Who was the Saints’ breakout player vs. the Chargers?

While the New Orleans Saints fell to the Los Angeles Chargers 27-13 on Sunday, there was still plenty of positives to walk away with. Several players stood out, but this guy really caught my attention.

The first breakout player of the 2025 NFL season was flying all over the field and made a strong case for a roster spot by taking full advantage of his opportunity. The breakout player from the Saints’ preseason opener loss to the Chargers is LB Isaiah Stalbird.

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits alum and former defensive back was one of the stars of training camp in 2024 as an UDFA but only saw snaps on special teams as a rookie. After another strong camp, the 25-year-old is looking to secure a larger role in year two, and with the performance he just had, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.

Against the Chargers, Stalbird posted a team-high eight tackles (six solo), two stops, two pressures, and a monster tackle for a loss of six yards, earning a 73.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (76.2 tackling, 73.9 pass rush). Stalbird impressed as a blitzer; his speed flashed off the snap like he was shot out of a cannon, and he always seemed to be nearby when the whistle blew.

Honorable Mentions:

• LB Jaylan Ford: The second-year linebacker out of Texas tallied eight total tackles (five solo) and five stops, earning an 82.2 run defense grade from PFF. Showing what we’ve seen in camp—just hope he can stay healthy.
• WR Kevin Austin Jr.: Was Tyler Shough’s go-to target with four receptions for 42 receiving yards, two first-down conversions, and a missed tackle forced with 21 yards after the catch. He’s making a strong case for a roster spot—lethal slant route, first-down machine.
• DE Fadil Diggs: The seventh-round pick out of Syracuse recorded four total tackles (three solo), two TFL, a stop, and a sack. Super disruptive, constantly in the backfield—a great sign given the team’s recent history with edge rusher draft selections.
• OG Torricelli Simpkins III: The UDFA out of South Carolina allowed just one pressure on 54 pass-block snaps in his NFL debut, earning a 77.8 PBK grade from PFF. Made the most of his opportunity with so many guys going down with injuries.