By Ross Jackson
It’s a big week in Metairie, La. as the New Orleans Saints begin mandatory minicamp. This week will mark the first time during the offseason programs that the team expects to have its entire roster available, aside from those managing injury.
As the veterans and rookies group up one more time before the break leading to training camp, here are some of the things we’re hoping to learn over the next three days.
The Quarterbacks Can Keep Pace
The biggest story of the Saints’ offseason will continue to be the quarterback battle. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough have both dueled valiantly thus far and no decisions are on the horizon.
But eventually, once the team moves away from 7-on-7s, things are going to get more challenging for both quarterbacks. Even more so when pads go on in training camp next month.
For now, it’s important that both quarterbacks continue to develop and show out. The battle between these talented players should be won by one quarterback rather than lost by the other.
In other words, the Saints don’t benefit from either passer falling off. The best-case scenario for the team is that both quarterbacks continue to develop and that eventually one pulls away from the other more than one falls behind.
Trevor Penning Holds Down Left Guard
Penning has looked comfortable at his new position. There’s not much to learn about his ability to play the position (at least for the media) until pads go on in camp. But simply seeing Penning continue to take snaps at the position is a win and a showing of confidence and progress for the 2022 first-rounder.
Running Back Room Begins To Take Shape
With running back Alvin Kamara expected to return, it will say a lot how the rest of the room shapes up. Third-year back Kendre Miller is expecting a real chance to prove himself in an offense that should better support his skill set this year.
Meanwhile, veteran back Clyde Edwards-Heller and rookie Devin Neal continue to make waves. Fellow backs Marcus Yarns, Xazavian Valladay and Velus Jones Jr. are all looking to make their marks as well.
Who is and who remains second in the rotation of running backs will be interesting.
Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints will also be trying out former Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers at minicamp. This comes on the heels of the team also showing interest in newly-signed Houston Texans back Nick Chubb. There looks to be an interest in tinkering with the room.
What The Defense Has To Offer With Full Complement Of Players
The young quarterbacks and speedy wide receivers looked great throughout OTAs, but that can only go on so long before questions about the defense begin to arise.
With linebacker Demario Davis in attendance last week, the unit had its best day of the trio of practices open to the media. This week, the team should have Davis, safety Tyrann Mathieu and edge rushers Chase Young and Cameron Jordan in attendance. With their leadership group (along with corner Alontae Taylor) all back, the group should stand up more to the offense.
If the team continues to lean in 7-on-7 or 9-on-7 drills, this will be caveated due to no pass rush. But if the Saints finally start up full team drills while seen by journalists and fans, the hope would be that things begin to even up.
Can The Team Stay Healthy?
Practice injuries were an issue for New Orleans last season, but the problems began well before the regular season.
Players like former cornerback Marshon Lattimore, linebacker Pete Werner, offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri and running back Kendre Miller were all among those that suffered injuries and missed time throughout various times of the 2024 offseason.
This year, New Orleans has already seen injuries to quarterback Jake Haener, cornerback Dallys Beanum and Saldiveri throughout OTAs. Each situation is considered minor, important to note.
As the team embarks on its three-day mandatory minicamp, some of which is intended to be outside in the infamous Louisiana heat, keeping players upright and on the field will be imperative for New Orleans.
Similarly, players getting healthy will be important, too. Rookie cornerback Quincy Riley looked to be progressing, participating in individual drills for the first time during the final week of OTAs. Tight end Dallin Holker has had some progress as well. Minicamp could present an opportunity for each to take another step, though with only three days to go before a longer break, waiting to fold both in until training camp would make sense.
Catch up on OTA practices:
