It was a day for red zone work at the final set of New Orleans Saints OTAs, and there were definitely some nice moments.
The reps started from the 20 and worked in for both Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, who continued to split reps between the 1s and 2s. Rattler went 6-8 with 3 TDs, while Shough went 7-8 with a TD.
It was another day where the stats didn't really tell the story. Shough had one of the more impressive passes on the day when he hit Juwan Johnson on a well-placed sail route for a 6-yard touchdown. There seemed to be a miscommunication with Kool-Aid McKinstry the closes in coverage. That said, despite the completions it was another day that the young QB looked a bit tentative. That could honestly be said about both QBs at points, with many of these plays appearing to be designed to attack a wheel route to the RB out of the backfield and the ball never once going there.
It seemed like Rattler was a bit risk-averse at times as well, not the worst thing to be in the red zone, but his aggression typically paid off. His most impressive ball came on a quick scramble to his right, rifling a ball into Kevin Austin Jr. in traffic for an impressive TD. The prettiest throw came in the second session of drills when he laced a ball to Chris Olave on a skinny post from 17 yards out. He did get a bit overaggressive later in the session targeting Bub Means, with the ball tipped up by Tre Fluellen. Isaac Yiadom had a chance for an interception but dropped it.
Both players had opportunities to hit crossing patterns that felt like potential big plays. These are timing throws that might not be quite there right now, and the compressed nature of the red zone makes everything appear a bit tighter.
As has been the case for all these sessions -- it's a work in progress. No pass rush and everyone is passing the first test. I'd still have Rattler ahead at this juncture, for whatever that means to you.
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TAKING ATTENDANCE
No major changes for the final session, though a handful of players who had been in attendance didn't get on the field for the final practice this week.
Players I didn't see:
- TE Taysom Hill
- WR Brandin Cooks
- S Tyrann Mathieu
- CB Dalys Beanum
- S J.T. Gray
- RG Cesar Ruiz
- DT Nathan Shepherd
- DE Cam Jordan
- DE Chris Rumph
- DE Chase Young
Hill, Cooks, Mathieu, Gray and Shepherd did not attend any of the sessions, though head coach Kellen Moore made it clear that they are all expected to report for next week's mandatory minicamp. The absence of Mathieu throughout and Jordan the last two weeks has been somewhat of a surprise, with those veteran players in the past taking full advantage of team workouts.
Beanum is dealing with a minor injury, as is guard Nick Saldiveri, who was on hand but did not participate in drills as he tends to an undisclosed injury. Saldiveri has struggled with injuries in the past and missed a majority of training camp last year with a calf issue, so that's certainly something to watch. On the positive side, rookie CB Quincy Riley got into individual drills for the first time today and appears on track to participate fully soon.
TEs Foster Moreau and Dallin Holker continued to watch as they rehab injuries. Holker could be seen running with a trainer after practice, a good sign that he's progressing.
With Saldiveri out and Cesar Ruiz not in attendance, veteran Dillon Radunz took first-team reps at right guard.
HELLO, DEKKERS
We got our first look at Hunter Dekkers this week, with the UDFA working in for two reps at the end of each of the two 7-on-7 sessions. With Jake Haener still on the mend with an oblique issue, these practices are a prime opportunity to get some work in. Once the QB battle kicks off in earnest, reps will likely be difficult to come by.
The four reps had a bit of everything. He checked down to Mason Tipton after working through his progression on the first rep and missed Moochie Dixon high on his second. His third rep was a throwaway, a no-no in any 7-on-7 drill, particularly because Moliki Matavao had come open late for what would've been an easy touchdown. He closed out the session well, though, with a nifty sidearm delivery to Michael Jacobson for a TD.
Dekkers' progression will be fun to watch.
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ALL IN ON ALONTAE
DBs are never going to look great in these type of practices. No physicality, no pass rush. Good luck. That said, Alontae Taylor looks as confident as I've seen him and he's clearly embracing a leadership role with this group.
If you needed any more reason to believe that to be true, here's what Moore had to say about his young DB after today's practice: “I love watching Alontae. He is just – he’s everything you want. He competes every day. He’s got juice, he’s got energy. He’s out there flying around. He can play a number of positions. I just feel like he’s going to become a really prominent leader for our team.”
This scheme seems, dare I say tailor-made (sorry) for Alontae's skillset. Last year's defense didn't always put him in the best position and I think that's colored some of the opinions around the young player, but I think he has a big year in store.
Taylor is one of three starters, along with Rashid Shaheed and Trevor Penning, entering contract years. The Saints typically are good for one decent-sized extension every preseason (last year it was Werner). With the head coach making comments like that, I'd be surprised if they don't at least try to get something done before he hits the open market.
TRIPLE QB!
Just something fun to mention: Today was the first time I've ever seen three quarterbacks throwing routes on air simultaneously.
There's not a ton of space to work, and you don't want players crowding or throwing across each other. But with a left-handed quarterback, well, why not? One of Moore's big things in these practices is efficiency. He wants to maximize his players' time and I think that was an example of that.
Kellen also told me it was his idea to put the names on the back of the practice jerseys.
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RB ROTATION
Other than Alvin Kamara at the top I still can't tell you exactly what the RB rotation is. We saw a little bit of everyone today, though it looked like Clyde Edwards-Helaire was getting the first crack. Each of Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Marcus Yarns, Velus Jones and Xavian Valladay worked in for reps.
This year more than any other it feels like the pecking order behind AK is wide open. Someone is going to have to earn it (I still like Kendre).