By Ross Jackson
Now that the preseason is officially wrapped up and roster cuts are closing, here is an updated look at our projection of the New Orleans Saints’ 53-man roster. There are a few changes from the original predictions based on the final weekend of action.
OFFENSE: 25
Quarterbacks (4): Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, Taysom Hill (offensive weapon)
No changes at this position, but some jostling at the backup quarterback spot. After throwing for a 69.7% adjusted completion rate, (takes into account drops and removes throwaways) leading four touchdowns drives and rebounding from an injury and tough week of practice, Rattler has shown enough to earn the backup passer role in New Orleans.
His ability to improvise will continue to develop at the next level. He manages adversity well and can create on his own when a play breaks down. He has the NFL arm to build on top of that. Rattler feels like the signal caller that finally created some separation in this conversation.
Haener deserves a ton of credit, as well. Both of these young guys battled it out. It just feels that Rattler peaked at the perfect time and the excitement around him in the building feels telling.
Running Backs (4): Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims, Jacob Kidobi
IR: Kendre Miller
Maybe a little reactionary, but not without reason. Kibodi charmed at the podium after impressing on the field in the final preseason game. Rushing for two touchdowns, that is two more touchdowns than Miller has played team snaps this offseason. Not accounting for that would simply be short-sighted.
The Saints can take advantage of the NFL’s new rule which allows teams to put two players on injured reserve (IR) at roster cuts without ending their seasons. They will instead miss the first four games of the year. That is a perfect option for Miller who, even if his hamstring has healed, would need time for conditioning and getting ready for the game.
Fullback (0)
Not sure of any reason to change the projection here. Getting more running backs for the team’s new scheme should take precedent. Fullback Adam Prentice could go to the practice squad and be elevated for the first few weeks before making another decision later at the position. Hill should also continue to contribute here.
Wide Receivers (5): Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., A.T. Perry, Bub Means
Last year’s San Francisco 49ers team, which Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was a part of, kept six wide receivers. Easy to see the Saints doing the same this year, though they would typically only keep five. But hey, new year, new staff, new things happen.
Expect receivers Equanimeous St. Brown and Samson Nacua to be among the priorities for the practice squad. Both would be highly valuable gameday elevations to assist in the blocking game while being able to contribute as pass-catchers as well. Wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. is another that could make a ton of sense as a gunner, receiver and blocker.
Tight Ends (3): Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Dallin Holker
There was an inkling of an idea that perhaps tight end Michael Jacobson would challenge Holker for the final spot at the position. Holker has been out since the second preseason game after spraining his ankle in warm-ups before taking on the San Francisco 49ers. Jacobson had an undeniable opportunity to showcase himself in the meanwhile. However, a pair of ill-timed penalties and a big drop in the final preseason game may have upset his chances.
Offensive Line (9): Taliese Fuaga (LT), Lucas Patrick (LG), Erik McCoy (C), Cesar Ruiz (RG), Trevor Penning (RT), Landon Young, Oli Udoh, Kyle Hergel, Tremayne Anchrum
IR: Nick Saldiveri
No changes here from my original projection. Anchrum was one of the team’s best pass blockers throughout the three preseason games, surrendering just one hurry on 65 pass blocking snaps. Saldiveri is another option, along with Miller, for the second roster cut IR spot.
Rookie offensive tackle Josiah Ezirim received some deserved consideration here. But with only two years of experience on the offensive line and a lot of raw but coveted tools, he is an easy selection for the practice squad where he can continue to develop without the immediate pressure of potentially having to save the day by stepping in for a game.
DEFENSE: 25
Defensive Line (9): Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, Chase Young, Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, Khristian Boyd
No changes here. This unit feels like it has been set from the moment the team finished the NFL draft. The only shuffle that would not be surprising is if the Saints moved on from Foskey after some underwhelming preseason performances. But head coach Dennis Allen spoke clearly in favor of Foskey after the final preseason game.
“I certainly see a vision for this guy helping us on special teams,” Allen said. “So, I think you still have a young player that still needs to develop. But I think he’s taken a step forward from where he was at this point last year.”
Linebackers (5): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay Jr., Anfernee Orji, Khaleke Hudson
With linebacker D’Marco Jackson currently still sidelined with injury, there is no change at this position. However, the Saints did recently reunite with former linebacker Andrew Dowell who wasted no time making his presence felt in the special teams game against the Titans. He could make an interesting push thanks to his familiarity with the coaching staff and always impressive play in the kicking game despite being a late addition in camp.
Cornerbacks (6): Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Shemar Jean-Charles, Rico Payton
With Payton having returned from his shoulder injury, all eyes were back on the Pittsburgh State alum, and he delivered Sunday afternoon. He came screaming off the edge for a big sack against Titans quarterback Malik Willis and was never targeted over his 28 coverage snaps.
That means Payton will finish the preseason as one of the most targeted cornerbacks in the NFL, with the most pass breakups and the third-lowest completion percentage allowed by corners with more than 10 targets. He deserves a roster spot along with Jean-Charles who allowed the second-lowest completion percentage of the 18 corners with at least 70 pass coverage snaps through the preseason
Safeties (5): Tyrann Mathieu, Jonathan Abram, Jordan Howden, Will Harris, J.T. Gray
After keeping six cornerbacks, it makes sense that the team might look to balance the defensive backs room a bit by keeping one fewer safety. That leaves veteran safety Ugo Amadi as the odd man out. He is a highly valuable player, though, so getting him back to the practice squad would be a huge focus for New Orleans. Harris gives you a lot of versatility back in that safety room and can even help out in the slot where Amadi would typically back up.
SPECIALISTS: 3
Kicker (1): Blake Grupe
With rookie kicker Charlie Smyth now dealing with groin tightness, Grupe was able to take advantage of all the extra looks he was given over the course of the past week. It seems clear that Grupe has solidified his role as the team’s kicker and has shown some improvements from last year in the process. A more consistent start to the season could make a world of difference for the Saints.
As for Smyth, expect him to be released at roster cuts, but then for the Saints to try to bring him back on a roster exemption. This would give them the chance to keep him in the building and continue to develop his obvious talents as an international player who does not count against the roster.
Punter (1): Lou Hedley
Just listening to the coaches and organization, it is hard to imagine the team moving away from Hedley. They love him and feel that he brings a consistency they can rely upon. Some of his punts getting away from him have a big impact but that does not seem to have much bearing on the team’s feeling on the Australian punter.
Fellow Aussie Matthew Hayball kicks a pretty ball, there is no doubt about that. But the Saints love the predictability they believe they have in Hedley and this also keeps the field goal kicking operation together.
Long Snapper (1): Zach Wood
Still the safest guy on the roster, no matter what his Madden rating says.
