3 Players to Watch at Saints Camp Day 20
METAIRIE — With only two practices remaining ahead of their final preseason game against the Houston Texans the New Orleans Saints have a few fan favorites that are still trying to prove they deserve a roster spot. Earning a roster spot will come down to more than just creating big moments but
by being consistently impactful in a variety of ways. As head coach, Dennis Allen always highlights the more that you can do, the more positions you can play, the more value you have to the team. With that in mind, here are three fan favorites that we will be watching during Thursday’s training camp practice.
DE Niko Lalos
After racking up three sacks in just the fourth quarter of the Saints preseason win over the Los Angeles chargers. A lot of fans are already ready to pencil in Lalos on their 53-man rosters. However, though his performance was impressive, consistency is what makes rosters, not a bright flash. Can Lalos spend the remainder of this week’s practices working his way up the depth chart to show that his excellent fourth quarter against the Chargers was more than just a flash in the pan? Lalos is quickly becoming a fan favorite, but endearing himself to the team needs to be his top priority.
LB Nephi Sewell
Even though the linebacker position has been heavily under a magnifying glass all training camp, Sewell has flown under the radar. The 2022 undrafted free agent found ways to stand out as a rookie, and he has followed that first impression with continued impressive performances, particularly with his play in the run game. It already feels like three linebacker spots are sewn up between Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Jaylon Smith. With Sewell’s promise in the run game and prowess on special teams, he could move the needle in his favor with the cutdown date looming.
S Smoke Monday
It was always going to be a challenge for Monday to make the roster here in 2023. Especially once the saints added several veteran safeties that would initially leap him on the roster. However, Monday has had impressive outings, and does not seem deterred by the crowded safety room one bit. It is clear that the former Auburn safety has welcomed the challenge even with the additional small complication of missing his rookie season last year
Monday has made some plays here and there,but has also shown his youth. But much like the aforementioned Lalos, making plays, won’t necessarily make waves. Instead, Monday’s top priority through the remaining few practices of camp should be to show what he can do on special teams and how he can more consistently impact the game.
