Saints takeaway No. 1: Carl Granderson sits ahead of Payton Turner at starting DE
This is yet another instance of a veteran outranking a younger player, but it’s still intriguing to note. Carl Granderson is listed as the right defensive end with Payton Turner behind him, though it may not be long until Turner leapfrogs him for the starting role.
Granderson has looked solid this training camp, reportedly bulking up and improving his run defense this offseason.
Saints DE Carl Granderson said he added weight and strength to hold up even better against the run this year. Up from 270 last season to 285 this year.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 5, 2022
Also said play recognition has been a big focus.
That being said, Turner has looked far more impressive and primed for a breakout second season.
Whereas Granderson arguably offers more value as a third-down specialist (he played 34 percent of special teams snaps in 2021), Turner has serious potential to develop into a pass-rushing mainstay in NOLA.
Don’t forget about Marcus Davenport, either, who remains on the PUP list and likely won’t feature in the preseason opener against Houston.
All this depth chart talk should be taken with heaps of salt as it’s still very early in the preseason. Time will tell if the Saints’ rookies and second-year players can overtake the veterans in 2022.