What We've Learned After 11 Saints Training Camp Practices
The Saints are off on Tuesday, and we use it as an opportunity to reflect on the first 11 practices for the black and gold. Like we gave you after the first week of training camp, here's more learnings and takeaways at the halfway point of practices.
TRAINING CAMP RECAPS: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11
Marshon Lattimore Looks Great
Mickey Loomis said at the end of May that the Saints are counting on Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore returning to form to help the team's outlook this season, and Lattimore has not disappointed during this training camp. Arguably, he's been one of the team's best through the halfway point of practices. If he's not in a Top 3 conversation for anyone that's been at camp, then they aren't paying attention.
Derek Carr in Situational Football
Red zone and two-minute work for Derek Carr was a big stepping stone in the right direction for what he can do. He was on it the other day in 7-on-7 for red zone work, throwing 4 touchdown passes. The two-minute work before the half simulated on Monday saw him in the zone, going 6-of-7 (only because of a spike) to help get the Saints a field goal, which was the goal of the drill.
Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave Even Better?
We all know about the Alvin Kamara suspension that was handed out by the league, and he'll be out for the first three games of the season. Kamara will continue to be able to practice and participate in the preseason, but it's worth noting how much better he looks right now in training camp. He's done the things that make you say, 'That's the Alvin we know,' and it's in a lot more noticeable in the receiving department.
As far as Chris Olave, he bulked up this offseason and worked on the contested catches part of his game. It's all paid off so far, as he looks tremendous. Lattimore might be my camp MVP right now, but Olave has been consistent and could end up threatening here. If this has been any indication for the regular season, then Olave could go on a tear for his second season.
Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen gives instructions to cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Stock Up
Last List: Isaac Yiadom, Payton Turner, Kendre Miller
- Carl Granderson - Granderson said he's worked to improve in the run department, and it's shown early on. He lost a little weight in the offseason and is playing at a pretty good level. Payton Turner is still flashing here, but Granderson has also looked pretty good. The starter opposite of Cam Jordan will be fun to watch unfold.
- Jordan Howden - He's learning really quickly here, and has been inserted with the first team at each safety position to work with Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu on separate days. Howden has also been the extra defensive back in Dime and Prevent looks. He might find himself playing more in the preseason, and if things unfold with a Maye suspension, he could be an option to start.
- Alontae Taylor - Taylor's competitiveness continues to be on full display every day. He's done a lot of growing as an outside corner, but is also growing and learning in the slot. Taylor plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, and has made some picks and pass breakups in practice. We absolutely could see the Saints rotating him and Paulson Adebo when the season starts.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Paulson Adebo, Juwan Johnson, Jake Haener, and Wil Lutz would be in this conversation. Lutz had a killer outing the other day, which was much needed. I'd also keep Kendre Miller and Payton Turner here.
Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Keith Kirkwood (18) catches passes during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Like What I'm Seeing, Want More
Last List: Jake Haener, Jimmy Graham, Jack Heflin, Andrew Dowell, A.T. Perry
- Ugo Amadi - He's getting a lot of slot work behind Bradley Roby, as well as special teams work as a returner and more. He's quietly been someone who has made a few plays, particularly in run support. The safety battle is going to be tight, and Amadi could be in the final picture with a good showing in the preseason.
- Keith Kirkwood - I've said previously that I don't see anyone who's distanced themselves from Tre'Quan Smith and Keith Kirkwood in the wide receiver race behind Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed. That still holds true. Kirkwood is a veteran and has done everything that's been asked and then some. The key here is consistency.
- Nephi Sewell - His name has popped up a little bit more over the past several practices, whether it be from coverage or run support. Sewell's special teams work will be his bread and butter to making the team, and he needs to make a push over some of the veterans here.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Just missing the cut for me would be Anthony Johnson, Lynn Bowden Jr., Bryan Bresee, Isaiah Foskey, Lou Hedley, and Landon Young. I would also keep A.T. Perry in this group. He's done a nice job growing, and want to see it continue. Before he got hurt, I would have roped Lucas Krull (tailbone) into the group as well.
Needs Improvement
Some players just don't bring it in practice, and that can be okay if they turn it on in game situations. Here's a few that need to turn things around.
- Bryan Edwards - It's been a tough camp for Edwards. There have been reps where he hasn't been on the same page as the quarterback and has had some drops. He made a nice catch on Monday during the inside practice, but has got to distance himself if he wants to get into the conversation of being WR4-6 on the team.
- Zack Baun - I put Baun here because of the pass coverage. That's where he has to get better. He is strong in run support, but if the Saints plan on using him in space and guarding against others, he needs to take a big leap quickly to avoid becoming a liability.
- Adrian Frye - He's been a familiar target in the passing game and hasn't had too many standout moments. He really needs to show something in the preseason.
We'll be back at it on Wednesday for three more Saints training camp practices this week, and Sunday's preseason game with the Chiefs.
