Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints kicked off their first day of mandatory minicamps on Tuesday. The day included a lot of situational work like down and distance for the offense. Still no full-team drills up to this point. But a lot of good news all around for New Orleans, thanks to their impressive attendance, young quarterbacks’ poise, and some big plays by the defense.
Fans were in attendance throughout the practice, showing up in some hot conditions. The heat index was 104 at its peak. That didn’t stop the faithful fans from showing up and making noise, though.
Plays Of The Day
Offense
Quarterback Spencer Rattler dialed up a great pass down the right sideline to running back Xazavian Valladay. It was a beautifully placed pass that dropped right in the bucket, catching Valladay in stride.
Defense
Rookie safety Jonas Sanker skied up to make an impressive, leaping interception as Rattler targeted tight end Juwan Johnson over the top. An exciting play from the young rookie who’s been making some waves. The rookie safety may have fumbled after the interception, so insuring his control of the ball on his next takeaway will certainly be a focus.
The Quarterback Battle Continues
Here are the numbers from both quarterbacks during 9-on-7s. Numbers may be inexact as some passes were not clearly complete or incomplete. Officials were present, but were sometimes out of eyeshot.
Spencer Rattler
10/15 with one interception. He has one fewer throw because he pulled and ran on one rep. His best throw of the day was the top play to Valladay downfield.
Tyler Shough
11/16. His best throw was a ball to Rashid Shaheed on an out-breaking out. Very well placed and good anticipation on the throw.
Don’t Worry That There Weren’t A Ton Of Big Plays
Neither quarterback had any huge, deep completions but there’s nothing of concern to be taken from that. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that this was the first time that the quarterbacks worked through situational drills after the nine days of OTAs were focused on installation. With concepts now taught, the team used down and distance and allowed the quarterbacks to focus on making decisions knowing that they had second or third down to which to turn.
So instead of taking unnecessary deep shots down the field that could have resulted in more fireworks, we often saw the two passers take what was given to them by the defense and make smart decisions underneath with the idea of another down in their pocket.
This also resulted in taking opportunities to play for a first down on a third-and-short, for instance, instead of uncocking one deep.
Attendance Was Stellar
While many other teams around the league are dealing with contract contention and holdouts, the Saints are coasting by with an entirely present roster at the first day of mandatory minicamp. Every rostered player was present, including injured tight end Taysom Hill.
Taysom Hill sighting. That means every #Saints player is accounted for today. pic.twitter.com/OcJp6icBfR
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) June 10, 2025
Players like Hill, running back Alvin Kamara,defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd and safety Tyrann Matheiu made their first appearances of the offseason in front of the media.
Hill, tight end Foster Moreau and cornerback Dallys Beanum all worked on the side.
Meanwhile, quarterback Jake Haener, cornerback Quincy Riley, and tight end Dallin Holker continue to progress. Each participated in position drills.
Two Players Present For Tryouts
The Saints have two open roster spots after the retirements of both quarterback Derek Carr and offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk have become official over the last two weeks. This gives the team some flexibility on their roster. On Tuesday, they utilized that with some tryout players.
Running back Cam Akers and offensive lineman Shane Lemieux were both present and working with the team.
No Offensive Line Adjustments
Offensive lineman Trevor Penning continues to work at left guard and coaches continue to express their excitement around the way he’s handled the transition.
“I kind of selfishly like his size in there, I like bigger guards,” offensive line coach Brendan Nugent said after practice. “I like guys that are in there to kind of set the depth of the pocket in the passing game, and then be able to create some lanes in a run game. Just being physical in size and just being able to physically overwhelm the alignment when possible”
It’s becoming more and more apparent that the Saints have likely chosen their starting offensive line with rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. at left tackle, Penning at left guard, Erik McCoy, and Cesar Ruiz remaining at their center and right guard positions respectively and Taliese Fuaga moving back to his collegiate right tackle spot.
A Couple Of Guest Appearances
Former offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley and LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier were both in attendance.
Saints coach Kellen Moore having a sideline conversation with LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at Saints minicamp practice. @WWLTV pic.twitter.com/E8xOvQSjGZ
— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) June 10, 2025
Nussmeier, son of Saints’ offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, spent some time chatting with Moore. The two have known each other for some time thanks to the elder Nussmeier and Moore working together since 2019 with the Dallas Cowboys.
Expect Taysom Hill To Still Take QB Snaps Once He Returns
The timeline on Hill’s return continues to unfold, Moore declined to specify whether or not the versatile offensive weapon could return to the field as early as training camp – a very understandable move by the coach.
When asked if Hill would continue to be an asset to the team from the quarterback position, though, Moore didn’t hide much. “Yes, absolutely,” he said simply.
When Hill will be back on the field continues to be a well-concealed mystery, but his role when he does make it back doesn’t sound like it will change all that much. Good news for Hill, who has piled up 55 combined passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns in New Orleans.
Special Teams Needs Love, Too
Punting
We were finally able to see punters get some work as practice was held outside. Incumbent punter Matthew Hayball was first up and looked great. The rugby style punts were a thing of the past as he focused on more traditional punt work. He had great hangtime, distance and direction on each of his boots. The NFL’s upcoming kickoff change, moving touchbacks out of the endzone to the 35-yard line, is going to result in more short-field punts. Having precise placement and great hangtime is key in helping to pin opposing offenses back in those situations.
Field Goals
Kicker Blake Grupe led off minicamps going 5/5 on field goals from extra point, 39 yards, 44 yards, 48 yards, 54 yards and capped off his day with a clean 61-yarder.
Kick Returners
The Saints worked ten different players at kick returner on Tuesday. With two return roles guaranteed, players got opportunities at both left and right returner. So far, the return group was filled with more speedy options than duo blocking/returner types. We’ll see if that changes as the season gets closer. Perhaps with more kick returns expected thanks to the new rule changes, more speed will be preferred.
