Expectations are running high for the New Orleans Saints rookie draft class — the team blew up its defensive line this offseason and added early-round talents like Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey to help rebuild the unit, all while replenishing the depth chart on offense by making moves to get Kendre Miller, Nick Saldiveri, Jake Haener, and A.T. Perry. And don’t sleep on fifth-round safety Jordan Howden, or some of the team’s hungry undrafted free agents.
But which of those first-year pros are in the best position to succeed? Who can make the biggest positive impact in their rookie season? Here are our staff picks exploring that exact question:
S Jordan Howden
I’m probably going to regret not picking Bryan Bresee or Isaiah Foskey here, but that’s fine. I was high on Howden coming out of college as one of the best-experienced safeties in college football with a great understanding of the game and rare athleticism, and he’s already earning some first-team snaps in spring training. I think he’ll have a real role as a rookie either guarding the slot or backing up Marcus Maye, who missed a lot of time last year and could be suspended to start the 2023 season. — John Sigler
DT Bryan Bresee
The defensive interior is really hard to adjust to in the NFL, but I don’t think that will stop Bryan Bresee from making an immediate impact. There is a path to playing time early as a rookie, with no guaranteed snaps for anyone on the interior. Early reports for Bresee are good from rookie camp, he’s looking like he can capitalize on his athletic advantage right away. — Dylan Sanders
DE Isaiah Foskey
Foskey comes to the league with great pass rushing success in college, ending as Notre Dame’s all time leader in sacks. He should instantly be a part of the defensive end rotation and receive ample amount of snaps to attack the passer. The Saints don’t have a good reputation with drafting defensive ends recently, but Isaiah Foskey has the skillset and opportunity to break that trend. As a cherry on top, he was a second round selection where New Orleans has found great success since 2016. — Darrion Gray
RB Kendre Miller
We haven’t seen him participate in any of the offseason sessions, but if Kendre Miller is healthy to start the season that would change a lot for the Saints. They were predictable on run plays on first and second downs, and went from 18 runs on third down from 6-plus yards out in 2021 to 6 last season and converted none of them. They added Jamaal Williams to the backfield but Miller has less mileage and if he can offer any assets in the passing game, New Orleans has a completely different outlook on offense. Derek Carr will need a credible rush attack to get the passing game back up to speed, and Miller offers that necessary style. — Maddy Hudak
WR A.T. Perry
It’s hard to look past the ceiling for A.T. Perry. The Saints need some juice at wide receiver, especially in a year in which Derek Carr is making his New Orleans debut. The Saints ended last season with 3,969 total receiving yards and 24 receiving touchdowns. That’s about middle of the pack, statistically. Perry is already considered a steal given his college production (with 26 touchdown catches the last two years alone). What he could become and how he could rise up the Saints depth chart will be something to watch. — Crissy Froyd
