New Orleans Saints Training Camp Preview
The New Orleans Saints haven't made the playoffs for the past two seasons and that has felt like an eternity for them. The Saints need the defense to be more physical in order to get back to the postseason.
They have the offense to get back to the playoffs without a doubt. It all starts with Drew Brees, who is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. Chase Daniel will be the backup. Garrett Grayson and Ryan Nassib will compete for the third quarterback spot.
Adrian Peterson will help the Saints on the ground big time. Mark Ingram will be a solid number two running back. The thing is, it will be more like 1A and 1B. I could
very well see them each getting 20 carries a game. It would help Drew Brees out tremendously.
If Peterson or Ingram were to get injured, it would be a big deal but rookie Alvin Kamara is a game breaking running back the Saints would love to see on the field this season. It could possibly be a three-headed monster in the backfield this season for the Saints. Travaris Cadet will probably be the fourth running back.
The Saints lost Brandin Cooks in the offseason, but I don't think it will really hurt them. I feel like this is addition by subtraction move for the Saints. Cooks seemed to be a distraction and would complain when he didn't get the ball. They are fine at wide out anyways this upcoming season.
Michael Thomas will be the number one receiver and he has the potential to be a top-five receiver this season. Brandon Coleman, Ted Ginn Jr., and Willie Snead will also be reliable targets for Drew Brees. Jake Lampman, Tommylee Lewis, Corey Fuller, and Jordan Williams-Lambert will compete for the five and six spots at wide receiver.
Coby Fleener will be the starting tight end. Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui will be the other two tight ends.
Khalif Barnes and Ryan Ramczyk will compete for the starting left tackle spot on the offensive line. Andrus Peat, Larry Warford, and Zach Strief will be the starters on the offensive line.
Center Senio Kelemete is currently on the PUP list for training camp. If he is not ready for the regular season, Kelemete will be placed on the regular season PUP list. Max Unger is also on the PUP list, but he is expected to be the starting center week 1. If they are both not ready, rookie Jack Allen would get the nod.
The Saints defense got better over the offseason. Alex Okafor, Tony McDaniel, Sheldon Rankins, and Cameron Jordan will be the starters on the defensive line. Darryl Tapp, Tyeler Davison, and David Onyemata will see time in the rotation as well this season. Obum Gwacham, rookies Trey Hendrickson, and Al-Quadin Muhammad will compete for rotation time as well.
Nick Fairley has been placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list. If he can somehow return from his health problem this season, it will make the defensive line deeper.
Stephone Anthony, Craig Robertson, and rookie Alex Anzalone will be the starters at linebacker. A.J. Klein will also be a big part at linebacker as well this season. Manti Te'o will be fighting for a roster spot.
Delvin Breaux, Kenny Vaccaro, Vonn Bell, and PJ Williams will probably be the starters in the secondary. Rookie Marshon Lattimore will be a major component in the secondary this season. Rafael Bush will also provide depth at safety.
Wil Lutz will be the Saints kicker. Thomas Morstead will be the Saints punter. Ted Ginn Jr. will be the team's kick and punt returner. The Saints have the potential to be a contender once again this season.
