Saints Pre-Training Camp Roster Prediction

We're less than two weeks out from Saints training camp kicking off, so here's a projection of what New Orleans' final roster could look like.

In less than two weeks, we'll be providing plenty of reactions and observations from Saints training camp. The first couple of sessions will be without pads, with the action picking up some when fans get into attendance starting on Friday, July 28. Padded practices will start the following Monday.

There's been plenty of debating about how the Saints will do this year, with some becoming a little more bullish on New Orleans. Things can certainly fall in place for the black and gold, and success will depend on a host of players. Here's what the New Orleans roster could look like when it's all said and done at the end of August based off what we've seen and what we know.

Offense (25)

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) celebrates his touchdown catch with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

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

There won't be much surprise here, and it's hard to leave Haener off like Ian Book last year. There's no quarterback controversy this year, so this feels like it's very straightforward. 

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

Kirk Merritt could make things a little interesting here, and I'd also say don't overlook someone like Eno Benjamin. Naturally we will have to see how things play out with Alvin Kamara's suspension, which could shake things up for the final roster.

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

This will be one of the biggest battles of training camp, and the spots after Thomas, Olave, and Shaheed will do some shifting. For now, I like what I've seen from Bryan Edwards to give him a spot, and believe that A.T. Perry will put things together in training camp.

Tight End (4): Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Taysom Hill, Lucas Krull

Krull's outlook will be one of the more interesting ones to watch here, and our early projection will have him on the final roster. However, it's going to be a real close one to call when things come down to it. The Saints could easily run another spot in favor of keeping another and floating said cut on the practice squad.

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

Four tackles, four guards, and a center sound about right for the offensive line. Versatility is a key thing for each of the reserves, and most of the reserves offers that. Saldiveri essentially would take Lewis Kidd's spot, but that could also be interchangeable with Throckmorton.

Defense (25)

Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Demario Davis (56), right, congratulates defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) after a sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in the second quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

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

The line feels pretty set, although that could change if the Saints were to add anyone ahead of training camp. Payton Turner's outlook could be the major wildcard here, as well as Malcolm Roach being challenged by some of the other players on the roster.

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

There will be plenty of intrigue at this position, and for now we've left off players who could be big a strong special teams presence like Nephi Sewell, Ty Summers, and Ryan Connelly. It's a contract year and big training camp for Zack Baun, so we're giving him the benefit of the doubt right now. 

Cornerback (5): Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Bradley Roby, Isaac Yiadom

I could ultimately see the Saints keeping just four players here, but Yiadom was one of the guys I think could have a larger role on special teams and pair with J.T. Gray. Lattimore and Adebo should start right now, with the possibility of Taylor rotating in on series. If there were a game tomorrow, Roby is your top slot guy.

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

I went for the extra safety in this roster prediction, as there's a real battle to be had here and just not enough spots on the roster. Mathieu, Maye, and Gray get the top spots, and then everything else behind them is up for grabs. Jordan Howden's limited sample size is promising, so we should have a veteran battle for other spots.

Special Teams (3)

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Wil Lutz (3) reacts with punter Blake Gillikin (4) after he kicked the go ahead field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker: Wil Lutz

Punter: Blake Gillikin

Long Snapper: Zach Wood

There's hardly any surprises here for special teams, but we expect some competition from undrafted rookies Blake Grupe and Lou Hedley. Lutz and Gillikin are going to be the starters until they're not. Lutz took a pay cut to stay with the Saints this offseason, and is betting on himself with some incentives built in. Gillikin was a restricted free agent who did not get tagged, but was re-signed by the team in mid-March.

We'll see how the return game shapes up, but we'd anticipate that to fall on Rashid Shaheed until something else happens.