Two-Time National Champ Could Add Another Dynamic Element to Saints Offense

With Alvin Kamara facing a lengthy suspension, New Orleans could look to the two-time champion Georgia Bulldogs to fill some of what Kamara does best for their offense.

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara has been one of the NFL's most dynamic weapons since he entered the league in 2017. The league's best receiving back, Kamara also combines elite balance and vision to be a threat anywhere on the field. He even silenced any remaining doubters with his ability to pick up consistent yards between the tackles as the team’s primary back. 

Over the last two years, Kamara's receiving numbers have plummeted because he's gotten greatly increased touches between the tackles. This is because the Saints haven't had a legitimate backfield threat to complement Kamara outside of versatile weapon Taysom Hill.

New Orleans took care of that issue when they signed 1,000-yard back Jamaal Williams in free agency. However, Kamara is facing at least a six-game league suspension in 2023, leaving another void in the backfield. Most expect the Saints to draft an inside runner for power. They may instead choose to bring in someone with a similar set of skills to the dynamic Kamara. 

RB - Kenny McIntosh 

Georgia (Sr.)

6'0" 204-Lbs. 

Jan 10, 2022; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh (6) runs against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Trapped on a depth chart that included NFL backs D'Andre Swift, Zamir White, and James Cook, McIntosh saw little action in his first two years. He 72 rushes for 425 yards in 2019 and 2020, scoring three times and adding 11 receptions for 114 yards. He'd see a bigger role in 2021, though still behind White and Cook. McIntosh had 58 carries for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns, also pulling in 22 passes for 242 yards and two more scores.

Finally getting his chance as the featured back, McIntosh was an integral part of the Bulldogs repeat title last season. He led the Georgia offense with 829 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 43 receptions for 505 yards and another two scores.

McIntosh has never been asked to carry the backfield load, even as a senior. He had just one career 100-yard rushing game and had more than 15 carries in a game just twice in four years. 

Not a power back, McIntosh does his best work outside the numbers and in open space. He hasn't shown the patience to wait for blocks to develop or the instincts to feel a lane before it opens. Before hitting an inside hole, he's been hesitant and tends to run too upright into the line.

McIntosh is an explosive player who operates best when the defense is spread out. He'll get to the second level quickly and has outstanding vision in open space. Once in the open, McIntosh is extremely elusive but also has the physicality to power through one-on-one tackles. 

The immediate value McIntosh brings is as a dual-threat receiver. He shows outstanding pre-snap recognition of coverage concepts and is equally effective whether coming out of the backfield, in motion, or lined up wide.

A very natural receiver, McIntosh is capable of handling a full route tree. He'll eat linebackers alive on wheel routes and is a lethal weapon on screens. When lined up wide, his abilities command that at least a third corner is assigned in coverage. 

Dec 31, 2022; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh (6) runs past Ohio State Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman (14) during the 2022 Peach Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia Bulldogs have rolled out a long line of successful running backs to the NFL. McIntosh isn't as polished as some of them as a runner, but will be a legitimate dual threat with the upside for vast improvement.

Kenny McIntosh will likely be drafted late in Day 2 or early into Day 3. He has the potential to be an immediate third down back or number two back. His skill set could replace what the Saints would be missing during Kamara's suspension in 2023 and add a ton of versatile options to their offense. 

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