Under The Radar Saints to Keep An Eye On in 2023

Even with the draft coming, here's some Saints players to keep tabs on over the next several months.

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Apr 6, 2023 8:20 AM EDT

In this story:

As the draft quickly approaches, the Saints are doing plenty of homework. They've had multiple scouts and their top guys attending Pro Days and are now conducting pre-draft visits. As they align their draft boards going into the end of the month, it will be pretty exciting to see how New Orleans tackles things.

Regardless of how things do play out in the draft, there's a few Saints to keep an eye on over the course of the next several months. No new free agent additions will be on this list here, as we're focusing on returning faces who shouldn't be overlooked. Keep in mind that free agency is ongoing, so things aren't set in stone by any means how the team's depth chart will take shape. However, here's some of the players who have an intriguing outlook going into 2023.

Eno Benjamin

USATSI_19748105_168388561_lowres — Jan 8, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cory Littleton (55) tackles New Orleans Saints running back Eno Benjamin (31) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints got a major upgrade in the backfield in free agency when they landed Jamaal Williams. He looks to be a formidable partner in crime with Alvin Kamara, but there's also uncertainty regarding his 2023 if and when he faces a suspension. One player that's not being talked about much is Eno Benjamin.

Benjamin had a stellar game when he started against New Orleans last year, but the departure from the Cardinals was surprising. He got claimed by the Texans and spent a brief time there before landing with the Saints off waivers. It took some time, but he got some playing time towards the end of the season, and more time in the offense could help in a big way.

In addition to carrying the ball, Benjamin can be an asset out of the backfield in the passing game. He could also return kicks, which is obviously something Rashid Shaheed handles currently unless something changes. The Saints will get an extended look at Benjamin for the next few months, and he seems like he's ready to show his best this season.

D'Marco Jackson

USATSI_18270249_168388561_lowres — May 14, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker D'Marco Jackson (52) during rookie camp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

With the departure of Kaden Elliss, New Orleans is certainly going to need to look at the linebacker spot. D'Marco Jackson, last year's fifth-round pick, could be an interesting option to watch. He spent his rookie season on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. However, the buzz surrounding him shouldn't change with some of the upside he brings to the table.

There's going to be plenty of competition for playing time, especially with some of the void left behind on special teams. We can't rule out New Orleans drafting another linebacker either, but Jackson is at least in a spot to be out on the field this year. It'll be up to him to show everyone what the Saints saw in him when they drafted him.

Lucas Krull

The tight end position leaves some imagination for the Saints, as we have to wait and see what happens with Taysom Hill. We've heard that New Orleans has a better idea on how they're going to deploy Hill in the offense going forward, but that role is currently unknown. For now, Lucas Krull is someone who could take a major stride this year.

For starters, the Saints added Clancy Barone in the offseason. His longstanding experience coaching tight ends should only make everyone better there. Krull looked to be more of a receiving threat when the team added him originally, and not having to work behind others and being in for a second year could help him grow.

Stock Watch

USATSI_19677196_168388561_lowres — November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell (45) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Merritt - The wide receiver battle will be something to pay attention to, and Merritt could have a chance to move up the depth chart. Assuming Michael Thomas is healthy, the fourth and fifth options are really what's up for grabs. Of course, players like Bryan Edwards will have to prove themeselves, and we can't overlook veterans like Tre'Quan Smith and Keith Kirkwood. The opportunity is there for Merritt is what we should take away.
Nephi Sewell - Like Jackson's outlook, there's certainly an opportunity to step up in the linebacker room. Sewell appeared in four games last season after being a very bright spot in training camp and latching on with the practice squad. He eventually got signed to the active roster, and looks to compete for more time in 2023.
Lewis Kidd - Kidd caught a lot of people's eyes early on last year, and his efforts helped him land on the 53-man roster and see action in 13 games. He also had one start as a rookie. One of the things that was part of the offseason plan for him was to add some weight. We'll see how that potentially pays off for him, but he's going to be an important piece of depth as an absolute worst-case scenario.