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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
The Saints are thrilled to see Jameis Winston not only come out of camp healthy but even play a full series in Friday’s preseason win. It was a scoring drive, too, that saw Winston complete all 4 of his throws for 59 yards. If there were any concerns left over his ACL recovery or last month‘s foot sprain, he surely wouldn’t have seen the field Friday. Finally installed as the Saints’ unquestioned starter, Winston’s camp reviews ranged from “dazzling” to “rusty” in his first action since last October. There’s reason for optimism, particularly when one considers how much attention the team paid to its receiving corps this offseason.
Running Backs
With his legal troubles unlikely to affect his 2022, Alvin Kamara enters the season as a fantasy football unicorn: a full-tilt workhorse that was hardly discussed through the offseason. But there’s every reason to believe he'll hover around last year’s 22 touches per game. He was featured on the team’s opening drive in Friday’s preseason game, turning his 3 touches into 24 impressive yards. Unfortunately, the rest of the depth chart fared weakly against the Chargers’ JV defense. Neither Tony Jones (10 touches, 35 yards) nor 12-year veteran Mark Ingram (9 for 34) looked particularly inspiring as a Kamara fallback. For what it’s worth, SI.com’s Ross Jackson expects the team to keep five backs on the final roster, including special-teamer Dwayne Washington and fullback Adam Prentice. However, Jackson notes that Washington’s recent injury could land him on injured reserve. That spot won't get to rookie Abram Smith. Smith was explosive in camp but shaky in game action, turning in just 90 yards on his 29 carries (a 3.1 average), but was cut on Monday. NOLA’s Rod Walker points out that the Saints haven’t kept five backs on the roster since 2017.
Wide Receivers
The Saints offense has come more and more into focus, and the air attack will operate through top wideouts Michael Thomas, rookie Chris Olave, and slot specialist Jarvis Landry. Thomas didn’t play in the preseason but earned rave reviews in camp as he bounced back from ankle and hamstring injuries. Olave has showcased his speed and big-play knack to the point that at least one observer threw out a JaMarr Chase comparison. Thus, the Saints’ final preseason game was a battle for No. 4 duties between TreQuan Smith and Marquez Callaway. Smith has a deep history with the team, having scored 17 touchdowns (on just 112 receptions) over his four years in the league. But he’s spent most of that career in a vanishing act, and he left Friday’s game with a new shoulder injury. Given that Deonte Harty is an elite punt returner, Smith can no longer guarantee himself a Week 1 roster spot. For his part, Callaway showed well with a 4-61 line that likely hints at his winning the competition. Oddly enough, 24 yards came on a throw that had bounced out of Smith’s hands. (The play should’ve resulted in a wild 72-yard touchdown, but Callaway was robbed of the score by an errant whistle.)
Tight Ends
The Saints have installed Adam Trautman permanently into their offense; when healthy, he’ll see a hefty chunk of snaps. The only question is how much he’ll be involved as a receiver. Trautman has established himself as a dependable blocker and occasional checkdown option, but the team will try to include pass-catcher Juwan Johnson just as much in the box score. Johnson found the end zone on 4 of his 13 catches last year, and he’s made the case for a more regular role going forward. “He's really improved his blocking,” coach Dennis Allen said during camp. “I think we've always felt like there was a talented receiving threat at the tight end position with him… We kind of like where he’s at.” A more well-rounded game will keep the dynamic Johnson on the field more, particularly as a mismatch in the red zone.
Defense
The Saints defense wasn’t tested much in the preseason, particularly on Friday night as the Chargers rested virtually everyone. But it’s encouraging to hear NOLA’s Rod Walker call this secondary “[possibly] the deepest, most talented one the franchise has ever had.” The team is turning over its starting safeties from 2021, plugging in a pair of proven players in Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu. But many have spent the past week beating a drum for ex-Buccaneer Justin Evans, who’s likely muscled his way into the nickel job. Evans hasn’t played since 2018 but made one splash play after another in the preseason, both on defense and on special teams.
