3 Standouts From Saints Rookie Minicamp
It is finally that time again, the New Orleans Saints are back on the practice field for their 2023 rookie minicamps. This provides media and fans an early opportunity to see the baseline of the newest faces on the team along with some of roster hopefuls. These early days allow for some acclimation and three players did not take long to go beyond comfortable and straight into standout status.
Nov 25, 2022; Fresno, California, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener (9) throws a pass before the start of the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Valley Children's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Haener - QB - Fresno State
The Fresno State graduate looked impressive during minicamps. While media was only able to see stretch, individual drills and routes on air, it was easy to see a few things about Haener that were impressive.
The first piece that leapt off the field on Saturday was his footwork. Crisp, intentional and precise, the 5-foot-11 passer has always drawn eyes with this element of his game. His ability to move laterally and throughout the pocket is an important part of his success at his size.
The next quality that caught eyes was his ball placement. Several comments could be heard from media folks looking on throughout the open portion of drills about the ease with which Haener located and delivered passes. Without a pass rush or coverage, there should be an expectation of precision, but it is not always delivered. Haener delivered here to a noticeable extent.
Malik Flowers - WR - Montana
Flowers' calling card is understandably going to be connected to his ability as a kick returner. With seven returned for a touchdown throughout his Montana career, he tied the FCS record held by current Saints wideout Rashid Shaheed. But what made him stand out today were his hands.
Every pass that we saw go his way was brought in cleanly and with his hands as opposed to securing the ball against his body, which is a habit developed sometimes among kick returners. Flowers did not look to fall into that routine. He also showed some nice sideline awareness with a tip-toe catch along the boundary.
Jordan Howden - S - Minnesota
Even though team drills were not available to media, seeing the fluidity with which Howden moved along with his hunger for coaching helped to separate him from the group. He and defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson (who was a standout in his own right today with his vocal and active coaching style) stayed in conversations sometimes not only between reps, but during.
While Howden's early action may be on special teams, seeing him drop back into coverage and line up on the line of scrimmage is a great sign. His roster spot could be further solidified by his chances of contributing to safety and nickel corner depth. It looks like he is off to a good start.
