Previewing the Saints Undrafted Rookie Class

Here's what you need to know on the undrafted rookies the Saints added after the NFL Draft.

Author:
John Hendrix
Updated:
May 3, 2023 10:59 AM EDT
Original:
May 2, 2023

In this story:

The Saints went to work after the NFL Draft to secure their undrafted rookie class (tracker also includes rookie minicamp invites). They initially announced the addition of 11 players, while announcing one more on Monday. We expect at least one more signing too, bringing them up to 13 total for the class. Like we've done over the years, we give a short preview and outlook for each signing after watching some tape.

2023 Saints Undrafted Rookie Free Agents

Blake Grupe, K, Notre Dame - Pretty strong on kickoffs, hits them pretty well with some good rotation, but not all kicks were consistent. Has the leg to hit the long field goals up to the 62-yard range, and can do it with some wind resistance. Right-footed kicker who gets good height on his kicks between the 30-45 yards. Would like to see a little more kicks from the angles. It'll be interesting to see if he can push Wil Lutz any.
Joel Wilson, TE, Central Michigan - 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end with good hands and is a nice weapon in the passing game. He may not leap off the screen with speed, but somehow just finds a way to get open. One of the more exciting things to watch was how the Chippewas offense used him. Wheel routes, tight end screens, and the short-to-intermediate areas were all ways they deployed him. He'll have to improve as a run-blocker, but that shouldn't be a problem.
Anfernee Orji, LB, Vanderbilt - Physical inside linebacker who was a tackle machine for the Commodores. He won't kill you with speed, but looks to be a good run-stopper. He will have to shine on special teams and be willing to adapt to some versatility to make it on the next level. He'll also need to work on his coverage skills and eye discipline some. He reminds me of a little of Nephi Sewell, and he's one who ended up turning heads last year.
Shaquan Davis, WR, South Carolina State - 6-foot-5 receiver that has good tracking skills and speed. He uses that height to his advantage, being able to win the 50-50 ball with ease in one-on-one situations. Looks to have a good ability to stretch the field. Will be interested to see how he does against the more physical corners the Saints have. That will be the biggest test for him to make a name for himself.
Nick Anderson, LB, Tulane - Undersized at 5-foot-10, but you wouldn't say that by the way he plays. Very productive for the Green Wave, finishing third in tackles in 2022. Potential fit would be a WILL linebacker with his speed and instincts. He's a passionate football player with a strong IQ and impactful presence in the locker room. He'll undoubtedly be one of the players fans will be rooting for over the next few months.
Mark Evans II, OL, Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Hard-working offensive lineman with some tackle and guard experience. He excels as a run-blocker, but needs a little work in pass protection. He has some tenacity and feistiness to his game, and will need to show that working against some of the flashier defensive tackles on the next level. Hand placement seems strong, which is something Doug Maronne puts a lot of emphasis on. He's had great mentors in Willie Roaf and Terron Armstead, which will certainly help. He'll be a 'watch and grow' type of player.
Alex Pihlstrom, C, Illinois - Started as a walk-on tight end before moving to the offensive line in 2020. He has interior experience, moving from guard to center in 2021 for the Fighting Illini. He's one of those players who the Saints may have a clear vision for to help develop his skills. He'll have a major uphill battle on his hands, but just needs to come in and be a student of the game.
SaRodorick Thompson, RB, Texas Tech - Tough runner who can give you a mix of power, balance, and speed. He tries to make the first man miss with his moves. The 'dancing' in the backfield has a risk/reward to it, and a lot of Thompson's big plays stemmed from making things happen, but needs to be consistent at the next level. His ideal situation would be as a complimentary back, but he's going to have to learn special teams to stick around.
Sy Barnett, WR, Davenport University - Barnett used to play at Ferris State, and fans may remember a receiver named Jake Lampman that came from there. However, Barnett was with Davenport University in 2022. The Michigan native handled kicking and punting duties in addition to catching the football, which is kind of wild. He'll undoubtedly have an uphill battle with a crowded wide receiver room, but if he can show off some of that versatility then he will be someone to keep tabs on.
Lou Hedley, P, Miami - Intimidating looking Australian punter who has a pretty strong leg cannon and he makes it look effortless. Has some real size to him at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. Kicks could use some more hang time, but his leg power has a habit of sending returners backwards. Puts on a nice spiral in his punts. He'll be 30 in June, and that's not a typo. He'll certainly be a fun player to watch, but that job may just stay with Blake Gillikin.
Anthony Johnson, DB, Virginia - Outside corner who has a physicality to him working against receivers. He's someone who puts forth a strong effort when he plays and has a pretty good recovery. He needs to work on some of his movement in coverage, like turning his head around in situations and also with his hip fluidity. His aggressive style could project him to do some safety work with the Saints.
Jerron Cage, DT, Ohio State - Similar frame to Shy Tuttle who can push the pocket. Has a pretty strong initial burst, but did not see a ton of playing time with the Buckeyes. Can get knocked off the ball a little by blockers. Will be one of those players who could fit in a rotation, but will need to work on learning a few things quickly on the next level to be a threat.
Malik Flowers, WR, Montana - The Saints go to the Big Sky Conference for the second year in a row. They found Rashid Shaheed last year from Weber State, and now Flowers will look to make his mark and follow suit. He's an electrifying returner who just makes it happen, and he didn't start doing returns until 2017. Montana gave him expanded work as a wide receiver, and he seemingly is a clone of Shaheed with a little bit more height and weight.

Rookie minicamp is projected for May 12-15 for the Saints, as that will be our first look at the drafted and undrafted class. New Orleans will also have tryouts for a host of players.