The preseason is finally here, and it sounds like a good number of starters will play for the Saints in their opener vs the Chiefs.
But once they go out, who should you be watching next? On the latest episode of Inside Black & Gold, Steve Geller and I break down out spotlight players on offense and defense, why we're giving them an extra long look and more.
Check out the full episode on the player below. Can't see the embed? Click here.
We're not predicting big games for these players, per se, but their performances could hold significant weight as we go forward. Here's a quick synopsis of our picks:
OFFENSE
STEVE'S PICK: RB Kendre Miller
- Why: We know the Saints are questioning their RB depth, at least early in the season, considering they made a swing to bring in Kareem Hunt. That's a thing you do if you aren't completely sold on Kendre Miller's ability to handle a big role in the first month of his pro career. It's a reasonable idea, but one that he would gladly ruin. If he can show out in these games, particularly in pass pro, he might make that veteran signing unnecessary.
JEFF'S PICK: QB Jake Haener
- Why: I don't think Jake is going to put himself in the backup conversation in these games, but this is where we start to see how much of his early hype is just hype. We were all very high on Ian Book, but the preseason is where his struggles began to show. All that said, don't overreact if Haener does struggle. This is more about learning where he needs to improve than being perfect. I think he's ahead of the curve for a mid-round rookie already, and this will show just how far.
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DEFENSE
STEVE'S PICK: CB Alontae Taylor
- Why: The CB2 race is still too close to call, but there's always something exciting about watching Alontae Taylor. Adebo won the starting job last year across from Marshon Lattimore, and that's going to count for something. Can Taylor do enough in these preseason games to take it for himself? That's what I'm watching for.
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JEFF'S PICK: DE Payton Turner
- Why: Based on the initial depth chart, Payton Turner is going to slot in behind Carl Granderson in the DE rotation. He'll still get on the field regularly (and he still hasn't missed a practice in training camp). I need to see that he's taking that as a challenge, not a deflating result. He'll be going against second-teamers, and I need him to win regularly. There's no excuse. Show why the Saints should want to get you on the field early and often. If the defensive line can complement the secondary like it was unable to last season, this defense could be scary good.
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