Saints 53-man roster prediction: Pre-training camp

The New Orleans Saints begin training camp this week, which means football is back. Of course, it’s not yet game time, but fans and analysts are going to finally get some clarification on roster battles, and for the Saints, there are plenty to pay attention to. As a result, a 53-man roster prediction may look very different by the deadline, which is August 30th. So, let’s take a look at who’s in and could be out.

Tyler Shough is a guarantee, so we don’t need to spend too much time there, but Spencer Rattler is another story. This offseason, Rattler will be in a competition against former first-round pick Zach Wilson, and although I do think it’s going to be closer than many expect, Rattler will likely win. He has experience with Moore, won the QB competition last season, still has two more years on his contract after this season, and could be a very good trade piece next offseason. If this battle is close, the winner should be Rattler.

With Alvin Kamara back on the roster, the duo of him and Travis Etienne should lead New Orleans’ rushing attack this season. Behind them is where the battle begins, and the three favorites for those spots are Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Audric Estime. For me, the decision came down to availability, and although Neal is also dealing with injuries, I think the coaching staff will go with the guy that they drafted. Also, Miller is coming off of a much worse injury.

On the roster, the WR battle is the hardest to predict. So many players will be competing for that last spot, and although I really wanted to pick Brock Reichensteiner as the UDFA surprise that proves himself before the roster cuts, it’s too early to do that. So, Ja’lynn Polk is the obvious choice due to the chemistry he has already built and the potential he still has.

At TE, the Saints have a shockingly better room than they have in the past few seasons, and it’s going to be really exciting to see what this group brings to the offense. I would not be shocked if the Saints decide to bring 4 TEs here, but instead, for my prediction, I had only 3, and Moliki Matavao brought back to the practice squad.

Most of this offensive line group is as expected, including most of the depth options, but Alan Herron is a bit of a longshot pick that I think happens. The young tackle is one of the UDFAs from this offseason, and the Saints gave him a significant amount for a UDFA. There’s a clear interest in his potential, and if the Saints want to take that bet, it could force them to move on from the veteran option of Asim Richards, who really didn’t do too well last season.

As with the offensive line unit, the DE/OLBs are as expected, except for one spot. I would expect the Saints to bring in six players in the DE/OLB group, but if that happens, Fadil Diggs, Chris Rumph III, and Michael Heldman will all be fighting for the last available spot. Diggs and Rumph III should be the favorites, but I think the Saints go with the potential option here. Rumph III did not show enough last season to gaurentee anything in 2026, and Diggs is still developing. Heldman was extremely productive in college and has potential to be the next Saints UDFA star.

Here’s the first big surprise of the prediction. I have the Saints moving on from Davon Godchaux. The veteran could be a good nose tackle for the Saints, but I think the lack of flexibility into 4-3 sets (if the Saints do switch throughout games), his age, and the small amount of cap space saved will help with the decision. John Ridgeway III would be the player to push him out, and after the Saints game, Ridgeway III signed a two-year contract in free agency; I think this outcome is likely. A bit of a surprise is that UDFA Zxavian Harris also makes the roster, but I truly believe the Saints will be unable to overlook his potential.

Next to the LBs, the Saints could bring 5 into the regular season, but this group of four should be enough. Elliss and Werner create a decent duo, while Stutsman and Stalbird will fight for snaps all season.

The CB group is very unproven, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they do this season, but for me, it’s pretty predictable. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and Martin Emerson should be the primary outside corners we see throughout the season; then TJ Hall can develop, and Isaac Yiadom can be the veteran presence in the room.

Last year, the Saints brought five safeties into the season, and I expect that to happen again. Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon would be the starting safeties, Jonas Sanker in the slot spot, Howden as the main backup, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. a top contributor on special teams.

Speaking of special teams, here is the group. Even with some competition at kicker, I do believe Charlie Smyth will end up winning the battle.

What are your thoughts on my pre-camp edition of the Saints 53-man roster and what changes would you make?