By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are into their second week of OTA practices with the media expected to be present again on Thursday.
Last week, the new-look Saints team was on display, providing a glimpse at some of the biggest offseason storylines that will continue to mold and change over the next few months.
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The Quarterback Competition
Young quarterbacks Spender Rattler and Tyler Shough are battling it out to see who will win the opportunity to be the team’s next starter.
After the first media practice, it’s easy to call Rattler the early front-runner. He was cleaner in the operation, quicker through his progressions and completed all eight of his 7-on-7 passes.
But Shough didn’t get left far behind. He was noticeably more hesitant, but that’s to be expected with the experience gap between the two players. Shough completed either six or seven of his eight passes (there’s some conflict over whether or not one pass was caught by the receiver). He also had the highlight throw of the day with a bomb down the right sideline to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Tracking the back-and-forth between these two will continue this week as OTAs open up to the media again. But no crowns are being won at this point in the process. Any leads being built at this point of the process will continue to shift and change until a final decision is made, possibly as late as the preseason.
This week, the conversation around this battle will center around progress and consistency. Does Rattler maintain his fast start or does Shough begin to close the gap?
Starting Offensive Line
It was a pleasant surprise to see 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning moved to the left guard spot at last week’s open OTA day three. The decision gives the Saints an option, though apparently not yet locked in, that keeps all three of the team’s recent offensive line investments on the field together.
While Penning moved to left guard, last year’s first-rounder Taliese Fuaga moved from left tackle to right tackle. That switch puts Fuaga back in his collegiate playing position.
Rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., the team’s third first-round tackle investment in the last four years, then plugged in at his collegiate position of left tackle.
This is a major win for the Saints if it works out, allowing them to maximize the draft capital spent and talent acquired along the offensive line. However, there will be alternative paths that are likely to get some looks, particularly free agent acquisition Dillon Radunz, who could compete at left guard with Penning.
The next practice will show whether or not the Saints will rotate offensive line configuration or if the staff feels it may be on to something with Penning, Fuaga and Banks all in the lineup together, with Penning moving to the interior.
Brandon Staley’s New Defense
There have been some key changes for the Saints on the defensive side under new coordinator Brandon Staley.
Standup edge rushers, changes in fronts, coverage philosophies and more are in the works. The good news is that the aggressive and attacking approach looks to fit the Saints’ personnel, especially with the new players that have been acquired.
OTAs will continue to provide a look at what’s being tried under the new leadership, which can later be tracked to what is actually installed and deployed.
New Orleans is taking a common sense approach to the roster that can often be taken for granted. If something doesn’t work for the players, they likely won’t use it. That means some of what’s being worked in now may not make the cut for the betterment of the roster.
Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed
Both players saw their 2024 seasons cut short due to injury. Both also looked fantastic on the field last week.
As Shaheed returns from meniscus surgery and Olave battles back from a scary series of concussions and head injuries, the tandem looks as fast and free as ever. Shaheed specifically looked shockingly quick and speedy even after a lower-leg procedure ended his season.
Of course, that could change when pads and helmets go on, but teams are not at that place yet. Also, for what it’s worth, Olave did return to practice at the end of last year.
However, pads and helmets are sure to only further the process. The two look very ready to be back out on the field and developing chemistry with their young quarterbacks right now. This will be a major part of their contributions to success after the season begins.
Quincy Riley And The Cornerbacks
Second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is a lock to start on the outside while versatile chesspiece Alontae Taylor moves around. But the player that starts alongside them is yet to be determined.
Right now, veteran corner Isaac Yiadom has been holding the responsibility, as expected. However, once rookie cornerback Quincy Riley makes his recovery from a post-draft procedure (minor, per head coach Kellen Moore), then he will likely be given a chance to compete for one of the top-three spots. Taylor will be interesting to continue to watch as well. His new role has him looking aggressive and playing fast in last week’s early look.
