jeanpierre

Of the 90 players on the roster, 22 were originally acquired through the NFL Draft. That's down from 24 a year ago. One-third of the players were acquired as undrafted free agents. That figure includes rookies, but also veteran players like cornerback Brian Dixon, edge rusher Kasim Edebali and guard Tim Lelito.

Source: Breaking down the New Orleans Saints roster entering OTAs | NOLA.com

jeanpierre

New Orleans Saints see Andrus Peat as starter, but where? - New Orleans Saints Blog- ESPN

K Major

Saints’ P.J. Williams eager to show his skills after injury | The New Orleans Advocate — New Orleans, Louisiana

Looking forward to watching PJ in camp.

jeanpierre

Couple of observations re: Saints Cornerbacks:

Believe PJ could win the starting corner opposite Delvin Breaux...

Brian Dixon is an underrated, underappreciated defensive back...

Those three successive concessions for Swann have me worried for him...

Speaking of Swann, wonder if he wouldn't make a better safety?

Are De’Vante Harris and/or Jimmy Pruitt talented enough to make this roster?

K Major

I like BD as a gunner (straight line speed to cover punts is above avg) however has appeared lost too much in coverage when slotted at corner. Swann has the swagger, however he simply can't stay healthy. Those concussions are happening far too often. Can't trust him.

Attend a TON of HS games here in the Metroplex.. .De'Vante stood out at Mesquite (Horn) however I always would say "damn he is feisty but so small". Didn't really follow him at TAM. Let's see what he does in camp.

Jimmy P - I think his best shot at a roster spot is S/T. Really good open field tackler with range. Maybe practice squad & coach him up?

But the simple answer to your question .. yes, these kids are talented enough to earn roster spots but I'll reserve judgment until they put the pads on .

jeanpierre

jeanpierre

jeanpierre

From our previous starters and key acquisitions:

DE Cameron Jordan
DE Bobby Richardson
DE David Onyemata
NT John Jenkins
NT Tyeler Davison
DT Nick Fairley
DT Sheldon Rankins
LEO Hau'oli Kikaha
LEO Davis Tull
LEO Kasim Edebali
LEO Obum Gwacham

With eight (8) maybe nine (9) defensive line spots available, can see a couple of good players not making this team...

Then, you could have one of these guys flash in training camp:

NT Ashaad Mabry
DE Mitchell Loewen
DL D.J. Pettway

Should be interesting...

K Major

JP - keep that lazy eye on A Mabry. He could be a factor at NT (1 -tech) rotation.

jeanpierre

It'll be tough Major as NT John Jenkins reportedly reported (<see what I did there? ) in great shape for OTAs...

And Tyeler Davison will be shifting back to his more natural, and draft projected, nose tackle position...

Not to mention that Rankins or Onyemata could also play the inside gaps on long passing downs...

But I do like the kid and wish him a great, healthy effort this camp...