After 10 days of training camp, the New Orleans Saints are trying to answer a few questions about the 2025 football season. With a fresh start and a new but experienced coaching staff, the NFL South squad has a star-studded group of veterans and several quality young players.
But will it be enough to win?
Dissecting the talent of the likely group of 53 on the opening game roster will be the key factor for new head coach Kellen Moore. However, the young play-caller believes hierarchy versus talent is an important factor in the decision-making process. The Saints have been running more than 100 plays per day so far through camp.
“I’m fired up to just let those guys play it out,” said Moore, who is taking over an organization that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020. “We’ll let the process take as long as it needs.”
Breaking the depth chart down at each position will be subjective, but these projections should give Saints fans a glimpse of who they’ll see on the field this year.
Offense
Quarterback: Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener
After Hunter Dekkers was cut last week, the final three should be competing on a daily basis, but with Shough being a draft pick under Moore, it’s his job to lose.
Running back: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Devin Neal
Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowler, enters his ninth year and is trying to build on his legacy in New Orleans while Miller has looked great when healthy. Edwards-Helaire is a veteran back with special teams experience. Neal, a rookie, may get some looks with his blocking ability.
Wide receiver: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Cedric Wilson, Jr., Bub Means, and Mason Tipton
Olave, Shaheed, and Cooks have the top three receiver spots locked. With Taysom Hill’s playing time still uneasy due to injury, Wilson, Means, and Tipton will get a shot.
Tight ends: Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau
This is another position group that hinges on Hill’s health. When he fully recovers from his knee and chest injuries, he will inevitably take a chunk of playing time from the others. But for now, Johnson is in front with Moreau not far behind. Both have had good offensive statistics the past two years, although neither is well-known for blocking.
Offensive line: Eric McCoy (center), Trevor Penning (left guard), Cesar Ruiz (right guard), Kelvin Banks (left tackle), and Taliese Fuaga (right tackle)
The organization moved Fuaga back to his natural position after drafting Banks this offseason and moved Penning inside due to his struggles to seal the outside. McCoy is the veteran that should have a nice year if he remains healthy. Main backups should be Landon Young, Dillon Radunz, and Josiah Ezirim.
Defense
Defensive line: Davon Godchaux, Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd OR Jonathan Bullard
Assuming a 3-4 scheme is what new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley keeps running, Godchaux will be the first option at nose guard with Bresee at the 3-tech and Shepherd or Bullard at the 5-tech. Khalen Saunders and rookie Omari Thomas have competed in backup spots convincingly while rookie Vernon Broughton is still developing.
Edge: Chase Young, Carl Granderson OR Cameron Jordan
With 28 years and nine Pro Bowls in this group, this may be the most dangerous position on the field for the Saints. Look for these three guys to play a lot and wreak havoc among the two edge positions. As of now, Granderson is looking like a starter at the 7-tech and Young at the 9-tech.
Linebackers: Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman
Come gameday, Davis will be at mike and Werner at the will position. However, the rookie Stutsman is fighting hard in camp and has been substituting for Davis, calling plays. While Werner is a tackling machine, Stutsman has shown that he might be better at reading schemes. Nephi Sewell and D’Marco Jackson are also battling for playing time.
Safety/Strong Safety: Justin Reid, Jordan Howden, Julian Blackmon
In his first year in New Orleans, coaches are hopeful Reid will be a lockdown safety. Howden should land at strong safety with Blackmon being able to back up both. Mississippi native and special teams extraordinaire J.T. Gray along with Terrell Burgett and rookie Jonas Sanker can fill in.
Cornerbacks: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor
McKinstry and Taylor have had as many interceptions or pass breakups as any duo in the league. Rookie Quincy Riley, who has made a few picks during camp, along with Isaac Yiadom and Rico Payton will back up the top two.
Special Teams
Kicker: Blake Grupe
Punter: Matthew Hayball
Long snapper: Zach Wood
There’s no challenge to Grupe, especially with his accuracy streaks a season ago. Hayball has some competition with rookie James Burnip, but if Hayball carries over the consistency from the last few games of 2024, he has the position locked. Wood is also a lock.
