How the Saints 53-man roster might shape up after the 2022 NFL Draft
By Najy Masri
Linebackers
Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Kaden Ellis, D’Marco Jackson, Zack Baun*
Pete Werner, coming off an impressive rookie season, is currently slated as the starter alongside Davis. The addition of Kwon Alexander could take the roster spot of Zack Baun or Andrew Dowell and provide a healthy camp competition if signed. Kaden Ellis is a quality backup and the college resume of fifth-round pick D’Marco Jackson is impressive.
Defensive Backs
Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Bradley Roby, Alontae Taylor, Marcus Maye, Tyrann Mathieu, CJ Gardner-Johnson, PJ Williams, JT Gray, Smoke Monday
The selection of Paulson Adebo in last year’s NFL draft gave the Saints a great complementary player to start next to All-Pro Marshon Lattimore. Bradley Roby provides a solid third option at the cornerback position. New Orleans employs a variety of hybrid cornerback-safeties, most notably C.J. Gardner-Johnson and P.J. Williams.
The unexpected second-round selection of Alontae Taylor gives the Saints another such player. However, Taylor played in a zone coverage scheme at Tennessee and the Saints routinely employ a press-man coverage package with their boundary cornerbacks so the fit if he sticks to the CB position is questionable at best.
The recent signing of Tyrann Mathieu is a home run and gives the Saints, in addition to recent signee Marcus Maye, arguably an upgrade at the safety position over last year’s duo of Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins.
Another undrafted free agent who could make the team this season could be Auburn safety Smoke Monday. Expect Monday to beat out recently signed special teams stalwart Daniel Sorenson given the drafting of Taylor, who excels on special teams.
Special Teams
Wil Lutz, Blake Gilliken, Zack Wood
After last year’s kicking carousel, NOLA will eagerly welcome back Wil Lutz. Blake Gilliken has been a weapon at the punter position as a solid replacement for fan favorite Thomas Morstead.
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