Updated New Orleans Saints 53-man roster prediction: Things starting to become clearer
By John Hendrix
It’s time for another 53-man roster prediction for the New Orleans Saints. After two preseason games, we are starting to see some players distance themselves and make their case for the final roster. On the flip side, we’re also seeing some heavily favored players at the beginning of it all falter and tumble.
After the game against the New England Patriots, I’m back to give you my very best prediction as to what the New Orleans Saints roster will look like when the team travels to Arizona to take on the Cardinals in Week 1.
New players, both rookies and free agents, are denoted in bold.
The ‘Not So Early’ New Orleans Saints 53-man roster prediction
Predicting a final NFL roster isn’t science, and we’ve witnessed even the best players performing in the preseason don’t survive final cuts. It’s easy to select the first 30-40 players on a team’s roster, but those final handful become challenging.
Roster Battle Notes
- I’ve officially bought into Marcus Murphy on the squad. I wanted to wait until I saw more out of the rookie, but all signs point to him making this team’s final roster. I’m still on the Tim Hightower train until I’m convinced otherwise. Carrying five running backs seems a bit absurd, but until we know when C.J. Spiller actually returns, I’d rather Hightower over Murphy in terms of a third running back option.
- I did have the Saints heading into the 2015 campaign with six wide receivers, but now I’m not thoroughly convinced it will stick. I’ve been very underwhelmed by Seantavius Jones, and Nick Toon‘s recent injury puts him on the roster bubble. Josh Morgan was starting to look promising, but that fumble didn’t help his case. Willie Snead‘s mechanics make him appealing to keep on the final spot, plus he’s starting to double with return duties.
- Despite a lesser outing against the Patriots, I still believe Ryan Griffin is the better backup option. I’ve been high on him edging out Luke McCown, and this one is his to lose.
- I didn’t add Pierre Warren just because had a good game, but until we know the status of Jairus Byrd, there’s a reason to keep another safety on the roster. Kenny Phillips has looked comfortable in making a return, but Warren has the early nod.
- I was questioned in my previous prediction by placing Damian Swann over P.J. Williams. As I stated, it was based on everything that I have watched. I understand that Williams is a third round pick with first round talent, and it would be hard to see him go through waivers. You could very well see both make the final squad, but Williams may become that mysterious ‘red-shirt’ injured reserve player.
- It’s going to be hard to think that the Saints roll with both Parys Haralson and Anthony Spencer when it’s all said and done, and even a player like Ramon Humber could find himself on the roster bubble with younger players playing a level up. Also, not seeing Ronald Powell in the mix is a concern.
- Dustin Hopkins needed to make that 55-yard field goal attempt. However, he still has the advantage over Zach Hocker.