3 rookies who have already carved out key roles for themselves on the Saints

As the New Orleans Saints enter the 2024 NFL season, they are still a relatively old football team. With key players like Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu and Cam Jordan leading the defense, and Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara on offense, there’s no denying this will still be a veteran led team this season.

However, certain rookies are going to have impactful roles in 2024. Six of New Orleans’ seven draft picks made the initial 53-man roster, and the team also kept some undrafted rookies around. A few of those first-year players are going to play important roles in the success of the Saints in 2024.

3 rookies who will impact Saints success in 2024

1. Taliese Fuaga

Taliese Fuaga has carved out the biggest role of any rookie on the roster. The tackle out of Oregon State is going to be a Week 1 starter at left tackle. Fuaga was elite at Oregon State, both in the running and passing game. Now it’s time to see if that translates to the next level.

The offensive line will be a key indicator for the success in New Orleans in 2024. If the group can elevate their play, the playoffs could be in sight. However, if the line struggles, the season would be in serious jeopardy.

2. Khristian Boyd

Khristian Boyd was drafted to the Saints in the sixth round, but despite that, he’ll play a huge role in defending the run. It’s no secret New Orleans struggled with the run in 2023. That was prevalent in multiple games, leading to some losses. Boyd was drafted by the Saints in hope that he can contribute in fixing that problem. It would be nice if he could produce some pass rush in addition but that is no where near as important as him stopping the run.

3. Kool-Aid McKinstry

It is unlikely that Kool-Aid McKinstry is going to start Week 1; that doesn’t mean he won’t have a major role in 2024. The Saints have an elite cornerback room with Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor. The biggest caveat with that group is their inability to stay healthy. That is where McKinstry is going to factor in.

The question isn’t if Kool-Aid will play, its when will he play. It will be huge for McKinstry to perform at a high level in the absence of a starter. He will have a huge role in maintaining a top defense for New Orleans.

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