By Ross Jackson
While OTAs can be a time to generate excitement around teams, it also serves as an opportunity for self-scouting and identifying what clubs may still need on their roster. For the New Orleans Saints, it was easy to identify what this organization should still be looking to pursue as the offseason rolls along.
The Saints still have mandatory minicamp and training camp ahead in order to better identify what’s needed or change their minds if a position group pans out better off than initially expected. But for now, here are two things we think the Saints still need after getting a look at the majority of the roster at OTAs.
A Big-Bodied Wide Receiver
I plan to pound this drum for a while. Getting a look at the top of the Saints’ wide receiver room is awe-inspiring because of the pure athleticism and speed the team has at the position. However, size is a major lacking point that only stood out more seeing the group in person.
After seeing years of Michael Thomas and even A.T. Perry and Marquez Valdez-Scantling joining the team’s lineup during individual drills, it was a stark contrast with a list of 6-foot-2 receivers being the biggest bodies the team had to offer.
The addition of Donovan Peoples-Jones was a wise one because not only does he play a physical brand of football as a pass-catcher, but he’s also got a reputation as an outstanding blocker as well. However, Saints can use more help in this area, particularly with the emphasis on the run game that’s expected for this team under new head coach Kellen Moore.
Perimeter blocking is a very important element in making things work on the ground and hitting on those home run rushing attempts. Until the Saints have guys on the boundary that can help there without giving too much away, they may struggle to get their rushing attack where they want it.
Another Edge Rusher
This may come from the development of players on the roster such as Isaiah Foskey or rookies Fadil Diggs and Jasheen Davis, but until someone steps up, the Saints shouldn’t feel comfortable walking into the 2025 season with only three proven pass rushers. Cameron Jordan, Chase Young and Carl Granderson are the only known commodities at the position. While Granderson was a standout throughout the day of practice, finding another pass rusher to contribute, especially if there’s an injury at the position, is necessary.
The pickings out on the open market at this time of the year are always going to be slim. The best-case scenario for New Orleans is that one of their young pass rushers will rise to the occasion and command the position enough to earn a role, even if depth, that can be relied upon throughout the year.
