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New Orleans Saints 53-man roster projections: Teddy Bridgewater, Tanner McEvoy shake things up

We’re four days away from final roster cuts (Sept. 1) and the race to win jobs has entered the stretch drive.
Two big moves on Wednesday has shaken up the depth chart and will complicate things at quarterback and receiver/tight end.
The trade for Teddy Bridgewater likely means the end of Tom Savage’s tenure in New Orleans, as the Saints remain high on Taysom Hill as a long-term developmental prospect.
The signing of free agent Tanner McEvoy also throws a wrench in to the equation at receiver or tight end, depending on where the Saints elect to play the versatile jack of all trades. McEvoy is an excellent special teams prospect, as well.
The make-up of the roster likely will differ from previous years to reflect the improved depth along the defensive line and at cornerback. The suspension of Mark Ingram and injury to Alex Okafor also could have an effect on the numbers. It’s all about finding the best 53.

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Here’s my Saints 53-man roster projection three weeks into camp with three preseason games down and one to play:

Quarterback (3)
Locks: Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater, Taysom Hill.
Analysis: The surprising trade for Bridgewater solidifies this position. Bridgewater gives the Saints insurance in case of an injury to Brees. He’s an experienced back-up for the 2018 season and allows Hill time to develop. Hill solidified his roster spot with a strong performance against the Chargers. The Saints remain high on Hill’s long-term future. J.T. Barrett looks like an ideal candidate for the practice squad.

Running backs (5)
Locks: Alvin Kamara, Zach Line (fullback), *Mark Ingram (four-game suspension), Jonathan Williams.
On the bubble: Boston Scott, Trey Edmunds, Shane Vereen.
Analysis: Williams played only five snaps against the Chargers, a clear sign the Saints have seen enough from him so far. Other than Ingram, Williams is the best between-the-tackles runner on the roster and has stacked enough good days together to earn a roster spot, at least until the former returns from suspension. The final spot looks like a decision between youth (Scott) and experience (Vereen). Teams usually go with the younger, cheaper option in such scenarios, which would bode well for Scott, a sixth-round pick from Louisiana Tech. I like Edmunds' chances of making the roster as a special teamer.

Wide receivers (6)
Locks: Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Cameron Meredith, Tre’Quan Smith.
On the bubble: Brandon Tate, Tommylee Lewis, Austin Carr, Keith Kirkwood, Michael Floyd, Tanner McEvoy.
Analysis: Payton has expressed his displeasure with this unit throughout camp so it’s difficult to say anyone other than Thomas and Smith are locks, although the team’s investments in Meredith and Ginn presumably make them safe, as well. I like Tate’s chances of landing a fifth spot as a return specialist, but it’s not cut and dried just yet. Carr played well in an expanded role against the Chargers and might have secured a roster spot with his blocking ability. The additions of Tate and rookie running back Boston Scott put Lewis in jeopardy of losing his roster spot. It will be interesting to see where the Saints use McEvoy. He’s primarily played receiver in the NFL but some teams saw him as a tight end coming out of college.

Tight ends (3)
Locks: Josh Hill.
On the bubble: Benjamin Watson, Michael Hoomanawanui, Garrett Griffin, Dan Arnold, John Phillips, Tanner McEvoy.
Analysis: If you’re looking for a position of concern, this is it. The Saints don’t really know what they have here other than Hill, who is a solid and reliable backup. Hoomanawanui has missed significant time during camp with a neck injury. Watson, meanwhile, has had a quiet camp. He’s caught only one pass for 6 yards in the preseason and is showing signs of slowing down at age 37. Young prospects Griffin and Arnold have talent but lack experience and polish. My guess is the Saints try to bolster this position with a waiver claim or perhaps via trade. In fact, new signee McEvoy might be tried here. Many teams viewed the 6-6, 230-pounder as a tight end coming out of Wisconsin.

Offensive line (8)
Locks: Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat, Ryan Ramczyk, Max Unger, Larry Warford, Josh LeRibeus.
On the bubble: Cameron Tom, Jermon Bushrod, Will Clapp, Michael Ola, Rick Leonard.
Analysis: The top six are pretty straight-forward and look like solid bets. I also like Tom’s chances, especially after cross-training at guard last week. It wouldn’t be outlandish for the Saints to go with rookie Will Clapp and release Bushrod, who has struggled trying to play tackle. Bushrod played guard the previous two seasons in Miami and has struggled at times at tackle during camp. If team officials view him as strictly an inside player at this stage of his career, it could hurt his chances of landing a roster spot. The Saints' interior depth is solid with LeRibeus, Tom and Clapp, who could be ticketed for the practice squad. Leonard is also an interesting prospect. He reminds me of Jermey Parnell, another developmental tackle prospect who started his career on the Saints practice squad.

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