Updating Saints' 53-man roster predictions after second preseason recreation

[ad_1] Which 53 gamers can be on the Week 1 roster?

Two of the three New Orleans Saints preseason video games are within the books, and at this level now we have a fairly good for the place this staff's strengths lie (linebacker and security), in addition to their weaknesses (virtually each different place group). With solely 53 jobs obtainable between the 90 guys on the roster, who's competing for a spot over the ultimate week of preseason?

After accounting for preseason efficiency, accidents, and the Week 1 rosters that head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley have constructed on their earlier groups, this is our newest guess at which 53 gamers will take the sphere for the Saints in September:

Quarterbacks (3) Spencer RattlerTyler Shough (rookie)Jake Haener Roster cuts: None

Shough hasn't pulled away from Rattler like he wanted to, however at this level Haener may not make the staff in any respect. If he does it could simply be within the capability of an emergency quarterback who may get into video games if one thing occurs to each Rattler and Shough. However look out for Hunter Dekkers to return on the observe squad.

Working backs (4) Alvin KamaraKendre MillerVelus Jones Jr.Devin Neal (rookie) Roster cuts: Cam Akers, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Marcus Yarns (rookie)

Once more, solely one in every of Moore's earlier groups rostered greater than three working backs in Week 1: the 2023 Los Angeles Chargers, the place he coached beneath Staley. We do not wish to hand over on Neal simply but and it feels unlikely he would clear waivers, however you by no means know. He hasn't been obtainable. Edwards-Helaire is doing sufficient issues effectively to the place he may win that fourth spot as a substitute. Akers is trending down.

Tight ends (3) Juwan JohnsonJack StollTreyton Welch Roster cuts: Treyton Welch, Seth Inexperienced, Michael Jacobson, Moliki Matavao (rookie)

PUP: Foster Moreau, Taysom Hill (knee)

If the 2 injured guys begin the 12 months on PUP, which feels possible, Welch can be our decide to spherical out the depth chart. He has some actual pass-catching potential. Stoll is the one actual blocking specialist within the group. Both Moreau or Hill getting cleared for the beginning of the season adjustments this up, although.

Left tackles (2) Kelvin Banks Jr. (rookie)Landon Younger Roster cuts: Barry Wesley

Banks has obtained to do a greater job blocking on the transfer; he blew an project that brought on a sort out for loss by lacking a linebacker creeping as much as the road of scrimmage on Sunday. Younger has some versatility however you hope you do not want it.

Left guards (2) Trevor PenningDillon Radunz Roster cuts: Shane Lemieux, Easton Kilty (rookie)

Lemieux looks like a secure decide for the observe squad, however he may make the staff outright if the Saints are nervous that Penning might miss the primary two or three weeks as a substitute of simply the season opener.

Facilities (2) Erik McCoyLuke Fortner Roster cuts: Mike Panasiuk

We'll preserve hammering this dwelling: the Saints went 1-11 in video games McCoy missed or exited early because of harm final 12 months. And the significance of getting McCoy within the center is apparent with the road nonetheless lacking him in these exhibition video games. Shedding Will Clapp to an harm nonetheless hurts. Fortner provides them extra depth, which may unlock Torricelli Simpkins III to go assist out at guard.

Proper guards (2) Cesar RuizTorricelli Simpkins III (rookie) Roster cuts: Kyle Hergel

Would Nick Saldiveri have made the staff if he have been wholesome? Possibly. The Saints want extra depth at guard, and Ruiz struggling as badly as he has could be very regarding. There is no cause a former first-round decide who took a step ahead final 12 months must be getting tossed round so simply.

Proper tackles (1) Taliese Fuaga Roster cuts: Josiah Ezirim, Jonathan Mendoza (rookie)

Ezirim has continued to enhance. He is been one of many few vivid spots on the second- and third-team offensive strains, however that is not saying a lot, and proper now we're guessing he begins out on the observe squad.

