Canal Street Chronicles
Picking potential standout players for New Orleans this upcoming season.
As the offseason progresses and the New Orleans Saints await training camp, fans and staff can start to get a better idea of how the 53-man roster will shape up ahead of the regular season. Which players should we expect to shine and be the leaders of this season? Who are we hoping to make an impact on the team? Here are my predictions for the upcoming year.
While it would be easy to go with the Saints first-round pick, Kelvin Banks Jr., here, I think it may be almost too easy. Then, with uncertainty in a starting quarterback between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler as well as Devin Neal fighting for snaps in a chockablock running back room, there is opportunity for the fiery and passionate linebacker out of Oklahoma to make some noise in his rookie campaign.
Stutsman has the size and speed to be an aggressor on both special teams and as a member of Brandon Staley’s newly implemented 3-4 defense. His nose for the football and disregard for the ballcarrier scream “Dome Patrol.” The Dick Butkus award finalist and All-American should be in for a big role in 2025; expect to see him flying around the field.
The speedy wide receiver and kick/punt returner was a major loss for the Saints when he went down with a serious injury. Shaheed needed surgery for a meniscus tear that sidelined him after playing in just six games in 2024.
Rashid Shaheed is pivotal to the offensive success of the team as the “big play” guy. He has the type of second-gear that can beat defenses over the top or the slippery agility to run past guys for a return touchdown anytime he gets his hands on the ball. Head coach Kellen Moore should have a lot of fun with 22 at his disposal in the passing game.
As mentioned earlier, Kelvin Banks Jr. might have been too easy to tab as R.O.Y. for the Saints. However, his force and presence at the left tackle spot may be exactly the move to allow another lineman to elevate his play. Moore and offensive line coach Brendan Nugent have shifted Trevor Penning to the interior at guard- a fit that seems to be working out well for both sides.
Penning struggled heavily last season at T, especially in pass protection. His size and aggression enable him to work well clearing space for running plays, hence his transition to G. He and the coaching staff are already seeing a difference and reaping the benefits of the change through minicamp. Penning should continue to improve and be spoken highly of as he fills into his new role.
Olave missed some time last year due to injury as well. Chris suffered two...
