As expected, Carr is the Starter with Winston being one of the best backups in the league
HB: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Kirk Merritt
Also expected, Miller should work in to get some touches but Merritt is most likely just garbage time and a return specialist
FB: Taysom Hill
The man who can do it all will probably throw lead blocks, pass protect, run the ball, and catch it out of this position.
WR: Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, AT Perry, Breshad Perriman, Trequan Smith, Keith Kirkwood
The first big surprise is AT Perry and Breshad Perriman beating out Trequan Smith for the 3 and 4 WR spots which are frequently used in today’s pass heavy offenses. Chris Olave over Michael Thomas is worth noting, but as expected.
TE: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau, Jimmy Graham
Juwan apparently was very impressive in training camp and could be the second leading receiver after Olave. Taysom is sure to eat some catches too from this spot. Moreau is more of a backup for Juwan while Jimmy Graham could be used in the redzone for his 6’7 frame and elite contact catching.
LT: Trevor Penning, Landon Young
As expected, a pivotal position without a proven player though
LG: James Hurst, Andrus Peat
Beat out Peat in the offseason for the starting spot, or so we think
C: Erik McCoy, Nick Saldiveri
The strongest offensive lineman on the Saints is their leader in the center
RG: Cesar Ruiz, Nick Saldiveri
In a contract year so needs to show out, but the Saints may not be able to re-sign him anyway
RT: Andrus Peat, Ryan Ramczyk
SHOCK, Ramczyk reportedly was unhappy with this coaching staff, is this a retaliation from them or something else?
LE: Cameron Jordan, Payton Turner
As expected, Turner looks to rotate in due to Jordan’s age
RE: Isaiah Foskey, Payton Turner
The rookie beat out the former first round pick who hasn’t quite put it together yet
DT: Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Carl Granderson
The rookie gets the nod but in a 4-3, Shepherd will contribute
LOLB: Jaylon Smith, Zack Baun
Elevated from the practice squad and takes the starting spot, Baun seemingly left behind in his contract year
MLB: Demario Davis, Jaylon Smith
The shock is that Jaylon Smith has apparently earned the team’s respect to take over any injury to their defensive captain
ROLB: Pete Werner, Jaylon Smith
Standard all around, excited to see this LB group and how they fit together
CB: Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo, Isaac Yiadom, Lonnie Johnson Jr
SHOCK, Marshon Lattimore not even listed as a backup. Once again, is this retaliation from a coaching staff trying to enforce its culture in their first year or could something else be at play?
FS: Tyrann Mathieu, Lonnie Johnson Jr, JT Gray
Very standard, Lonnie Johnson has impressed and taken over backup roles all over the defensive backfield
S: Marcus Maye, Lonnie Johnson Jr
The Saints elevated Jonathan Abram from their practice squad but chose not to include him in the depth chart for game 1
K: Blake Grupe
The rookie will have his chance
P: Lou Hedley
The 30 year old rookie from Australia will have his chance
KOS: Lou Hedley
Just the stronger kicker
KR: Kirk Merritt
Only returner with explosiveness on this team
PR: Kirk Merritt
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LS: Erik McCoy
They trust him to execute the extra points, punts, and field goals
3DRB: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams
Expect to see both but obvious Kamara gets the advantage with his receiving ability
PWHB: Jamaal Williams, Alvin Kamara
Expect to see both but obvious Williams gets the advantage with his strength and reputation
SLWR: Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Breshad Perriman
They trust their best recievers to get open quick in the slot, it makes sense
RLE: Payton Turner, Cameron Jordan
Cameron Jordan will be there in case but they want to give Turner the chance in pass defense sets
RRE: Isaiah Foskey, Payton Turner
The Rookie is poised to lead the team in sacks alongside Cam Jordan
RDT: Bryan Bresee, Cameron Jordan, Nathan Shepherd
Most formations include two RDTs so don’t overthink Bresee over Cam Jordan, it just means Jordan can line up anywhere
SUB LB: Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Jaylon Smith
No weak run defense hear, linebackers only even in pass defense sets they trust them
SLCB: Isaac Yiadom, Lonnie Johnson Jr, Paulson Adebo
Keeping Alontae Taylor and Adebo outside unless they have to reach due to injury. They want to get them comfortable outside and find what works on the inside.p
