3 NOLA Saints players that are holding the offense back so far

2 of 3

Adam Trautman, New Orleans Saints (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. NOLA Saints TE Adam Trautman

The Saints spent a third-round pick on Adam Trautman a year ago and to this point, he’s had 18 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown through 18 games (seven of those being starts). Nearly all of that production came during his rookie year, as he’s only had three catches for 18 yards in 2021 and all three of those catches came in Week 1.

While Trautman has been a non-factor on the offensive side of the ball, he’s been helpful in the pass-protection department and maybe that’s why we’ve seen less of him as a pass-catcher.

Even with that being the case, tight end has been a weak position for New Orleans. Trautman had talent above him on the depth chart last year but that’s not the case this year. Juwan Johnson definitely impressed in the preseason but aside from his two-touchdown performance in Week 1, he’s been a non-factor as well.

To this point, Trautman has been a massive bust. That can’t be the case if this offense wants to kick it into high gear.