Now comes the tough part.
With three preseason games and a month of practices in the books, the New Orleans Saints will soon have to trim their roster from 90 to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. leaguewide deadline. This year’s training camp featured several competitive battles at various positions. Who will the Saints keep? Let’s get into one final prediction:
Quarterback (3): Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough and Jake Haener
Jake Haener was the odd man out in the Saints’ starting quarterback competition as camp progressed. But he didn’t perform poorly enough to cost him a roster spot. And as tight as some of these other position battles are, it would be surprising to see the Saints only roll with two quarterbacks on the roster.
Running back (4): Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Velus Jones
After leaving Kendre Miller off this previous projection, it’s time to do an about-face. Miller has clearly locked down the No. 2 running back spot over the last few weeks, doing so by running hard and stringing together consistent practices. He looks healthy and explosive. The second-year back responded to the coaches’ apparent test early in camp. As for the last fourth spot, Jones gets the slight nod over Clyde Edwards-Helaire. But that one is tricky since Edwards-Helaire might provide better pass protection.
Wide receiver (6): Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Devaughn Vele, Brandin Cooks, Mason Tipton, Dante Pettis
The Saints’ acquisition of Vele leaves veteran Cedrick Wilson on the chopping block. It wouldn’t be surprising if he lands back on the practice squad, however, because of his run-blocking ability and previous time with coach Kellen Moore in Dallas. Elsewhere, Tipton — who Shough labeled the “MVP” of camp — isn’t going anywhere, and Pettis lands a spot to serve as this team’s punt returner.
Offensive line (9): Kelvin Banks, Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga, Dillon Radunz, Landon Young, Luke Fortner and Torricelli Simpkins
Injuries have already been a concern for this group after they were absolutely decimated last year. Penning is reportedly dealing with turf toe that could cause him to miss Week 1 and Fuaga is dealing with a knee injury, albeit one that Moore said was “nothing major.” The team traded for Fortner following Will Clapp’s season-ending foot injury. Simpkins, meanwhile, is a nice story after impressing as an undrafted free agent.
Tight end (3): Juwan Johnson, Jack Stoll, Treyton Welch
Every coach stresses competition. And if Moore means it, then that’ll be reflected in keeping Welch — who joined the practice squad late last season — over seventh-round rookie Moliki Matavao. Welch not only stood out more in the preseason, but the 24-year-old has seen more playing time in practice. Also, Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) won’t be ready for the start of the regular season, putting them on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Edge rusher (4): Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan, Chris Rumph
Defensive interior (6): Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux, Nathan Shepherd, Vernon Broughton, Jonathan Bullard, Khristian Boyd
Goodbye, Isaiah Foskey. The 2023 second-rounder’s impact has been little to none this summer, despite the coaching staff giving him ample opportunities in the preseason. That’s been the story of his disappointing career, too.
Elsewhere, the toughest call on this roster might be whether to keep Bullard, Jonah Williams or a fifth edge rusher. Williams and Bullard have both played for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, but Bullard has gotten occasional work with the 1's and played ahead of Williams in Saturday's preseason finale against the Denver Broncos. But at the same time, would the Saints be better off using that spot on, say, seventh-round edge rusher Fadil Diggs? Decisions, decisions.
Linebacker (5): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, D’Marco Jackson, Jaylan Ford
This one was another doozy. Similar to Welch’s case, Ford’s preseason performances could give him the edge over Nephi Sewell or Isaiah Stalbird — two standouts on special teams. But Ford also excels in that area and was regarded as one of the best special teamers coming out of the 2024 draft.
Cornerback (5): Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley, Ugo Amadi
Safety (5): Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, Jordan Howden, Jonas Sanker, J.T. Gray
Amadi beats out Terrell Burgess as the backup nickel/hybrid safety. Burgess made a strong case for a roster spot, but an injury late in camp derailed his progress and when he returned, Amadi seemed to have a stranglehold on the spot. Amadi, too, is a very effective blitzer.
Specialists (3): Blake Grupe, Zach Wood and Kai Kroeger
If the Saints’ punter isn’t on the roster, that wouldn’t be a total shock. For now, pencil in Kroeger over James Burnip.