Returners
Entrenched specialist Deonte Harty (formerly Deonte Harris) is possibly the best two-way returner in the NFL, rating as one of the best in the league fielding punts and kickoffs.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston, finally free of a quarterback competition and fresh off ACL surgery, has yet to truly suit up this preseason. Winston has also dealt with a handful of minor bumps and bruises from camp, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rested until Opening Day. There hasn’t been word on a return to practice after sustaining a minor foot sprain two weeks ago. Head Coach Dennis Allen immediately called the injury minor and “not that big of a challenge,” but the team is happy to have veteran backup Andy Dalton in reserve. Young No. 3 Ian Book boasts plenty of athleticism but has struggled in his hefty preseason reps (a 63.3 passer rating). Book played every snap in Friday’s loss to the Packers and showed off his dynamism but struggled to move the ball with his arm. His quest for the No. 3 job remains up in the air.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara’s legal situation continues to bode much worse for his 2023 outlook than his 2022. Last week, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported that it’s looking “more and more likely” Kamara’s (inevitable) suspension will be pushed off into next season. That should give fantasy drafters confidence to scoop Kamara as the offensive centerpiece and workhorse he is – and to let the short-lived Twelfth Mark Ingram Era die. The only real drama here comes down the depth chart, where Tony Jones is putting the finishing touches on a second impressive camp. He’s running and catching the ball well, and he’s even flashed special-teams prowess, which can only help his chances. Special teams are what’s kept longtime reserve Dwayne Washington on the roster, after all. Jones will also have to hold off highly-regarded rookie Abram Smith, who has impressed but greatly annoyed Allen with a fumble against Houston.
Wide Receivers
Saints fans and fantasy managers breathed a sigh of relief last week when Allen all but proclaimed Michael Thomas full-go for Week One. "When the ball kicks off for real, Mike Thomas is going to be ready to go," Allen said last week. "And I'm excited about that.” Thomas himself seems a bit more reserved (“I definitely say, personally, still getting there”), but the stars are aligning for Thomas to return to the No. 1 role by Opening Day. He will most likely serve as a dependable intermediate threat for Winston while top pick Chris Olave wins down the field. Olave’s camp buzz has been strong for weeks, with his “offense-adoring speed” and “velvety route-running” wowing onlookers. Olave capped his week with a touchdown to close out the first half against the Packers; he certainly looks to belong in an NFL lineup. Back in July, NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill pointed out that the team ran an “open, wide receiver-based offense” under coordinator Pete Carmichael during Sean Payton’s suspension back in 2012. Olave’s early success makes that seem plausible for as long as Winston is upright and throwing accurately. If Carmichael is to install the three-wide sets he loves, then Thomas, Olave, and slot specialist Jarvis Landry should dominate work in a relatively thin group. With punt returner Deonte Harty locked into a role, the battle is on among Marquez Callaway, TreQuan Smith, Kevin White, and a handful of camp bodies for relevance (and a roster spot). With Smith a vested veteran who contributes to multiple phases of the game, Callaway could find himself the odd man out through either release or a low-key trade.
Tight Ends
Adam Trautman enters his third preseason looking to shake off a shortened 2021, and the early reviews are strong. “He looks like a different guy,” tight ends coach Dan Roushar said last week. Trautman is the clear-cut starter due to his two-way abilities; Juwan Johnson and ex-Jet Chris Herndon are both one-dimensional types who catch balls out of the slot. Allen has seen “a pretty significant jump” from Trautman, going so far as to call his starter “one of our most well-rounded players.” It’s important to note that Trautman missed three games and chunks of others in 2021, and that he’s entering his third season in an offense that shouldn’t change much post-Payton. It's also important, according to Trautman himself, not to sleep on what converted quarterback Taysom Hill brings to the tight end group. “Taysom in the room is awesome,” Trautman told reporters last week. “Physically, he’s terrific. But mentally, that’s a whole ‘nother level that he brings to the room.”
Kickers
If you’re wondering how Wil Lutz is doing after he missed last season with a core muscle injury, he bested his career-high with a 59-yard field goal against the Packers. He has gone 38-for-40 in camp to reinforce the notion that he is back among the draftable, if not elite, fantasy kickers this year.
Defense
With longtime defensive coordinator Allen slotting into the head coach spot, it’s fair to assume the Saints defense will come out of 2022 just as it has its past several years. In fact, Football Outsiders’ Aaron Schatz ranks this group as the NFL’s No. 1 projected defense. If that’s to happen, the team will need a well-rounded pass rush that can attack from all over the front seven. No one questions three-time All-Pro Cameron Jordan, but fifth-year man Marcus Davenport is still seeking his first full season; he’s never suited up for more than 13. On the plus side, Davenport enters the year healthy and eager to “make it physical” in 2022.
