Saints: With An Aging Roster, Infusion of Youth Required

The New Orleans Saints needs an infusion of youth from its 2023 NFL Draft Class to compete for a second Lombardi Trophy.

New Orleans fielded the NFL's oldest roster in 2022 and desperately needs an infusion of young talent from the 2023 NFL Draft. General manager Mickey Loomis can no longer overlook the burden veteran players with large contracts and health issues weigh on the team.

Towards the end of Allen's first season with the team, the New Orleans defense began to show signs of improvement. During the offseason, Mickey Loomis and his team worked on upgrading the roster, which was necessary given some players' age and injury-prone nature. The defensive coordinators Ryan Nielsen and Kris Richard had left, prompting Allen to select Joe Woods to take on the role.

New Orleans Saints EVP and GM Mickey Loomis; Credit:© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

SAINTS PLAYERS AGE & AVAILABILITY

For New Orleans to succeed, enhancing its offense and prioritizing drafting players for their defense is essential. Compared to the other 31 NFL teams, the Saints possess the oldest defense, with an average age of 28.5 years per player. On the other hand, the offense requires a boost of younger players after having an average age of 27.7 years per player.

New Orleans has been plagued by numerous injuries in the past few seasons, particularly in 2022. Key offensive players such as QB Jameis Winston, WR Michael Thomas, WR Jarvis Landry, G Andrus Peat, T Trevor Penning, C Erik McCoy, LT James Hurst, and RT Ryan Ramczyk all sustained significant injuries. Defensively, DE Payton Turner, DE Marcus Davenport, LB Pete Werner, CB Marshon Lattimore, CB Paulson Adebo, S Marcus Maye, CB Alontae Taylor, S PJ Williams, and LB Zack Baun all were out of games this past season.

Sep 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

SAINTS NEED A YOUTH MOVEMENT ON OFFENSE AND DEFENSE

The Saints had a group of skilled veterans aged over 30 years in their front seven, including DE Cam Jordan (33), LB Demario Davis (33), and DT David Onyemata (30). Their secondary also had players aged near or over 30, such as S Tryann Mathieu, CB Bradley Roby, S PJ Williams, S Marcus Maye, DB Chris Harris Jr, and S Daniel Sorensen. Upgrades with younger contributors on defense aren't wanted; they're needed.

Adding experienced safeties Johnathan Abram, Ugo Amadi, and cornerback Isaac Yiadom is a positive beginning for the team. However, it's important to note that they are only backup players, not starters. New Orleans is expected to address its weak spots in the upcoming draft and may explore more options. Pay attention to the second-year defensive backs Alontae Taylor, Bryce Thompson, and Smoke Monday — their competition during OTAs, mini-camps, and training camp will interest defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

A PRIME TIME TO CAPTURE THE SOUTH

Dennis Allen and New Orleans have a great chance to win the NFC South division since Carolina, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay are struggling to find their starting quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield might only be a temporary fix for the Buccaneers, while Desmond Ridder aims to impress his doubters in his sophomore year for the Falcons. Carolina must make the right decision between Bryce Young and CJ Stroud next week.

The Saints signed Derek Carr to lead a talented group of offensive players, but the offensive line is a concern. Several interior linemen will be available in the early rounds, with Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz coming off of injuries. Drafting players to plug and play on the line with Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, and Ryan Ramczyk will be the focus of Jeff Ireland's scouting crew.

Feb 2, 2023; Mobile, AL, USA; American running back Tyjae Spears of Tulane (22) practices during the third day of Senior Bowl week at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

HEIRS TO STARS?

Although it was positive news of Michael Thomas deadlifting over 500 pounds in a workout, maintaining his health throughout a season is critical for the success of the wide receiving corps. There are several big-bodied receivers available in this draft. Another early-round pick may be on the horizon.

Another matter is Alvin Kamara's legal problem and how it will affect Pete Carmichael's offensive strategy. Picking Tulane's running back Tyjae Spears in either the 2nd or 3rd round could address a pressing need should they lose Kamara to a suspension. It will also give the team a viable option for the future goals at running back.

THE ODDS FAVOR NEW ORLEANS

A plethora of choices are ahead for New Orleans as the 2023 NFL Draft starts on April 27. Filling the holes has been a Saints' draft specialty. Over the years, there have been some misses, but overall, the team's eight draft picks are in good spots. They could get aggressive or remain patient, allowing a high-value player to fall to them. Nevertheless, the ball is with Loomis and Allen. How will they play it?

We shall see.

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