Torricelli Simpkins III is among those who received center snaps behind McCoy along with William Sherman.

The Rath Reaction Drill

A cool moment about halfway through practice showed a little something new for the Saints when Director of Sports Performance Ted Rath got on a microphone and led a reaction drill competition between a series of offensive and defensive linemen.

Linemen were paired up to compete against each other standing on either side of a trio of differently colored cones; blue, green and yellow.

Rath would call out a body part (head, shoulders, toes, knees, etc.) and then, after a series of those callouts, a cone color. The linemen were tasked with following the prompts and then selecting the correct cone in order to win. 

After a series of duals, the game ended in a final bout between offensive linemen Dillon Radunz and Kelvin Banks Jr. Ultimately, Radunz walked away victorious.

The overall participants list included defensive linemen Mike Heldman and Myles Cole as well as offensive linemen Radunz, Banks, Simpkins, Easton Kilty and Xavier Truss.

Shipley Goes 4/5

The Saints are hoping to provide some competition for incumbent kicker Charlie Smyth this year with the hopes that he’ll continue to rise to the occasion as he has consistently thus far. Former Texas kicker Mason Shipley was brought in as an undrafted free agent to provide that pressure. The competition between the two won’t really get under way until training camp, but Shipley was on to kick in front of the media today (kickers typically alternate days).

He made attempts from extra point distance, 36, 39 and 42 yards out, but put one off of the left upright from 45.

Interestingly, with no punter in the building for the day, it was Vele acting as the holder for the field goal work.

Extra Points

• Moore said before practice that the team will host joint practices with all three preseason teams. 
• Wide receiver Chris Olave said that his hope is for his contract extension to be completed by training camp. He mentioned that his team and the Saints are on the same page and that things are moving in the right direction. Despite his contract conversations, he was still present for voluntary OTAs.
• The Saints spent walkthrough time working on substitutions and package changes.
• The focus of the day was on introducing first and second down installations. 
• 10 players worked out as punt returners while 17 did gunner drills with Tyson and Styles watching off to the side. This will continue to narrow and change over the coming weeks.