4 keys to success for the New Orleans Saints in 2020

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints hands a turkey leg to fans following the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. New Orleans Saints won against Atlanta Falcons 23-18. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints hands a turkey leg to fans following the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. New Orleans Saints won against Atlanta Falcons 23-18. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Development of rookies

The New Orleans Saints secured four rookies after several trades in the 2020 NFL Draft. Center Cesar Ruiz was their first-round draft. He allowed the team to release Larry Warford, saving around $8 million in cap space.

From there, the Saints will move Erik McCoy to guard and pray Ruiz can quickly get up to speed. Ruiz being a top-three rookie offensive lineman would be a huge benefit. While there is depth on the line, Ruiz’s presence will be a game-changer for the Saints.

Zack Baun and Adam Troutman, both third-round picks, may not be instantaneous starters, but they will have a role in the success of the Saints. Even seventh-round draft pick Tommy Stevens seems to be in a good place for getting a few snaps here and there.

All four will have some impact on the roster. While Baun and Ruiz may lead the pack, the success of the rookies will help gauge the overall success of the Saints.

With Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, Terron Armstead, and many other veterans, the team won’t rely on these rookies, but their ability to adapt quickly to the NFL will be of utmost importance throughout the season.