Offensive Line
The drama in Saints' camp has been at left tackle, where the team looks to replace Terron Armstead. Rookie Trevor Penning (first-round, Northern Iowa) came out fighting (literally), and the coaches kicked him out of practice after three straight days of incidents. Penning is tough but gave up four pressures in Preseason Week 1. Veteran James Hurst should be the left tackle on opening day, but Hurst is dealing with a foot injury suffered in joint practices with the Packers. Assuming Hurst can go, this is a top-5 group.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
The Saints dodged a bullet last week with quarterback Jameis Winston’s minor foot injury. Finally the Saints’ unquestioned starter, Winston sprained his foot during last Monday’s practice, but Head Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t seem concerned. “I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a challenge,” Allen told the media the next day. Winston sat out Saturday’s preseason opener; he’s got little to prove after opening camp in strong, “sharp” fashion. Winston’s injury made for a good excuse to turn the Texans game over to backup Andy Dalton (briefly) and young No. 3 man Ian Book. Book needs to make a positive impression, but NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan didn’t like what he saw. Book coughed up two turnovers and took four sacks, and with gadget man Taysom Hill on board, Book may be playing himself out of the team’s plans.
Running Backs
The team used Saturday’s opener to get a closer look at young backs Tony Jones and Abram Smith as they battle for the No. 3 role. There’s added juice in that fight since Alvin Kamara still faces the possibility of league discipline at some point during the season. Veteran Mark Ingram now looks poised to dominate the backfield should Kamara be forced to sit. Jones has churned out his share of impressive runs in practices. But after flaming out so badly in last year’s camp and preseason, Jones may be facing an uphill battle – particularly with Smith riding the wave of an eye-opening first week of practice. Neither youngster gained much momentum against the Texans: Jones turned 8 touches into 40 yards, while Smith went 8 for 42 and lost a fumble. Veteran special-teamer Dwayne Washington started the game, but overall, it would be a shock to see anyone but Ingram backing up Kamara directly to enter the year. For his part, Kamara’s suspension chances still look unlikely for 2022, given the timing of his legal battles.
Wide Receivers
Many consider the Saints’ receiver room to be relatively bare, but there’s reason for optimism. WBRZ.com’s Chris Lunkin is nothing short of giddy over what he’s seen from the top few receivers in camp. Lunkin talked up likely Week 1 starters Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Jarvis Landry after the opener. It’s no big surprise that rookie Olave, who blazed a 4.39 at the combine, has impressed with his “speed, silky-smooth release, and ability to attack the open zone.” But if Thomas can regain his physically dominant form of 2016-19, he’ll anchor a group that’s adjusting to life beyond Drew Brees and Sean Payton. NOLA.com’s Ross Jackson echoes the optimism around Thomas, noting last week that he “just can’t stop” dominating the Saints’ overwhelmed secondary at practice. It’s encouraging that Thomas seems to be dominating the few reps he’s being given and that his recovery from a long-term ankle injury seems to have come full circle. Several young practice-squad types are battling for low-level spots on the depth chart. But without Brees or Payton around – and with less opportunity to spread – there’s far less intrigue to be found in Marquez Callaway, TreQuan Smith, and return specialist Deonte Harty. Yahoo! Sports’ Matt Harmon agrees: “Remember their receiver depth chart last year? People were literally drafting Callaway in like round nine of fantasy. That was a thing that happened last year because of this depth chart. Now he's not even going to make a blip on this team because they have a really good three-receiver set, if Thomas is healthy.”
Tight Ends
Starter Adam Trautman is drawing similar buzz in his third Saints camp to that he got in his first two. None of it has yet translated into fantasy value, but this may be his best chance. Trautman faces stiff competition for targets in the passing game from Juwan Johnson, blocking specialist Nick Vannett, and new signee Chris Herndon. But NOLA.com’s Luke Johnson has noted Trautman’s all-around usage and impressive play throughout camp, and coach Dennis Allen is on board. “He’s probably one of our more well-rounded players, just in terms of blocking on the perimeter, blocking on the edge and also being a threat in the passing game,” Allen said last week of Trautman’s “pretty significant” third-year jump. It’s safe to pencil Trautman in as a full-timer, and the onus is now on Johnson and Herndon to prove their worth as mismatch-makers in the slot. Saints Wire only included Trautman, Johnson, and gadget weapon Taysom Hill in last week’s roster projections.
Defense
It’s no surprise the Saints defense is routinely winning camp practices with pressure and takeaways. New Head Coach Dennis Allen has led this group in some capacity for 13 years, and he’s long preached a doctrine of pressure, pressure, pressure. The results are clear: the first-team defense strung together one great session after another last week, regularly snatching the ball away from scout quarterback Andy Dalton’s offense. Perhaps the most crucial component will be new safety Tyrann Mathieu, who will often be tasked with covering dynamic backs and tight ends underneath. His camp work against Alvin Kamara in that regard has been strong.
