The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their minicamp practices last week, and training camp is still a month out at least. So we’ve updated our projection of the 53-man roster following news and updates from every practice session.
Not every draft pick is going to make the final roster on opening-day. Some veteran free agents won’t make the cut, too. But there’s a long road to travel between this point and roster cuts in September, so here’s our updated too-early projection.
Quarterbacks (3): Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater, Taysom Hill
This might be the easiest projection on the roster. Brees is the starter, Bridgewater is his understudy, and Hill is a specialist who can wear any number of hats. J.T. Barrett should return to the practice squad after spending most of his rookie season there in 2018.
Running backs (5): Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, Javorius Allen, Devine Ozigbo, Zach Line (fullback)
This is an interesting position group. Murray may not be much of a downgrade from Mark Ingram — he’ll certainly enjoy running behind a strong Saints offensive line. Allen and Ozigbo can both impact the game on passing downs, offering some versatility when it’s time to call their number.
Tight ends (4): Jared Cook, Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin, Alize Mack
Cook should earn the lion’s share of snaps here, while Hill continues to quietly hold his own as a blocking tight end. If Mack is able to put together the talent he flashed in college, he could climb the depth chart and become a regular contributor.
Wide receivers (5): Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Tre’Quan Smith, Keith Kirkwood, Rishard Matthews
The Saints have some confidence in their youngsters at wideout, but it’s curtains for Cameron Meredith. His injury history has kept him off the field too often. Matthews is an intriguing veteran who should pair with Brees nicely.
Offensive tackles (3): Terron Armstead, Ryan Ramczyk, Marshall Newhouse
It would be nice if the Saints can find another body here, so that Andrus Peat will not have to slide over from left guard when injuries strike. But for now, they have two elite bookends and a backup with plenty of NFL experience.
Interior offensive line (6): Larry Warford, Andrus Peat, Erik McCoy, Nick Easton, Cameron Tom, Will Clapp
There could be another cut here, if Clapp doesn’t offer enough positional versatility. He’s only received meaningful looks at guard, despite having played center in the past. With McCoy, Easton, and Tom competing for the job at center, there may not be room for a reserve who’s limited to one spot.
Special teams (3): Thomas Morstead, Wil Lutz, Zach Wood
The long snapper battle may rage, but Wood’s lack of miscues last season should prevent the Saints from questioning his value. There might not be another team in the league with as much confidence in their punter and kicker as the Saints.
Defensive ends (4): Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Wes Horton, Carl Granderson
Only Jordan and Davenport figure to get much playing time here, but you can’t go wrong with an experienced backup in Horton and a high-upside athlete in Granderson. Hopefully one of them (or third-year pass rusher Trey Hendrickson) is able to crack the rotation.
Interior defensive line (4): Malcom Brown, David Onyemata, Taylor Stallworth, Mario Edwards Jr.
This unit should be a strength of the team, especially once Sheldon Rankins is back in the mix. Brown was a big free agent signing who won several Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots. Onyemata is a breakout candidate.
Linebackers (5): Demario Davis, Alex Anzalone, A.J. Klein, Craig Robertson, Vince Biegel
Davis is locked in as a high-level starter, and Anzalone should win the other starting job from Klein. Robertson is a competent backup and Biegel is on his way to getting more looks with the defense.
Safeties (5): Vonn Bell, Marcus Williams, Chris Banjo, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Saquan Hampton
It might be tough for Hampton to make the team; he has to make some big plays on special teams, competing with established gunners like Banjo and Justin Hardee. For now, we’ll offer him some optimism.
Cornerbacks (6): Marshon Lattimore, Eli Apple, Patrick Robinson, P.J. Williams, Justin Hardee, Marcus Sherels
This is the position the Saints can hang their hats on. Lattimore is an All-Pro talent who expects to put it all together in his third year. Apple is settled into his role on the opposite side. Robinson and Williams can play against specific matchups from the slot. Hardee and Sherels have clear roles on special teams.
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