Sean Payton expects tough competition at multiple positions
Saints All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas did not report to training camp Thursday as he seeks a new contract.
While Thomas’ status was obviously on the minds of the Saints staff and a major topic of discussion for New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton, both told reporters at the pre-training camp press conference that focus was on the players that were in the building
Payton said that every other player on the roster reported and that he’s excited about the competition that could play at multiple positions this training camp due to the Saints improved depth.
“You could look at few different spots,” Payton said. “Center, for instance… punt returner…You are looking closely at all of it and paying close attention to that old saying of ‘go by what you see.’
“ …but there’ll be a lot of competition. Not just at center, but corner, nickel — pick a position. So that’s what we are getting ready to start on.”
Even with Thomas at practice, receiver was an area where competition was shaping up to be fierce. One player who looks to factor into that position battle was receiver Cameron Meredith, who the Saints signed as a free agent in 2018. Meredith caught nine passes for 114 yards and a touchdown before being placed on injured reserve.
Payton said the 26-year-old receiver completed his conditioning test and looks ready to compete.
“This will be an important camp for him,” Payton said. “I’m sure he’s excited. So the key is getting the work in that he’s going to have an opportunity to and that balance of being smart.
“There’s a handful of players coming in to training camp full and yet we gotta be smart as we bring them back to that work load.”
Payton also briefly addressed the status of one of the Saints top players from last season, Sheldon Rankins. Payton said Rankins, who tore his achilles in the Saints playoff win against the Eagles, is rehabbing and is “on schedule.”
One player that did not report was rookie defensive end Carl Granderson who is currently serving a jail. sentence after pleading no contest to two misdemeanor charges of charges of sexual battery and unlawful contact.
“He’s on the reserve list, right now, for us and my understanding is that that legal process is still going on,” Loomis said. “There are still some things to be determined here and so we are going to let that play out and make our decisions.”
The Saints open training camp with a public practice Friday morning.
