Saints' New Addition Could Have Bigger Impact Than Expected
Plenty of new addition has made national headlines for the New Orleans Saints. Offseason signings like quarterback Derek Carr, running back Jamaal Williams and tight end Foster Moreau are all sure to have a major impact for the team this year, but one signing may make a larger difference than expected: wide receiver Bryan Edwards.
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) celebrates after running the ball to the end zone against the Baltimore Ravens during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Edwards would be ruled short at the goal line on the play. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The 24-year-old pass-catcher has three years of NFL experience including over 20 games with Carr as his signal caller. The two are now reunited in New Orleans that alone could lead to further opportunity with team. But there are quite a few additional factors that Edwards contributes as well.
In the wideout's final year with Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders he may have spent the majority of his time lining up out wide, but he still took around 20% of his snaps from the slot, per Pro Football Focus. That could open him up to immediately challenge for the fourth wide receiver spot behind Michael Thomas, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. He will have to compete throughout camp in order to earn that chance, of course. But he built some good momentum during mandatory minicamps.
Not to mention, should another rash of bad injury luck set in for Thomas, Edwards is a shoo-in to take over the X-receiver role. His route distribution from 2021 gives a good glimpse as to why. He ran quite a few vertical routes with 98 "go routes" and 28 up the seam. But he also added more than 30 reps running each of the following routes: corner, out, hitch, dig, post, and slant, charting reveals. Quite the diverse deployment.
That kind of versatility, familiarity with the quarterback and style of offense and size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) could lead to Edwards having a bigger impact in 2023 than some may be anticipating. But there are others who can come in and make an unexpected impression. For more, here are some of the often unheralded new arrivals the Saints News Network staff will be watching.
Kyle T. Mosley - Managing Editor & Founder
Shaquan Davis, a naturally gifted wide receiver, will receive valuable guidance from Saints receivers coach Kodi Burns. Davis, 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, immediately captured my attention after torching the Jackson State secondary in the 2021 Celebration Bowl. He grabbed 3 touchdown catches, won the game's MVP award, and earned a 2021 HBCU National Championship ring with the South Carolina State Bulldogs.
Davis effectively utilizes his height, length, and strength to overcome challenging and physically aggressive defensive backs. His pass-catching ability and movement away from the football remind me of him being a hybrid between wideouts Marques Colston and DeAndre Hopkins.
It may be difficult for him to secure a spot on the team's 53-man roster since there are many skilled wide receivers in the New Orleans receiving corps. However, Davis may make the team despite the competition in training camp — just as Colston did in 2006.
John Hendrix - Lead Writer/Report
This might be cheating a bit, but the tandem of defensive tackles Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd would get my vote as two who are under the radar and could surprise many. New Orleans has struggled a good bit with consistency from the trenches, and those two bring a lot of upside in the pass rush department. Paired with new defensive line coach Todd Grantham, these two veterans are going to boost the rotation and help the Saints defensive line lead the charge getting after the quarterback.
Bob Rose - Senior Writer
The offseason loss of linebacker Kaden Elliss creates a possible void at No. 3 spot. I expect a big jump from D'Marco Jackson, but another name to watch is Anfernee Orji, the undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt.
A relentless defender, Orji flies all over the field in pursuit. His run blitzes and pass pressures are well-timed, and he's a fluid athlete in zone coverage. Orji has the skills of a situational backup with the upside of an every down weakside linebacker.
