3 under-the-radar Saints who could make the 53-man roster in 2022
By TJAY Jones
2. Abram Smith
Abram Smith is one of the most talked-about players going into the 2022 season. Coming to the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie, Smith is a 5’11″ 222 pound running back out of Baylor who has great vision, and a violent running style that would make the late NFL running back Marion Barber blush.
The Saints may need a guy like Smith to help carry the load in the backfield. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Saints running back room. Alvin Kamara is facing a court case in Las Vegas this August after an assault that took place Pro Bowl weekend earlier this year. His availability this season is in jeopardy.
The team also has Mark Ingram, who the Saints brought back last year after making a trade with the Texans. Ingram still has something left in the tank, but at the ripe old age of 32 he cannot carry the load game in and game out.
Smith could come in and hold down the fort until Kamara returns. The UDFA rookie will be competing against running back Tony Jones Jr. and Devine Ozigbo for a big role while Kamara is out.
Jones, to this point, has been a disappointment. His inability to stay healthy has cost him great opportunities, and Devine Ozigbo is in his second stint with the team. If Abram Smith could put together a solid offseason he has a strong possibility to not only make the team but even be in the starting rotation.