Final thoughts on New Orleans Saints final 53

The final 53-man roster for the 2023 New Orleans Saints is set. Now that the ink is about to dry, here are some thoughts on the final Saints roster.

We now know what the 2023 New Orleans Saints roster will look like when they take the Superdome field to take on the Tennessee Titans to kickoff the season. The preseason is finally come to a close, and all are eyes are pointed towards the regular season. With that said, here are some things that stand out regarding the Saints' final 53-man roster.

Perhaps the most feel-good aspect of the entire process is that Jimmy Graham is back in the Bayou to stay. The 36-year old (who will be turning 37 right around Thanksgiving time) joins Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau (and if you count Taysom Hill) in the tight end room. HIs effort in the final preseason game was rewarded, and perhaps will get to see him dunk the ball through the goal posts once again.

Graham's making the roster comes at the expense of Lucas Krull, who had himself a heck of a summer. Any hopes of the former Pitt Panther being signed to the practice squad were dashed when Sean Payton wasted no time bringing him to Denver.

Elsewhere on the offense, Tre'Quan Smith did end up making the final roster, when many thought his days were numbered. Contrary to that, Shaq Davis was let go, who was a player it looked like had his best days ahead of him. Fortunately, Davis was added to the practice squad.

As for the defense, D'Marco Jackson rode his wave of momentum to a final roster spot, while veteran Jaylon Smith was let go then brought back to the practice squad. Contiuing the trend of tryng to go younger on defense, cornerback Bradley Robey was let go in something of a suprising move, but one that does make sense when you pull back the lense. They have young talent if the secondary, and they need the experience.

Then there's special teams. The Saints will be rolling with both a rookie kicker AND punter, in Blake Grupe and Lou Hedley respectively. That may seem inconsequential on the surface, but will be interesting to see what becomes of the decision.

All in all, the Saints deciign to take a turn towards a youth movement is one that should be applauded. Now taht we know what the 2023 New Orleans Saints will look like, just get us to the regular season.