The New Orleans Saints are set to begin training camp, with the team’s rookies already flying into town to get started. But this year’s Saints team is talented and runs deep at many positions, and some good players won’t make the cut. Being a recent draft pick or having spent some time on the squad won’t be enough to keep everyone in the building on its own. Here’s seven young players who need a strong training camp to stick around.
Tre’Quan Smith, wide receiver
Last year’s third-round pick was phenomenal in a few games, but didn’t make much of an impact from one week to the next. The Saints have a dozen different receivers trying out for just four or five spots (only first-team All-Pro Michael Thomas is a sure thing) on the roster, and Smith badly needs to separate himself from the pack. Consistent connections with Drew Brees throughout camp will do a lot to build confidence in his prospects, but he’s facing tough competition from rookies like Lil’Jordan Humphrey and a late addition in Rishard Matthews.
Trey Hendrickson, defensive end
Hendrickson has an opportunity to step up and into a nice role this year as the third wheel in New Orleans’ pass rush rotation. He was buried on the depth chart last year behind Cameron Jordan, Alex Okafor, and Marcus Davenport, but Okafor’s departure gives him a shot at seeing more snaps. He needs to earn them in camp by showing upside in third-and-long situations. If he’s still a liability in run defense, he might be surpassed by a veteran like Wes Horton Jr. or Geneo Grissom.
Keith Kirkwood, wide receiver
Like Smith, sporadic big plays last year aren’t enough to guarantee Kirkwood anything on the 2019 Saints team. He does have the benefit of experience lining up all over the formation, including the slot, and showed some ability to separate from defenders and bust coverage down the stretch last year. But with so many options at receiver he’ll need to stand out from the very first practice.
Vince Biegel, linebacker
Biegel didn’t give the Saints any reason to have complaints last year, making a handful of stops on special teams and quickly picking up the defense as a strongside linebacker. Now he’s working on learning the responsibilities of other linebacker spots. However, there’s something of a numbers game in play — the Saints added guys like Kaden Elliss, Porter Gustin, and Colton Jumper to push Biegel for his job at the bottom of the depth chart.
Dan Arnold, tight end
The Saints put Arnold into a role where he could be featured in the playoffs, and he wilted. He dropped too many passes and wasn’t up to the task of competing with defensive backs on contested catches. He still enjoys rare athleticism for someone of his size, and in theory could bounce back after being thrown into the fire. But with Garrett Griffin promoted from the practice squad and Alize Mack added in the draft (not to mention Jared Cook signed to revitalize the position), Arnold will be fighting uphill the entire way.
Ken Crawley, cornerback
Crawley’s poor play last year forced the Saints hand and engineered the trade for Eli Apple. Now, Apple is at the top of the depth chart alongside Marshon Lattimore, with slot specialists Patrick Robinson and P.J. Williams behind them. Unless Crawley starts playing special teams — and playing there better than Justin Hardee or Marcus Sherels — it’s tough to see how he makes the team. The Saints rarely keep more than six cornerbacks on the roster.
Will Clapp, offensive line
Last year’s final draft pick didn’t get on the field much as a rookie, sitting behind more-experienced backups like Cameron Tom and Josh LeRibeus. With Tom, Erik McCoy, and Nick Easton fighting for the starting gig at center, there may not be room for Clapp on the roster when the dust settles. He needs to show some position versatility and impress coaches at both guard and center, and maybe audition for reps at tackle. The Saints usually keep just eight or nine offensive linemen on the opening-day roster.
