Jordan Howden Brings Versatility, Depth to Saints Secondary

The former Minnesota Golden Gophers safety may soon be tough to keep off the field.

Ross Jackson | May 8, 2023

Jordan Howden Brings Versatility, Depth to Saints Secondary /

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New Orleans Saints

There is a good chance that former Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Jordan Howden is the most unsung player of the New Orleans Saints’ 2023 NFL Draft class. Despite that, he may have one of the more direct paths to making the roster. The 5-foot-11 and 203-pound safety did not reel in eye-popping numbers in terms of takeaways with the Golden Gophers, but it is clear to see what New Orleans loves about him.

SAINTS SAFETY JORDAN HOWDEN — Nov 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Jordan Howden (23) reacts to a stop against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego, Calif. native has played over 500 career snaps on special teams, per Pro Football Focus’s charting. He has also taken over 200 snaps from the slot in four of his five seasons with the Golden Gophers, twice topping 300. All of that and he brings with him deep safety and box safety versatility. That is the kind of player that sticks around on a Saints roster.

Howden is an experienced player that has seen more than 3,000 defensive snaps in his career along with over 50 game appearances. Along with his invaluable experience, he is a disruptive player at the catch point. While the term “ball-hawking” is often paired with interception numbers, Howden’s come from another aspect of his game.

With 20 passes defenses in his career, the fifth-round safety shows off his ability to be impactful in coverage. He also has 4 interceptions with 2 coming just last year. Howden has shown time and time again that he has good ball skills when away or near the line of scrimmage. He also has a penchant for showing up in big moments.

USATSI_19418969_168388561_lowres — Nov 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Jordan Howden (23) reacts to a fourth down stop against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

His coverage ability will allow him to be key depth on the Saints roster should he stick around. Especially in the slot where the Saints currently have only cornerback Bradley Roby who specializes in the position. Outside of him, New Orleans filled its secondary with players that could man the inside, but their specialities are elsewhere. Which is nice, but Howden’s best NFL fit may be at nickel.

If you ask him, he will keep it short and sweet in describing where he plans to contribute to the Saints’ defense. Anywhere. “Wherever the team needs me,” Howden said in his introductory Zoom call with Saints media. “I’m available.”

While shoring up the slot defender role and adding depth on defense are valuable contributions, Howden’s immediate path to the roster may involve his other collegiate focus: special teams. Howden’s vast experience in the game’s third phase is unmistakable. Nothing quite prepares someone for their role at the next level more than live reps. And Howden has many.

When it comes to the former Minnesota safety, his early action may be seen in special teams work. But there is no sense in placing a ceiling on a guy with so much experience and with so many ways to have an impact.

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