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What to watch when Saints training camp opens



WWL's resident pros and experts break down the Saints as training camp nears.

JULY 17, 2017 - 8:59 PM
Jordan Fiegel reporting

Saints training camp is right around the corner. It starts on July 26th, and the first practice open to the public is on July 29th. After three straight 7-9 campaigns, the team has plenty of questions going into the 2017 season.

WWL's Saints color analyst Deuce McAllister is interested to see how the Black and Gold responds to the loss of Nick Fairley and Terron Armstead. Both players were entrenched starters on the defensive and offensive lines respectively. On the defensive side, 2016 first round pick Sheldon Rankins will be one of the defensive tackles; but someone will need to step up next to him. Players like Tyeler Davison, David Onyemata, Tony McDaniel, and Justin Zimmer will all have opportunities.

To replace Armstead, Andrus Peat and 2017 first round pick Ryan Ramczyk seem to be likely candidates. Peat spent time at left guard last season, but he also had to step in for Armstead at times. While Ramcyzk is a rookie, he was considered by many to be the top offensive tackle in the draft.

McAllister is also looking to see who the breakout player (or players) will be. The Saints brought in two new running backs - Adrian Peterson and Alvin Kamara - who will be vying for touches in the backfield in addition to Mark Ingram. With the departure of Brandin Cooks, another wide receiver will need to emerge along side Michael Thomas and Willie Snead. The secondary and the linebacking corps are both filled with plenty of new and returning faces, and someone could emerge there.

The Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert is primarily zeroing in on the skill positions rather than the trenches. Hebert specifically identified Lattimore as one he's watching with the Saints need one of their cornerbacks to claim the spot opposite Delvin Breaux, and the rookie out of Ohio State is one to keep an eye on. The Cajon Cannon also had some praise for a certain quarterback.

“Drew Brees plays like he's still a young guy.”

More here ...

ChrisXVI

Get ready to hear the following:

"I haven't seen the defense diving for loose balls and trying to create turnovers like this since training camp in '09!"

"(New Mike LB) is certainly making his presence felt barking out adjustments and it's a real chess match between he and Drew just like it was with Vilma!"

Every. Single. Year. It's a time of ultimate hyperbole.

AsylumGuido

This is true. But I do have more hope defensively than I have for several years. And the fact is, none of us will really know anything until the starters hit the field September 11th.

halloween 65

My eyes will be on the D to see if they get their ass handed to them again this season. The front line will make or break this season.

K Major

Coaches should have a good idea where we are headed as a group by game #2 of the pre season. As others have posted, all eyes on the defense.

AsylumGuido

I agree. The coaches will know, but WE won't. And, yes, I agree on where the eyes will be.

BusDriver

My eyes will just be here ready y'alls opinions. I would like to take a trip down there sometime to watch some of the training camp.

AsylumGuido

I went to a couple when my son would be swimming in the state tournament at UNO. This year they have made it much harder. Back then you just stood in line. This year you have to apply for tickets, which are free, but ...

First choice goes to current season ticket holders.

If any are left they go to people on the official waiting list for season tickets.

If any are left the general public gets them in what I think is the order of application received.

AsylumGuido

Actually season ticket holders can pick up tickets Wednesday, waiting list Thursday and if any are left general public Friday. No application, just standing in line.

BusDriver

Maybe I can sweet talk someone into getting me some next season. lol