What We Want to Learn About the Saints' Offense During OTAs

Some big questions could find answers during New Orleans Saints organized team activities.

The New Orleans Saints report Tuesday for the beginning Organized Team Activities (OTAs). With a sizable turnout expected, there are lots of important takeaways to gather while media is present each of the next three Tuesdays. With returning faces and new additions in key places, here are some of the things we expect to learn over the workout period on offense.

Jul 27, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

What is newly signed quarterback Derek Carr’s leadership style like?

Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) speaks at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans has not had its usual voice at quarterback since the retirement of future Hall if Fame passer Drew Brees following the 2020 season. The previous starter over the last two seasons Jameis Winston suffered debilitating injuries early. Now, the Saints hope to have their long-term leader at the helm in Carr.

The former Las Vegas Raiders passer mentioned that he plans to hold teammates and himself accountable in the practice field, but is not interested in coming in and stepping on the toes of already established leaders. His respect to veteran difference-makers like defensive end Cameron Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis and safety Tyrann Matthieu was evident. But the Saints need a vocal leader in the offensive side of the football.

Last year, it seemed running back Alvin Kamara had assumed that role. He delivered an impassioned speech following the team’s Week 7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. This year though, with the addition of Carr, it feels like that mantle could be headed back to the signal caller. Considering the relationship and bond between Carr and head coach Dennis Allen is so strong, that could be the best situation for the team as they head into camp.

Did wide receiver Chris Olave bulk up?

Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) runs with the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Olave reeled in only 33% of his 24 contested catch opportunities in 2022 per Pro Football Focus. Perhaps that is what led to his off-season goal of putting on some weight and bulking up a bit.

One of last year’s two first-round selections, Olave bucked the trend of the Saints selecting wideouts that weighed in at over 200 pounds in the draft. He played last season listed by the team’s website at 187 pounds. If he found a way to out in weight over the offseason and maintain his trademark speed and agility, his sophomore season may be in for an even bigger impact than what he had as a rookie.

There is a chance that even if he did not bulk up over the offseason, that OTAs mark the beginning of that process for him. Either way, a glimpse should come in the next few weeks with opportunities for media to speak with him, if present.

What will the offensive line look like?

Jul 29, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

With several offensive lineman either finishing their 2022 Saints season on the injured reserve list or consistently battling ailments throughout the year, the trenches have come into an important focus. Will key players like offensive tackle Trevor Penning along with guards Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz, all of which saw their seasons close with injury, be present even if not participating?

There is usually a good argument to made in favor of veterans protecting their bodies and skipping voluntary OTAs. But this year, with a new quarterback in the system, presence is necessary for creating familiarity.

Beyond presence, player distribution will be interesting as well. Rookies like linemen Nick Saldiveri and Mark Evans may get early opportunities to show what they have to offer their new club. But where will they line up? Saldiveri, the Saints’ fourth-round selection this year, told media that he was taking snaps at right guard (Ruiz’s spot) during rookie minicamps. But cross training him on both sides of the line makes sense.

What is the level of participation for key offensive weapons?

Jul 27, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Along with aforementioned pieces, there are more key weapons the Saints would benefit to have on the field or at least at the facility throughout OTAs. Big-name players like returning wideout Michael Thomas and newly-signed tight end Foster Moreau would be prime examples. Thomas will be working with a new quarterback in Carr, making it imperative to develop early chemistry. Even though he may not be expected to participate until training camp, he and Carr can begin building their connection sooner than later.

Moreau on the other hand travels with his partnered passer from Las Vegas to New Orleans. But both will be learning a new system. One that should certainly be familiar, but is still new nonetheless.

Fellow tight end Juwan Johnson signed his new deal with the Saints this off-season and now has a chance to hit the field and continue to show off his development at the position. And electrifying wide receiver Rashid Shaheed could sport not only his new number, but start learning his sure-to-be increased role in the offense. 

The running back attendance will be interesting as well. Will veterans like Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams be in the building and on the field? How much progress has rookie back Kendre Miller made since hew as jogging around the perimeter of rookie minicamp practices? While the expectation around Miller is that he will not be a full participant until training camp kicks off in July, being able to see some progress in his recovery routine would certainly be positive considering the amount of excitement surrounding him.

Lastly, offensive weapon Taysom Hill could be used anywhere on the offense, especially now that Moreau is in the building. Having two talented and versatile tight ends in the building should open up Hill for more opportunities all over the offense akin to his usages against the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns among other teams in the latter-half of the 2022 season.