New Orleans Saints Rookies

Here's a look at the Saints rookies that will be competing for spots during 2023 training camp.

New Orleans Saints rookies report to training camp this Tuesday, July 18. The team’s veterans will report the following week, on July 25, with the first official practice the next day.

The Saints have had some roster turnover at significant spots this offseason. Several rookies are expected to play big roles. New Orleans has also always gotten unexpected impacts from unheralded rookie players. The most recent example is WR Rashid Shaheed, an undrafted rookie in 2022 that emerged as an explosive playmaker and led the team in receiving over the last six games.

Here is a look at the 2023 New Orleans Saints rookies heading into training camp. 

DRAFT PICKS 

September 11, 2021; Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) chases down South Carolina State running back Kendrell Flowers(26). Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

First Round 

• Bryan Bresee, DT (Clemson)

Second Round 

• Isaiah Foskey, DE (Notre Dame)

*(Foskey is currently unsigned)

Third Round 

• Kendre Miller, RB (TCU)

Fourth Round 

• Nick Saldiveri, G/T (Old Dominion)

Fourth Round 

• Jake Haener, QB (Fresno State)

Fifth Round 

• Jordan Howden, S (Minnesota)

Sixth Round 

• A.T. Perry, WR (Wake Forest)

UNDRAFTED 

Sep 24, 2022; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jase McClellan (2) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Anfernee Orji (0). Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY

• Nick Anderson, LB (Tulane)

• Jerron Cage, DT (Ohio State)

• Shaq Davis, WR (South Carolina St.)

• Mark Evans II, T/G (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)

• Adrian Frye, CB (Texas Tech)

• Blake Grupe, K (Notre Dame)

• Lou Hedley, P (Miami, Fla.)

• Anthony Johnson, CB (Virginia)

• Scott Lashley, OT (Mississippi St.)

• Ellis Merriweather, RB (UMass)

• Anfernee Orji, LB (Vanderbilt)

• Alex Philstrom, G/C (Illinois)

The Saints expect major and immediate contributions from their first two picks. Bresee and Foskey could even start for a defensive line that underachieved last season and lost four players in the offseason. 

Saldiveri and Haener are picks with an eye to the future. They aren't expected to play much, if at all, in 2023. Howden and Perry both fell to later Day 3 picks after each were projected to come off the board on the second day. Either could be draft steals as they look to crack the roster at thin positions. 

Which undrafted players could make an impact for a Saints team that's had a ton of them throughout their history?

Keep an eye on LBs Anderson and Orji. New Orleans has no proven depth behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner and both Orji and Anderson have intriguing skills. Johnson made some nice plays during minicamp, but is competing at a loaded spot.

Historically, the Saints have had terrific success with undrafted players at receiver and running back. That opens the door for the big-bodied Davis or hard-running Merriweather to grab spots at the back part of the roster. 

Recently, New Orleans has also had some luck with undrafted talents on both lines. Perhaps Evans, Philstrom, Lashley, or Cage can steal a roster spot if a veteran underperforms this summer. 

The Saints hope that their investment in their top picks pan out quickly. The key for undrafted and later round picks to make the roster will be through special teams. Don't discount them turning heads at their respective positions during what's expected to be a highly competitive training camp and preseason.