Saints Most Overlooked Players Heading Into 2023

On a team that most prognosticators are overlooking, here are the most undervalued Saints players in terms of national evaluations.

Many that expect a big jump in the standings from the New Orleans Saints in 2023 believe so because of several offseason additions. Quarterback Derek Carr comes in with lofty expectations. Running backs Jamaal Williams and third-round pick Kendre Miller, along with TE Foster Moreau were also added to an offensive cast that already includes RB Alvin Kamara and WRs Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed.

Defensively, the Saints retooled their defensive tackle spot with first-round choice Bryan Bresee and free-agent additions Nate Shepherd and Khalen Saunders. Edge Isaiah Foskey, a second-round pick, is expected to provide a disruptive complement to Cam Jordan. Linebacker Pete Werner, DE Carl Granderson, and corners Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo are rising young talents. They join established stars Jordan, Demario Davis, and Tyrann Mathieu on a potentially elite unit.

Obviously, team success will depend on how well the newcomers will contribute. There are also concerns about the health of Michael Thomas, pending suspension to Kamara, and if last year's outstanding rookie class will continue to develop. When evaluating the Saints offense and defense for this upcoming season, there are two players who have consistently been flying under the radar.

Here's a look at two players who are critical to the Saints' success but have been astonishingly overlooked, especially in national circles. 

Juwan Johnson, TE 

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) after a reception against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The 26-year-old Johnson has gone from a little-used undrafted rookie wideout in 2020 to an integral part of the Saints offense. Converted to tight end in 2021, it's taken him a few years to learn the position. It's also become clear that he's just tapped the surface of his potential. 

Johnson had 42 catches for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns in 2022. Those numbers nearly tripled his combined totals from his first two years. He was second on the team in receiving yards and third in catches and targets behind only Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara. Johnson trailed only All-Pros Travis Kelce and George Kittle in receiving scores by a tight end. 

At 6'4" and 231-Lbs., Johnson is a bit undersized for an in-line tight end. However, he was a capable blocker as a wideout and vastly improved as a route runner off the line last season. A hard worker and student of the game, we should see continued development in both areas this year. 

Johnson brings terrific athletic ability to the position. It's athleticism that makes him a matchup problem for linebackers, with the size to create issues for smaller defensive backs. He's an outstanding open field runner after short catches, excels on deeper patterns down the seam, and can run the full route tree of a wideout. 

The Saints signed a more traditional in-line tight end in Foster Moreau this offseason. Moreau was also a teammate of new Saints QB Derek Carr with the Raiders. He'll add a different dimension to the offense, but should also make Johnson even more effective. 

With Moreau able to line up along the line of scrimmage, New Orleans will be able to split Johnson out wide, in the slot, or on the line in two-TE sets. Juwan Johnson has been overlooked in most circles when evaluating the New Orleans offensive potential, but he'll be a matchup weapon that should see a continued escalation in receiving numbers. 

Marshon Lattimore, CB 

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

It's hard to believe that one of the best defensive backs in the NFL is overlooked, but that's been exactly the case this offseason. New Orleans had the league's second ranked pass defense in 2022, allowing just 184 yards per game and 60% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks. 

The Saints allowed just one 300-yard passer all year (Cincinnati's Joe Burrow in Week 6) and just one 100-yard receiver over the last 10 games. They accomplished this with star CB Marshon Lattimore sidelined for 10 games. 

Lattimore suffered severe abdominal injuries that included a lacerated kidney in Week 5. The injuries kept him out of action for the next ten contests. It was by far the longest stretch of a six-year career where he'd previously missed just eight games combined. 

Upon his return in Week 17, Lattimore returned an interception for the game-clinching score against eventual NFC champion Philadelphia. It was one of only seven interceptions the Saints had on the year, second fewest in the NFL. 

Rookie second-round pick Alontae Taylor did a fabulous job at cornerback for New Orleans last season and looks to be a rising star. Paulson Adebo had his ups and downs in his second year, but is also a quality corner that could start for most teams. Add Lattimore into that mix, along with experienced veteran Bradley Roby, and the Saints have the deepest cornerback unit in the NFL. 

Since entering the league in 2017, Lattimore has four Pro Bowls and a Defensive Rookie of the Year to his credit. He has 14 interceptions, has broke up an eye-popping 78 passes, forced or recovered 10 fumbles, and has allowed just 56% completion percentage when targeted. 

Marshon Lattimore typically shadows an opponent’s top wideout, allowing the Saints to be more creative and aggressive defensively. He'll routinely shut down even the best receivers, putting him in the top echelon of NFL corners. 

Some national publications have the New Orleans secondary rated laughingly low. Big mistake. Lattimore leads a unit that is capable of clamping down the league's best passing attacks, despite being ridiculously underrated.