Saints Training Camp Preview: Cornerback

Here's a look at some of the top performers, looming roster battles, and training camp questions for perhaps the Saints most talented position.

The defense of the New Orleans Saints ranked second against the pass in 2022, surrendering less than 185 yards per game through the air. Only two teams allowed less touchdown passes (17) than the Saints, while opposing quarterbacks completed only 60.1% of their throws against them. 

New Orleans didn't allow a 300-yard passer over their last 11 games and surrendered just one 100-yard receiver over their last 10 outings. What's especially noteworthy about that is that the Saints were without elite CB Marshon Lattimore for 10 games and failed to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback at times. 

Lattimore returned for the last two games of the regular season and will lead a stellar secondary into 2023. Even though grossly disrespected in national circles, the Saints have arguably the deepest crew of cornerbacks in the NFL as they head into training camp. 

Saints Training Camp Roster - CB

Jan 1, 2023; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY

• Marshon Lattimore 

• Alontae Taylor 

• Paulson Adebo 

• Bradley Roby 

• Isaac Yiadom 

• Tony Pride 

• Anthony Johnson* 

• Adrian Frye*

(* = Rookie)

Lattimore is one of the best shutdown corners in the league. He has 14 interceptions over his six-year career, while his 78 passes broken up ranks second in the NFL over that span. He's given up less than 55% completion percentage when targeted for his career and often shuts down an opponent’s best wideout one-on-one. 

Lattimore, just 27, is more than just a cover corner. He's a physical defender who's also a factor in run support and is always around the ball. However, it's his stifling man coverage that allows the Saints to be extremely aggressive and creative with their defensive game plans.

Oct 20, 2022; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) battles for position with New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (27). © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Taylor, a surprise 2022 second-round choice from Tennessee, had a marvelous rookie year. An injury sidelined him for all but a few snaps of the first six games of the year. Once healthy, he was thrust into a prominent role because of Lattimore and other injuries at the position. He responded with outstanding results.

Taylor broke up a team-high 11 passes while allowing only 48.5% completion rate when targeted. Often tasked with guarding the top opposing wideout with Lattimore out, he gave up just 318 yards and no touchdowns. A physical but fluid athlete, Taylor looks like a potential perennial Pro Bowler. 

Expectations were high coming into last year for Adebo after a terrific rookie year of his own in 2021. However, a training camp ankle injury slowed him early in the year, even forcing him to miss the first two games and most of a third. He'd struggle with consistency and penalties once healthy but did come on strong at the end.

Adebo, 24, gave up 65.8% completion percentage and broke up seven passes on the year. Look for him to rebound strong and look more like the 2021 rookie that intercepted three passes and broke up eight others. He's equally effective in either man or zone schemes and has outstanding ball skills to go along with fluid coverage ability. 

November 27, 2022; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) deflects a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Roby, 31, is the elder statesman of the unit. A 10-year veteran, he's an experienced starter that strengthens depth. Roby allowed 54% completion percentage and just one score when targeted in 2022 while breaking up five throws.

Yiadom is primarily a special teamer, but has shown some flashes in practice. Pride will also need to make a splash on special teams after being signed this offseason. They'll face competition from undrafted rookies Johnson and Frye.

Training Camp Battles 

• Taylor vs. Adebo (#2 corner)

Training Camp Questions 

1. Who Plays the Slot?

Lattimore can play in the slot but will typically shadow the best receiver on opposing teams. Taylor and Adebo have primarily been outside corners through their short careers. Expect both to see extensive work in the slot throughout the preseason.

Roby has experience in the slot. Safeties Tyrann Mathieu, Lonnie Johnson, and rookie Jordan Howden will also be used here. The Saints would love to have Lattimore, Taylor, and Adebo on the field as much as possible. It'll make the defense that much better if either Taylor or Adebo can step up to be the team’s primary slot corner. 

2. Will New Orleans keep a fifth corner?

Lattimore, Taylor, and Adebo have secured spots with Roby a probable lock. Whether the Saints keep a corner beyond that largely depends on special teams contributions. 

New Orleans has a deep room at safety. However, many of them will also be clawing for roster spots behind starters Mathieu and Marcus Maye. Players like Yiadom, Johnson, Pride, and Frye will have to outplay their counterparts at safety on the kick coverage units in addition to making defensive plays during preseason games and training camp practices. 

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen gives instructions to cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

3. Will the CBs force more turnovers?

This was a problem for the entire New Orleans defense last season. The Saints forced just 17 turnovers in 2022, third fewest in the NFL. Just two teams had fewer than the 7 interceptions that New Orleans recorded last season. Lattimore had the only interception by the team's corners, with that not occurring until Week 17.

With the ball skills of Lattimore, Taylor, and Adebo, this should change in 2023. It's perhaps one reason why the New Orleans cornerbacks have not gotten more notoriety this offseason. That's shortsighted. This group has the collective ability to shut down even the deepest receiving corps that the NFL has to offer. It's perhaps the best unit on the Saints from top to bottom and could bolster a very good defense into elite status.