We're almost there -- the New Orleans Saints released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Saturday's preseason game with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and for the most part, it's what you expect. The starting offensive line looks like what we've seen at training camp. It's the same pecking order at running back with Kendre Miller at RB3, even while he's missed several days of practice reps with an injury. Backups like Audric Estime and Devin Neal need to do more with their own reps to unseat him (and in Neal's case, also get healthy). But there are some points of note and takeaways from this first depth chart. It's important to remember this is an unofficial document made for media purposes, not a set-in-stone reflection of how the team is operating at practice every day. Coaches are going to stack some of these positions differently.
And here is what we learned:
There isn't much of a buffer between Simpkins (an undrafted free agent last year) and Wright (a rookie fourth-round pick) and the opportunity to play under the bright lights. Both backups are listed on the second-string offense behind Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz, respectively. And that's before Dillon Radunz goes on injured reserve. The Saints listed Radunz as the backup left guard but he's been practicing ahead of Wright until his recent knee injury. We may see William Sherman get the nod in a pinch, but look for Wright to log a ton of snaps this preseason.
This may not be too surprising if you've been keeping up with the daily highlight reels from practice, but being drafted in Round 6 doesn't mean you're a slam dunk to make the team. Brown followed that up by making some big catches in team drills, routinely getting open in one-on-one sessions, and standing out during special teams periods. He's listed as the immediate backup behind Chris Olave on the second-team offense as well the primary returner on both punts and kickoffs. He's still behind Jordyn Tyson and Devaughn Vele, sure. Brown is on the fast track to not just make the 53-man roster but to see meaningful snaps on Sundays.
The workload for respected veterans like Cameron Jordan and Alvin Kamara has been obvious. Jordan practiced with the second-string defense behind Chase Young and Carl Granderson (before his hamstring injury flared up) while Kamara mainly worked in passing situations and third downs with Travis Etienne Jr. seeing early-down work. Both of them have taken a backseat to new arrivals and younger teammates. But that isn't reflected on this unofficial depth chart. Jordan is listed as a starter with Young "or" Granderson starting at the other edge rusher spot. Kamara has the same "or" designation with Etienne. It's a symbol of respect for the vets but it doesn't reflect the team's plans for them. Young and Etienne are going to play as many snaps as they can handle.
#wright
And here is what we learned:
There isn't much of a buffer between Simpkins (an undrafted free agent last year) and Wright (a rookie fourth-round pick) and the opportunity to play under the bright lights. Both backups are listed on the second-string offense behind Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz, respectively. And that's before Dillon Radunz goes on injured reserve. The Saints listed Radunz as the backup left guard but he's been practicing ahead of Wright until his recent knee injury. We may see William Sherman get the nod in a pinch, but look for Wright to log a ton of snaps this preseason.
This may not be too surprising if you've been keeping up with the daily highlight reels from practice, but being drafted in Round 6 doesn't mean you're a slam dunk to make the team. Brown followed that up by making some big catches in team drills, routinely getting open in one-on-one sessions, and standing out during special teams periods. He's listed as the immediate backup behind Chris Olave on the second-team offense as well the primary returner on both punts and kickoffs. He's still behind Jordyn Tyson and Devaughn Vele, sure. Brown is on the fast track to not just make the 53-man roster but to see meaningful snaps on Sundays.
The workload for respected veterans like Cameron Jordan and Alvin Kamara has been obvious. Jordan practiced with the second-string defense behind Chase Young and Carl Granderson (before his hamstring injury flared up) while Kamara mainly worked in passing situations and third downs with Travis Etienne Jr. seeing early-down work. Both of them have taken a backseat to new arrivals and younger teammates. But that isn't reflected on this unofficial depth chart. Jordan is listed as a starter with Young "or" Granderson starting at the other edge rusher spot. Kamara has the same "or" designation with Etienne. It's a symbol of respect for the vets but it doesn't reflect the team's plans for them. Young and Etienne are going to play as many snaps as they can handle.
#wright
2 days ago
