The New Orleans Saints are kicking off training camp in just a matter of days, and some questions are easier to answer than others.
But which are the most exciting position battles to watch? That's the question we went about answering this week on Inside Black & Gold for both offense and defense. Listen to the full episode in the player below.
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The Saints actually have a good number of positions squared away, assuming health, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. That's a good thing. But here's a quick look at where the most eyeballs should be trained when practice starts Wednesday. We've gone ahead and ranked the top 3 for both offense and defense.
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OFFENSE
3. Backup G/C/T
Who: Nick Saldiveri, James Hurst, Calvin Throckmorton, Lewis Kidd, Storm Norton, Mark Evans, Landon Young
Why: Someone's gotta do it, right? For the first-string line -- and that includes Trevor Penning in my mind, the only battle will be against their own health. The jobs are theirs, it's all about development for young players like Cesar Ruiz and Penning, who are also working back from injuries. But who backs them up? Nick Saldiveri feels like a good bet as a 4th round pick, as does James Hurst as a veteran with flexibility. But otherwise there are roles to be had and it's something to track to see where everyone stacks up.
2. RB2
Who: Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller
Why: My money is on Jamaal Williams here, but it'll still be interesting to watch as the closest thing to a starting battle. Whomever takes the lead role behind AK will gain a much bigger role if and when a suspension hits. While it feels unlikely for Miller to supplant a veteran, we saw just that happen when Kamara usurped Adrian Peterson's job in 2017. It's only a good thing, because it means he's way ahead of the curve. It'll be a fun thing to monitor.
Related
1. WR4/5
Who: Tre'Quan Smith, Bryan Edwards, Keith Kirkwood, A.T. Perry, Kirk Merritt, Shaq Davis, James Washington
Why: The top three spots on the depth chart are set with Mike Thomas, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. The bottom spot feels like it's going to head to whomever shines as a potential backup returner (think Keke Coutee and Lynn Bowden Jr.). So who takes the depth spots? Tre'Quan is the veteran who knows the offense and does the dirty work, but he's on the last year of his deal and could certainly get beat out. The Saints will also be looking for reasons to keep A.T. Perry around as a 6th round pick. It's probably not more meaningful than the RB2 battle, but the WR work is so prominent, that it's certainly the most fun to watch (which is the whole point of these ratings).
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DEFENSE
3. LB4/5
Who: Anfernee Orji, D'Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, Nick Anderson, Andrew Dowell
Why: Much like the WR situation above, the starters are set in stone with Demario Davis and Pete Werner. Still, backups can be vital. Kaden Elliss got his shot last year and delivered, so who would be that candidate this year if needed again? Jackson feels like a safe bet to back up at Mike, and Orji feels like the early leader otherwise. Still, there's not a ton of confidence here. I wouldn't be surprised to see a veteran added to this group. Regardless it's one worth watching.
2. LDE
Who: Payton Turner, Carl Granderson, Isaiah Foskey
Why: Someone has to start across from Cam Jordan, and Saints coaches and fans alike would certainly love that to be the first round pick in Payton Turner who has stumbled out of the gates to start his NFL career. Can Turner stay healthy and take advantage of a lack of double teams sent his way? If so, this defensive line could be scary. If Granderson or Foskey beats him out by playing exceptionally, you live with it ... but they'd better be out of their minds good for that to happen, otherwise it signals another major draft disappointment at DE. Those are hard to overcome. This will be a big one to watch, but we won't really be able to get answers until the pads come on.
Related
1. CB2
Who: Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor
Why: The embarrassment of riches at cornerback is a win for the fans at training camp, because that'll be the most apparent and probably important battle for a starting job. Marshon Lattimore in entrenched, and it'll be between the two young players to prove they're the best option across from him. My early read is Adebo, who shined in camp last year but dealt with a poorly timed injury to start the season. I expect him to do that again, but it'll be close either way. Taylor has all the looks of a star in the making. It's a good problem to have. I expect Bradley Roby to start the season as the slot corner, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Taylor working there by the end of the year.
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