3 biggest concerns on Saints roster ahead of training camp

With the arrival of July, the New Orleans Saints are now just a few weeks from the start of training camp. With the Saints’ facilities undergoing work, the team will head west to Southern California for this year’s edition. They will return to New Orleans for the final week of camp, and they’ll hold two open practices for fans to attend.

Regardless of where New Orleans practices this summer, the team has a lot of work to do. Coming of a 9-8 season, and the third straight year without a playoff appearance, the pressure is on for the Saints. Another mediocre season could lead to the rebuild the franchise has been trying to outrun. If the team is going to escape that trajectory, it must clean up a few concerning areas first.

3. Offensive line is a concern for Saints entering camp

Offensive line is a no brainer, and arguably the biggest concern for New Orleans entering 2024. Last season, the unit was average but especially underwhelming in the run game. Now, the Saints could be starting inexperienced players at both tackle spots (Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning) and left guard (Nick Saldiveri).

The players who win the starting roles could ultimately do a great job. However, they are currently an unknown, and that’s extremely concerning. Understanding the importance of the offensive line, this group has to get right if the Saints are going to accomplish anything in 2024.

2. Defensive line is a concern for Saints entering camp

The trenches are arguably the most important groups in football, and New Orleans has concerns on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Saints are hoping the ends will be better at getting after the passer and that the interior defensive line will do a better job against the run.

The biggest free-agency signing for New Orleans this offseason was defensive end Chase Young. With Young, a healthy Cam Jordan, and a constantly improving Carl Granderson, the edge group should be better. The interior group, however, is more of the same.

The entire defensive line group should be better in 2024, but there’s no way to know until it happens on the field.

1. Health is a concern for Saints entering camp

As is the case with pretty much all teams, health will be an important storyline for New Orleans. That all starts with veteran right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who underwent knee surgery early in the offseason but could still be sidelined this season. There’s also Chase Young, who had neck surgery this offseason, and Juwan Johnson, who underwent a foot procedure.

Additionally, Cam Jordan had uncharacteristically low production last season as he played with an ankle injury, and Derek Carr was pretty banged up despite starting all 17 games. Understanding that the Saints need to be at their best in 2024, they’ll need health to be on their side.

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