Saints Minicamp: What We Learned

Saints minicamp is in the books, so what more did we learn from New Orleans during their week of action?

We're back to it being a little dull in the football action department until we get to Saints training camp. We should find out by no later than mid-July of what the practice schedule will be. We do know that the team will have joint practices with the Chargers and Texans in addition to the other sessions available to the media and fans. We'll put a nice bow on minicamp action by giving you a few things that we learned about New Orleans this week.

Derek Carr Continues to Impress

There's been a sense of relief and excitement surrounding Derek Carr on the field. He's looked comfortable and has been steadily improving, as well as impressing with his command and poise. There's a clear sense of rejuvenation and reinvigoration you can see from him. Carr's bringing some major energy to the team and you see it with the quarterback group too. We're not saying that he'll be this elite quarterback, and he honestly doesn't have to be, but marked improvement from the position is expected with Carr at the helm. So far, he's been everything advertised and more.

Several Training Camp Battles Are Coming

Michael Thomas, Kawaan Baker, and Tre'Quan Smith among a group of Saints offensive players / John Hendrix

There will be some formidable battles at several positions for the Saints in training camp. We can expect these in every phase of the game and on both sides of the ball. Off the jump, the particular intrigue will go to the wide receiver and offensive line battles. However, as we pointed out, we're anticipating a special teams battle. Other positions that will see heavy competition include the secondary and linebacker groups. I still like the idea of bringing in a free agent for the linebacker spot and also someone on the defensive line.

New Players Bringing the Energy

Jamaal Williams alongside Kirk Merritt in between reps at minicamp / John Hendrix

One of the more noticeable differences this year is the energy surrounding the team. I understand the notion of people saying that it's just June, but there's a completely different vibe in the locker room that wasn't there last season. Even the year before after Drew Brees left, it just wasn't the same. The Saints have gotten energy on both sides of the ball in minicamp, and a lot of the players brought in, like a Jamaal Williams, are going to create it when the season comes around.

"I think the thing that Jamaal (Williams) brings that's so unique to him is energy," Taysom Hill said on Thursday. "Jamaal has always played with a crazy amount of energy. So whether it's practice or a game or in the locker room, he's the same guy and he plays and practices the same way. So that energy is contagious. He's the type of guy you want in your locker room. He's the type of guy you want on the field, and he's always been that way."

Hill said that was his greatest strength, talking about his energy being something you want to be surrounded by. 

"Jamaal's the guy that's dancing on the field, but he's also the guy that's cheering for you. He's also the guy on game days he would make a great run and the first thing he would do is look to the sideline to energize the sideline. Come and celebrate with his teammates and get them hyped. It wasn't about him. It's never been about him and his energy. He makes a good play and the first thing he does he looks at his teammates. I've seen that the last few days here at practice. I saw that watching him in Detroit and Green Bay, and experienced that at BYU."

Williams is just one of the many examples of providing energy to the team. Derek Carr is another, and it's not just them.

Rookies Coming Along

Jordan Howden going through drills at Saints minicamp / John Hendrix

"I love the way that they're cultivated, just getting new energy on the ground." Cam Jordan said after practice on Thursday regarding Isaiah Foskey and Bryan Bresee. 

"The way Bresee takes the information at hand. He's like, 'I can make it mine.' Everything you tell him, he's like, 'Yep. Got it.' You don't got it yet, but I love the mentality that you're willing to accept it."

"Big Isaiah. He's so hungry to learn. He's like, 'Hey, how did I place my hand?' And you love to see it, because that reception is going to be able to propel us all of as a team to be a little bit better."

As Jordan pointed out, everyone looks good right now, and the true mark and test will come in camp when there's pads and contacts. Jordan Howden has made some noticeable growth in his short time, running some with the first team defense in certain situations and being a strong presence on special teams. The thing to appreciate most about A.T. Perry is that he's adapting to his teachings. 

Nick Saldiveri and Kendre Miller will be some to watch when camp kicks off. As far as the undrafted class, we touched on the impact Blake Grupe is making. For some of the other guys, it's going to be a tough egg to crack when making the roster. It won't be impossible, but there may not be as many on the final squad like past years.

Training Camp Should Leave Few Mysteries

We're supposed to have strong attendance in training camp. Dennis Allen said on Thursday that he only anticipates one player being questionable for the start of Saints training camp, but he's optimistic there. While he would not say who it was and we could speculate on the player, it's at least an encouraging sign.

Players who have been working off to the side or dressed out for practice but not participating will most assuredly have some type of ramp up period before hitting full action. Those players would include Kendre Miller, Eno Benjamin, Cesar Ruiz, Nick Saldiveri, Trevor Penning, and Miller Forristall. Michael Thomas says he'll be full speed come training camp, so we'll see if that holds.

We'll also keep eyes on anything that comes of the injuries to Rashid Shaheed (groin) and Chris Olave (Achilles inflammation). Both are not believed to serious, but will be something to keep an eye on when we get to Day 1.