Returners
Entrenched specialist Deonte Harty (formerly Deonte Harris) is possibly the best two-way returner in the NFL, rating as one of the best in the league fielding punts and kickoffs.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
All eyes are on Jameis Winston in his recovery from November ACL surgery. Unlike last year, Winston enters camp as the Saints’ unquestioned starter, and it’s been noted from the onset of camp that he looks sharp, focused, and free of a visible limp. He’s drawn descriptors like dazzling, and he’s “right about where the Saints want him to be.” The team needs Winston to prove last year’s high-efficiency streak (a career-low 1.9% interception rate) was for real, and Saints Wire’s Ross Jackson is convinced. Jackson gushed last Tuesday over Winston’s “ability to be consistent near the line” and how it pairs with his “undeniable skill for attacking deep.” A focused, more mistake-free, efficient Winston could give this offense the boost they’ll need.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara enters his sixth Saints camp with more questions than answers regarding his availability. Widely expected to face league discipline at some point, Kamara scored legal wins that have Saints Wire’s Ross Jackson calling an early-season suspension less likely. Mark Ingram is as established and trusted as anyone in the building and is easily the key beneficiary should Kamara’s legal status change. There’s drama after them on the depth chart, where Tony Jones went from darkhorse co-starter in last year’s camp to fighting for a roster spot in 2022. Jones is a talented runner, but he flopped badly last year, averaging just 2.6 yards per rush. It’s a concern that he hasn’t put any heat on the 32-year-old Ingram. Jones now faces competition from undrafted rookie Abram Smith. A converted linebacker, Smith dazzled in his lone year as a running back at Baylor. If nothing else, he has the potential to push special-teams stalwart Dwayne Washington off the roster.
Wide Receivers
The Saints have taken strides to remake a shaky receiver room, but they’d love nothing more than a return to dominant No. 1 status for Michael Thomas. The veteran’s long-term ankle woes appear to be under control, and he’s doing more full-team activities daily. Coach Dennis Allen seems pleased with Thomas’ ramp-up back to action, and beat writers are excited that he’s back to being effortlessly physical. Rookie Chris Olave is making positive headlines of his own, with his Winston raving and throwing out a comparison to his former teammate Chris Godwin. Olave is lauded as an explosive deep threat, but his camp performance also shows a strong route-running dimension. Veteran slot man Jarvis Landry, brought on board in May to stabilize a shaky unit, may not be needed as badly as expected. The outlook is crowded beyond them, with a handful of prospects looking to stick and make a name. SI.com’s Bob Rose pointed out pre-camp that the Saints typically keep only five wideouts on the active roster. With Deonte Harty locked into the No. 4 and punt return jobs, Marquez Callaway and TreQuan Smith are likely battling for one regular roster spot. Callaway looms as the favorite after catching 46 balls and 6 touchdowns last year, but his first week of camp was relatively quiet.
Tight Ends
Taysom Hill, proven a misfit at quarterback in 2021, has been moved almost exclusively to tight end. Still, coach Dennis Allen intends to keep using Hill all over the offense as a position-less wild card. “We’re going to find snaps for him to affect the football game,” Allen said last week. In other words, Hill likely won’t steal many snaps from traditional tight ends, Adam Trautman and Juwan Johnson. Trautman looks entrenched as the starter, thanks to his ability to catch and block, and he opened camp to hefty praise. Saints Wire’s Ross Jackson noted the 6-foot-5 Trautman’s ability to make tough, contested catches. Perhaps the newly signed Chris Herndon, who started for the Jets in 2018, can replace Johnson as the top sub-package receiver.
Defense
As usual, coach Dennis Allen’s defense looks poised to live and die by its coverage talent in the secondary. To that end, Allen has stocked the back end nicely with athletic, versatile safeties to replace departed starters, Malcolm Jenkins and Marcus Williams. He added stars Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu from the Jets and Chiefs, respectively, and Mathieu’s former teammate, run-support specialist Daniel Sorensen. And two cornerbacks, second-year man Paulson Adebo and rookie Alontae Taylor, keep rotating into the slot and over the top at safety in practice. New coordinators Kris Richard and Ryan Nielsen have more than enough defensive weapons to keep this unit fresh and on its game.
