Saints 2021 training camp: 6 takeaways (and lagniappe) from first 6 practices

IS PETE WERNER A LINEBACKER?

Linebacker? Or Safety? Rookie Pete Werner looks more like a safety than he does a linebacker.

He's listed as 6-foot-3, 242 pounds and I just don't see it. Maybe with a couple of ankle weights on. For comparison, linebacker Demario Davis is listed at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds. When you see them next to each other there is a drastic difference. With that said, Werner can absolutely run in pass coverage. You can see he's smart and can cover running backs out of the backfield. However, there is a concern from one our pro's about Werner.

"If I'm on offense and he's on the field. I'm trying to get my offensive lineman up to his level and suffocate him in the running game" explained the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert.

Werner's body type looks more like a safety than a linebacker. That doesn't mean he can't play linebacker. I'm not saying that at all. I just think Werner is going to have to prove he can support the run without getting swallowed up by big offensive lineman.

Marshon Lattimore looks outstanding

Every team rep or individual rep Lattimore has dominated.

Given the state of the current receiving corps of the Saints (without Michael Thomas) he covers most of the receivers in camp with genuine ease. What I worry about: Does Lattimore sometimes get bored? Yeah, he's the type of player who likes challenges. When it comes too easy for him he appears to lack focus. Like it or not, it's true.

So far in camp he's looked incredible. The former first round pick in 2017 could face league discipline this season relative to an off-season gun charge. The cornerback position is already a position of need, and if Lattimore is forced to miss a couple of games the position's depth feels even "lighter."

Footballs hitting the ground

It was rare to see the ball hit the ground when Drew Brees was quarterbacking the Saints in practice. That's not the case these days with Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston under center.

When it's Team Offense vs Team Defense that's fine, the ball is going to hit the ground, even with a Hall of Fame QB. However, it rarely happens in routes vs "air" or one-on-one CB vs WR or 7-on-7. The fact of the matter is the ball has hit the ground more often than you would like to see. Some are drops from receivers, but there have certainly been errant throws from the passers.

"Saints fans are about to find out just how special Drew was. That's not a knock against Winston or Hill just a verification of just how good Brees was" Hebert said.

WHO IS PAYTON TURNER?

I like Saints rookie defensive end Payton Turner.

Let me back up: I like Payton Turner a lot. A lot of media analysis panned the Saints for picking a player "no one heard of" in the first round of the NFL draft last April. I never understood that logic.

Just because some in the media didn't know who he was doesn't make it a bad pick. It sounded like their ego was bruised more than anything. Payton Turner is the guy you want coming off the bus first. He's a massive man. I've graded every snap he's been on the field in camp, and to put it simply he has more plus grades than minus grades, and it's not even close. I love his motor, I love his size and you can see offensive linemen struggle with his power.

Maybe the Saints just drafted Cam Jordan 2.0?

CHRIS HOGAN IS MAKING THIS TEAM

I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing considering he didn't play a snap in the NFL last year. Hogan has made several plays in camp thus far.

Again, it's early and things can change but right now he's the Saints best wideout as I see it. In fact, if I were coach Sean Payton and had to play a game this week, here are the five I'd take: 1. Chris Hogan 2. Marquez Callaway 3. Ty Montgomery 4. Lil'Jordan Humphrey 5. Deonte Harris.

Keep in mind, Harris is also facing league discipline due to an arrest on suspicion of DUI last month. So who would be the "extra 5th WR" with Harris facing suspension. As I see it, former Tulane WR Jalen McClesky would be the guy. One thing that immediately jumps out at you with McClesky: speed, speed and more speed.

KEEP AN EYE ON ANDREW DOWELL

The second-year linebacker out of Michigan State is consistently in the mix and making plays.

The key for him is going to be in the kicking game. If he can make plays covering punts and kicks, he's gonna have a great chance to earn a roster spot. The most important thing to look at with young players in training camp is their ability to stack good days on top of more good days throughout camp. The roller coaster rides don't cut it in camp.

Dowell is well built, active against the run and has been disruptive at times during camp both in the running game and passing game. Keep an eye on him throughout the preseason.

LAGNIAPPE

The quarterbacks struggled today. From Jameis Winston to Trevor Siemian, all of them struggled to complete passes, in particular the deep ball.

I'm not saying Winston or Taysom Hill can't play. I'm simply pointing out the top two QBs struggled and so did the bottom two (Ian Book included). In fact, Book might have logged his worst practice of camp.

Here is some eye-popping evidence of their struggles today. The Saints conducted one of my favorite drills WR vs CB (1 on 1). This drill is offensive-oriented and should favor the receivers. But the defensive backs won on 10 of the 20 reps.

"That shouldn't happen. It just shouldn't happen. The offense should win at least 13 to 14 out of 20 in that setting" a frustrated Bobby Hebert said during practice.

The Saints are back on the field Thursday morning as they inch closer and closer to their preseason opener on August 14th on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.