4 Major Takeaways from the Saints Unofficial Depth Chart

Devaughn Vele has the early edge at WR3, the running back rotation is taking shape and a surprising kicker battle remains unsettled as the Saints prepare for the preseason.

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore on the sidelines during the game against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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The New Orleans Saints dropped its unofficial depth chart for the 2026 season, giving Saints fans a look of how the roster is taking part.

Saints first preseason unofficial depth chart | New Orleans Saints

There were few notable surprises given that most of the starters returned from last season and the fact that most anticipated what the depth chart looks like right now. However, depth charts change all the time, and some players currently listed may not even be on the team by the end of the month, given that NFL teams are mandated to select 53 players on their final roster by 6 p.m. ET Aug. 30.

Without further ado, here are four notable things from the Saints’ unofficial depth chart for the 2026 preseason.

Devaughn Vele Listed as the Third Option, Barion Brown a Lock to Make Roster

Aug 02, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Barion Brown (19) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson locking up the starting spots on the outside, there were a lot of questions surrounding who was going to be the third receiver in the starting rotation. With the depth chart being released, that question has been answered as Devaughn Vele was listed as the No. 3 wide receiver in the rotation.

Vele had modest numbers last season with 25 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns. However, he was a reliable target for Shough in the second half of the season, catching 26 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown in his final four games before missing the last three due to injury.

While Barion Brown did not make the starting rotation, he will definitely be a factor in the offense as well as special teams.

His performance in training camp so far likely has him as the fourth wide receiver in the rotation after Olave, Tyson and Vele. An All-American return specialist at both Kentucky and LSU, Brown is the No. 1 returner for both kickoffs and punts.

RB Rotation Taking Shape

Aug 02, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) looks on during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As expected, Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara are listed as the first team backs. While it does have an “OR” in between the two tailbacks, expect Etienne to get a few more carries than Kamara. While the latter still has some of the things that made him a five-time Pro Bowler, Etienne is a little bit younger and is still in his prime as he is coming off his third 1,00 -yard season in four years.

Another interesting development from the depth chart in the running back room is Kendre Miller and Devin Neal being above Audric Estime. 

Estime took first team reps alongside Etienne and Kamara while Miller (back) and Neal (hamstring) were out with day-to-day injuries. Estime took a majority of the snaps in the final two games rushing 35 times for 157 yards (4.5 yards per carry) for 157 yards and a touchdown. 

Cam Jordan Remains a Starter on the Defensive Line

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) walks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While it was a given, everyone knows that Cam Jordan’s time is coming to an end and everyone who is part of Who Dat Nation wants to enjoy it while it lasts. But it is surprising that there is an “OR” next to his name in the same way that Chase Young, who is coming off a 10-sack season. So did Jordan, but Young is significantly younger than he and is on a longer and heftier contract.

Jordan is limping through a hamstring injury right now that will sideline him. For how long? Read our story here.

Vernon Broughton, Davon Godchaux and Nathan Shepherd are the starters on the inside. Broughton has shot up the depth chart after playing only one game last season.

No Guarantee Charlie Smyth is the Starting Kicker

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Charlie Smyth (39) on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One of the more noteworthy position battles has been for the starting kicker job between Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown. Both kicked during Tuesday’s practice.

Smyth finished 5 of 6, with his one miss wide as he pushed it left from 55 yards on his last attempt. Meanwhile, Brown made all seven of his attempts, including the 55-yard attempt Smyth failed to convert.

According to NewOrleans.Football, Smyth is 27 of 35 (77.1%) throughout training camp, while Brown is 28 of 32 (87.5%).

Training Camp Schedule

Here's the practice schedule for the week:

- Wednesday, 9:00-10:15 a.m., Helmets (Closed)
- Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Pads (SOLD OUT)
- Friday, TBD, Walk-Thru (Closed)
- Saturday, Saints vs. Jaguars, 3:00 p.m., Superdome

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