Saints Final Roster Prediction After the Preseason

Here's one final roster projection for the Saints before the cuts start rolling in, with all the thoughts on how things could take shape.

Last Monday, I gave you my prediction for the Saints roster following the team's second preseason. Quite honestly, not much has changed from last week, but here's the final guess and outlook for some of things related to New Orleans that we could see take shape over the next couple of days. I'll include any practice squad thoughts that might have shifted.

Offense (25)

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes to tight end Juwan Johnson (83) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback (3): Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jake Haener

Little to no surprises here. Jake Haener shows promise, but Jameis Winston is your backup to Derek Carr and no one should be upset about that.

Running Back (4): Alvin Kamara (suspended), Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Ellis Merriweather, Adam Prentice

Kamara's suspension will start soon, so he won't count against the 53-man roster. For now, I see Merriweather in as RB3. Adam Prentice could be in a situation where he's cut initially but brought back to make room for others.

Wide Receiver (5): Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Keith Kirkwood, A.T. Perry

Initially, it feels like Tre'Quan Smith will be on the roster to start things, but I fully expect him to land on injured reserve and then a player like Keith Kirkwood to be on the squad. So, initially, you might see Smith on the roster, but Kirkwood has earned a spot on this team. While Shaq Davis has had a very strong training camp and preseason, it doesn't feel like it's enough to make the squad. He and Jontre Kirklin will end up on the practice squad.

Tight End (4): Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Taysom Hill, Jimmy Graham

I've been a Graham supporter and saw what I needed to early on in camp. He'll be on the roster, especially after how last night unfolded. It was encouraging to see Lucas Krull have the game he did against the Texans, and should be an easy add to the practice squad.

Offensive Line (9): James Hurst, Trevor Penning, Ryan Ramczyk, Landon Young, Erik McCoy, Andrus Peat, Cesar Ruiz, Calvin Throckmorton, Nick Saldiveri

Here's where things should get a little interesting. For starters, I'm not sold on the offensive line depth. Landon Young (MCL) may initially make the roster and then get placed on IR. I feel confident in players like Lewis Kidd, Storm Norton, and possibly Max Garcia making the practice squad. Mark Evans would also be someone to get on there. However, movement here may bump a player or two off. Andrus Peat could be a surprise (or not surprise) cut. There's going to be some financial implications if the team does decide to simply move on.

Defense (25)

Oct 9, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) react after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line (9): Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Malcolm Roach, Bryan Bresee

Zero changes for this line. I've been sold on them for a bit, and I can't state enough how refreshing it is to see Bresee making impacts there. Foskey is coming along nicely as well, but still needs some time to develop. Niko Lalos, Jack Heflin, and Jerron Cage would be guys to put on the practice squad.

Linebacker (5): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, D'Marco Jackson, Zack Baun, Jaylon Smith

I really want to give Nephi Sewell a roster spot here. That could change if they decide against another lineman or defensive back. I did like how D'Marco Jackson was playing special teams, and Zack Baun didn't even suit up on Sunday, so he seems safe. Jaylon Smith did enough in my eyes to get on the roster. Ryan Connelly's significant knee injury might be something to keep an eye on, as he hasn't been placed on IR yet. Ty Summers also might be someone to watch for in this equation.

Cornerback (5): Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Bradley Roby, Ugo Amadi

Amadi could technically go under the safety group, but we'll just continue keeping him as a reserve corner here. Isaac Yiadom would be a big priority for the practice squad, and keep an eye on Troy Pride as well.

Safety (6): Tyrann Mathieu, Marcus Maye, J.T. Gray, Johnathan Abram, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Jordan Howden

This one is what to watch for. I could see Abram being the odd man out initially here because of numbers and an ability to bring him back quickly. Special teams matter, and he and Johnson Jr. will be needed. 

Special Teams (3)

Nov 17, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) is congratulated by long snapper Zach Wood (49) after kicking a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker: Wil Lutz

Punter: Blake Gillikin

Long Snapper: Zach Wood

The pure emotion Wil Lutz showed in the locker room following the game was something to see, and if you haven't seen it, check out the NewOrleans.Football interview below starting at the four-minute mark.

The vintage Jimmy Graham game; Saints big decisions ahead

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📺: https://t.co/TlcTQxmrZm pic.twitter.com/wOwp4QeOFT

— NOF (@nofnetwork) August 28, 2023

Lutz is the guy, even though Blake Grupe has given this team everything and then some in a very entertaining kicker battle. He's healthy and has missed all of five kicks as opposed to Grupe's four. There is a slight dilemma that comes into play by going with Lutz, as he'll be a free agent after this season. So, in essence, New Orleans could be in the kicker market again. These two will be kicking in Week 1, but I feel strongly about going with Lutz with this team's aspirations of a postseason run.

For punter, that feels really shaky. Perhaps neither make the roster initially, and New Orleans will have to figure it out from there. Again, I'll stick with experience here, but the inconsistency has me worried.