Saints Final Roster Prediction After Two Preseason Games
We've seen 17 days of training camp and two preseason games, so naturally it's time to get a sense of where things may fall when it comes to the final roster. I've added in projections for the 16-man practice squad on here, which will absolutely change when things are said and done. There's going to be a ton of player movement, so it won't shock me to see the Saints snatch up a couple of players from other teams to help build out the practice squad.
Offense (25)
Quarterback (3): Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jake Haener
There's no way Jake Haener is one of those 'cut and bring back to the practice squad' candidates, so the Saints will carry three quarterbacks. At this point, I also don't believe that dealing Jameis Winston before Week 1 is a possibility. That's not a knock against Haener and his growth, but Winston is a solid backup plan for the Saints.
Running Back (4): Alvin Kamara (suspended), Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Ellis Merriweather, Adam Prentice
Kamara will start the year suspended and will therefore not take up a roster spot for the first three weeks of the season. Someone will have to take that RB3 spot, and Kirk Merritt continues to battle a hamstring injury. From what I've seen right now, the job would go to Ellis Merriweather.
Practice Squad (2): Kirk Merritt, Darrel Williams
Wide Receiver (5): Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Keith Kirkwood, A.T. Perry
This is really hard to figure out here, but based on everything that we've seen, I'd have to give the roster spots to Kirkwood and Perry and have the team keep five receivers. Bryan Edwards had a major opportunity to distance himself after putting together a nice run of practices and building off the Chiefs preseason game. However, those two offensive pass interference calls against him vs. the Chargers are how you don't make a roster. Tre'Quan Smith continues to be out with a groin injury, and Shaq Davis is a late riser here.
Practice Squad (3): Shaq Davis, Jontre Kirklin, veteran that's either Tre'Quan Smith or Bryan Edwards
Tight End (4): Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Taysom Hill, Jimmy Graham
Hopefully, Jimmy Graham gets the medical attention that he needs and will return to football activities soon. However, that's a little cloudy right now, and his health is the most important thing right now. He's looked good in training camp, and the other players will make them keep this group for the 53-man roster.
Practice Squad (1): Lucas Krull
Offensive Line (9): James Hurst, Trevor Penning, Ryan Ramczyk, Landon Young, Erik McCoy, Andrus Peat, Cesar Ruiz, Calvin Throckmorton, Nick Saldiveri
No changes from last time, but I'm quite concerned about the depth here, especially given the fact that three of these players listed are dealing with injuries right now. Ruiz (shoulder), Young (MCL), and Throckmorton (ribs) will hopefully be good to go soon, but this is an area where the Saints can't afford to not get this right.
Practice Squad (4): Storm Norton, Lewis Kidd, Max Garcia, Mark Evans
Defense (25)
Defensive Line (9): Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Malcolm Roach, Bryan Bresee
No changes from last prediction on the defensive line. This feels like the group the Saints will be rolling with going into the season. I do need to see more from Isaiah Foskey. He's improving, but also not exactly being where we would think as a second-round pick.
Practice Squad (3): Niko Lalos, Jack Heflin, Jerron Cage
Linebacker (5): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, D'Marco Jackson, Zack Baun, Jaylon Smith
I really think Ryan Connelly can threaten for a roster spot, but as a numbers game going into the season, he might not get in at first. Jaylon Smith's play since coming in has been very encouraging, and I'd have to give him a slot right now. If he doesn't make the roster, he's going to get a better opportunity elsewhere and won't be a practice squad guy. I just don't see it.
Practice Squad (2): Ryan Connelly, Nephi Sewell
Cornerback (5): Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Bradley Roby, Ugo Amadi
Ugo Amadi has earned a roster spot based on his work in training camp and the preseason. It was a hard decision leaving off Isaac Yiadom at first due to his special teams abilities, but he's someone that should stick around. I firmly believe Paulson Adebo will still be the starter opposite of Marshon Lattimore, but also believe the Saints will use both him and Alontae Taylor during games.
Practice Squad (1): Isaac Yiadom
Safety (6): Tyrann Mathieu, Marcus Maye, J.T. Gray, Johnathan Abram, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Jordan Howden
This is going to be the toughest group to cut from, but I have no changes from my last roster prediction. There's really no surprises I have here. The Saints have a very strong secondary.
Special Teams (3)
Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) celebrates with punter Blake Gillikin (4) after kicking a field goal during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Kicker: Wil Lutz
Punter: Blake Gillikin
Long Snapper: Zach Wood
I like the push Lou Hedley and Blake Grupe have made in training camp, but I don't think it's enough to beat out Lutz and Gillikin. Grupe is going to be kicking for someone else when it's all said and done, and I honestly feel like it'll be in Week 1. I think that Hedley could also go on someone's practice squad.
