Saints Initial 53-Man Roster
The New Orleans Saints have officially set their 53-man squad for the NFL roster deadline. With 11 days until their season opener against the Tennessee Titans, we should expect several more changes to this product.
New Orleans and all other teams may also begin filling out their 16-player practice tomorrow after the initial waiver period ends. Ten of the players on the practice squad must have two years or less of NFL experience. There are no restrictions on the other six members of a practice squad.
After the dust settled on a busy August 29th, here's what coach Dennis Allen's second New Orleans squad looks like initially.
(* = Rookie)
QUARTERBACK (3)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
• Jake Haener*
No surprise to anyone here. Carr was the team’s top offseason acquisition. Winston is arguably the NFL's most talented backup. Haener gets a year to develop as the third string after a solid training camp.
RUNNING BACK (5)
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY
• Jamaal Williams
• Kendre Miller*
• Kirk Merritt
• Adam Prentice (FB)
The Saints will be given a roster exemption for Kamara in the coming days. He'll miss the first three games of the year, opening up a roster spot. Williams and Miller will carry the backfield duties in his absence. Merritt was surprisingly retained even though he's missed time with injuries.
Merriweather's release to keep Merritt was somewhat surprising. We could see him return to the practice squad or even the active roster once Kamara's suspension officially kicks in. It's also possible that the Saints bring back Darrel Williams or another veteran back for the active roster.
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (17) catches a pass while defended by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Brown (38). Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY
• Chris Olave
• Rashid Shaheed
• A.T. Perry*
• Keith Kirkwood
• Tre'Quan Smith
Olave, Thomas, and Shaheed were obvious and should make a productive trio. Perry and Kirkwood played their way onto the roster after strong training camps. Smith, well, here we go again, Saints fans.
Most fans expected undrafted rookie Shaq Davis to make the squad after a strong finish. Smith has missed nearly three weeks with a groin injury and could be placed on short-term injured reserve or the Physically Unable to Perform list. If so, Davis could be brought back or Lynn Bowden may be re-signed for return duties. Expect the Saints to carry a few wideouts on their practice squad.
TIGHT END (4)
New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) warms up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
• Juwan Johnson
• Foster Moreau
• Jimmy Graham
Again, no real surprises here. Krull will almost certainly be brought back to the practice squad if he clears waivers. This is an underrated and versatile group that should create matchup issues for opposing defenses.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes a touchdown to wide receiver Keith Kirkwood (18) as Cesar Ruiz (51) blocks against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
• Trevor Penning, LT
• James Hurst, G/T
• Erik McCoy, C
• Cesar Ruiz, RG
• Ryan Ramczyk, RT
• Andrus Peat, G
• Nick Saldiveri*, G/T
• Landon Young, T/G
• Max Garcia, G/C
Some were a little surprised at the release of Calvin Throckmorton, who's started several games over the last two years. This unit's second and third stringers were abysmal throughout the preseason. We should expect to see more movement here before the start of the year.
DEFENSIVE END (5)
New Orleans Saints defensive ends Isaiah Foskey and Payton Turner (98) during training camp drills at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
• Cameron Jordan
• Carl Granderson
• Payton Turner
• Tanoh Kpassagnon
• Isaiah Foskey*
Niko Lalos had a monstrous preseason, but was simply lost in the numbers game at a loaded position. Look for him to return to the practice squad if not claimed by another team.
Turner looks like the light may finally be coming on after two disappointing seasons. Foskey showed nice development by the end of the preseason. Jordan remains one of the league's best, while Granderson and Kpassagnon are vastly underrated contributors.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4)
Houston Texans center Michael Deiter (63) battles New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
• Bryan Bresee*
• Khalen Saunders
• Nathan Shepherd
• Malcolm Roach
A revamped defensive tackle position looked terrific in the preseason. Jack Heflin, Jerron Cage, or Prince Emili may be brought back for the practice squad, but there was never much doubt here.
LINEBACKER (5)
New Orleans Saints linebacker Jaylon Smith (59) looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY
• Demario Davis
• Pete Werner
• D'Marco Jackson
• Nephi Sewell
• Zack Baun
By far the most head-scratching move from the Saints came here, when they released Jaylon Smith. Dennis Allen indicated that there was a 'strong possibility' that Smith would return. Baun, it can be presumed, was kept for his special teams skills.
Jackson and Sewell are also solid special teamers, but both played well defensively. Davis and Werner are a terrific duo, but depth concerns remain after a puzzling day.
CORNERBACK (5)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. (28) runs back an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
• Marshon Lattimore
• Paulson Adebo
• Alontae Taylor
• Lonnie Johnson
• Isaac Yiadom
In spite of national disrespect, Lattimore, Taylor, and Adebo form perhaps the best trio of corners in the NFL. After early reports that the Saints were fielding trade calls for him, the team surprisingly released reliable veteran Bradley Roby.
Lonnie Johnson is expected to play a similar role to what P.J. Williams did for years. Despite being wildly inconsistent in coverage, the team likes Yiadom for special teams and depth. With Roby's release, primary slot coverage duties fall to Taylor. There will be some growing pains there, with Johnson and Ugo Amadi also taking some of those responsibilities.
SAFETY (5)
Los Angeles Chargers safety AJ Finley (24) and New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) battle during a punt return. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
• Tyrann Mathieu
• Marcus Maye
• Jordan Howden*
• Ugo Amadi
• J.T. Gray
Maye will almost certainly be facing a league suspension, but specifics have yet to be determined. Howden and the overlooked Amadi were both outstanding through training camp and preseason games. Gray is one of the league's best special teams players.
SPECIALISTS (3)
New Orleans Saints place kicker Blake Grupe (19) lines up a field goal attempt against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
• Blake Grupe*, K
• Lou Hedley*, P
• Zach Wood, LS
The Saints jettisoned both incumbent kickers in place of rookies. Neither Hedley or Blake Gillikin were particularly impressive, so this is an area to watch closely.
One of the most entertaining battles of training camp was at place kicker. Both Wil Lutz and Grupe were nearly flawless. Ultimately, New Orleans traded Lutz to Denver in a reunion with old coach Sean Payton.
