7 New Orleans Saints players who won't survive training camp

Who won't make the cut?
New Orleans Saints, D'Marco Jackson
New Orleans Saints, D'Marco Jackson / Chris Graythen/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Now that NFL training camps are in full swing, it's time to try and officially figure out just what this New Orleans Saints team is going to be in 2024.

Let's be honest. The Saints are one of those teams that are tougher to figure out, and have been for a while. There are some teams that are dead-set on a rebuild, and their fan bases know it. Other teams are the polar opposite; they're contenders.

And then there are the Saints, whose fan base truly isn't sure how to view the team. Hopefully, training camp will continue to bring things into focus.

Speaking of camp and bringing things into focus, the roster is one area we can start to hone-in on . There are a few players who likely won't make it out of camp with a permanent job. Let's identify some of them.

Saints players who will not make the final roster

Jesse Davis, OT

The Saints' two starting tackles should be Trevor Penning and rookie Taliese Fuaga, and the depth behind them will likely include a combination of Oli Udo, Landon Young and rookie seventh rounder Josiah Ezirim. That leaves veteran Jesse Davis as an odd man out.

James Robinson, RB

At this point, James Robinson is lucky to have a job. He has fallen off significantly since he Jacksonville days. Robinson is almost dead last on the depth chart, and there's just too much talent ahead of him at the position.

Kevin Austin, WR

Although the Saints would like to see some other guys step up at wide receiver and make Chris Olave's job easier, it's unlikely to be Kevin Austin. He just might be last in terms of depth, and the guys ahead of him (specifically veterans) have a leg up on his chances.

Jesper Horsted, TE

A career practice squad and reserve, Jesper Horsted has flashed athleticism and promise at times. But, again, this is a case of the position having too many names ahead of him on the depth chart. Ultimately, Horsted could be a good practice squad candidate; something he's been used to.

D'Marco Jackson, LB

The 2022 fifth-round pick is more of a special teams contributor, but finds himself on the roster bubble at the moment. He could wind up making the squad purely based off special teams play, but it depends greatly on how he fares against the other guys competing for a similar spot. Are the Saints really ready to give up on a draft pick so soon?

Mac McCain, CB

Mac McCain is a good example of a camp body (although that term is not a positive one, it's the truth). He was signed in late June, which typically isn't indicative of a guy who will stick around long-term.

Niko Lalos, DE

Over the last few years, the Saints have invested draft capital and free agency money into the defensive end position. Niko Lalos is going to have a hard time making it up the ladder at his spot, and is likely headed for the practice squad, at most.

feed