Large receivers (5) Chris OlaveRashid ShaheedBrandin CooksMason TiptonCedrick Wilson Jr. Roster cuts: Dante Pettis, Kevin Austin Jr., Roderick Daniels (rookie), Moochie Dixon (rookie), Donovan Peoples-Jones

Bub Means wasn't going to make the staff even earlier than he went down with an harm, which is basically disappointing. Hopefully he can heal up and pop again subsequent 12 months. Between his return abilities and the boldness his quarterbacks have proven in him, Pettis may make the staff if there have been room for six receivers.

Particular groups (3) Punters: Kai Kroeger (rookie)

Kickers: Blake Grupe

Lengthy snapper: Zach Wooden

Roster cuts: Matthew Hayball (punter), Charlie Smyth (kicker), James Burnip (rookie punter)

Burnip hung a few punts within the air for under about 3.5 seconds on Sunday, which simply is not acceptable. Possibly Kroeger can present m ore persistently. Smyth has regarded way more dependable in these preseason video games than at coaching camp observe, however Grupe has that job locked down.

Nostril tackles/0-tech (2) Davon GodchauxKhristian Boyd Roster cuts: John Ridgeway III, Omari Thomas (rookie

Boyd has made essentially the most performs of the fellows behind Godchaux in preseason, however he additionally missed a sort out on Sunday that would've stopped an enormous achieve. Nonetheless, he is our decide to spherical out the inside after the Saints traded Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Defensive tackles/3-tech (1) Bryan Bresee Roster cuts: N/A

Bresee is starting to spherical out his recreation as an every-down defender, and he is the one man within the group with the talents to man the three-technique when the Saints want somebody to. The remainder of the time he'll be lining up over the guard as an enormous defensive finish when the Saints work out of their 3-4 base.

Defensive ends/5-tech (3) Nathan ShepherdJonathan BullardVernon Broughton (rookie) Roster cuts: Jonah Williams

Shepherd goes to start out with Bresee when the Saints work out of three-man fronts. Bullard might be greatest geared up to again him up, however Williams has had a stable summer time, too. He'd be one in every of our first picks for the observe squad. Broughton has an extended option to go however his roster spot is secure as a third-round draft decide.

Edge rushers/7-tech (4) Chase YoungCarl GrandersonCameron JordanChris Rumph II Roster cuts: Isaiah Foskey, Fadil Diggs (rookie), Jasheen Davis (rookie)

It is time to transfer on from Foskey. Rumph is your best option to again up the trio on high of the depth chart, however Diggs has had some good moments within the preseason video games. A powerful finale subsequent week may preserve him on the roster as a substitute of the observe squad.

Linebackers (5) Demario DavisPete WernerDanny Stutsman (rookie)Jaylan FordIsaiah Stalbird Roster cuts: Nephi Sewell, D'Marco Jackson, Tyreem Powell (rookie)

This has developed into a very spectacular competitors; seven totally different gamers have compelling arguments to make the staff, and it will possible come right down to particular groups efficiency with simply two linebackers at a time working with the protection. Stalbird has executed every part doable to make the staff over the past two weeks, whereas Sewell has misplaced floor to Stutsman as the first backup behind Davis and Werner. Ford is approaching robust, too.

Safeties (6) Justin ReidJulian BlackmonJordan HowdenJonas Sanker (rookie)J.T. GrayUgo Amadi Roster cuts: Terrell Burgess, Elliott Davison (rookie)

Burgess suffered a minor harm at an terrible time, and it is brought on him to slide behind within the competitors for a ultimate roster spot within the secondary. He may very well be a kind of veterans who is available in from the observe squad early within the 12 months. Amadi might be the man to fill within the slot if Alontae Taylor cannot play in Week 1.

Cornerbacks (5) Alontae TaylorKool-Help McKinstryIsaac YiadomRico PaytonQuincy Riley (rookie) Roster cuts: Rejzohn Wright, Jayden Worth, Dalys Beanum (rookie)

Wright could also be a tricky minimize; that game-sealing interception by Sanker did not occur if he does not get his hand on the ball to tip it. Nevertheless it's vital the Saints run deep at nook with Taylor on the mend. You possibly can't have sufficient of them in at present's pass-happy recreation.