Rashid Shaheed's summer glow-up continues with strong start to Saints training camp

The pads are now on at New Orleans Saints training camp, but even before suiting up, one young Saints receiver was already shining, and the trend is continuing.

For the New Orleans Saints, a lot is made of the fact that they have a locker room full of veteran talent. So much so, that the young whippersnappers in that same dressing room, also chock full of talent in their own right, are flying under the radar. Of course this isn't the case for Saints fans, just for the national consciousness.

That doesn't mean the Saints aren't devoid of breakout candidates that are getting national attention. Cornerback Alontae Taylor is one example, but the most prominent plays opposite him on the other side of the ball.

Rashid Shaheed was seen as a young player on the verge of great things for the Saints. He showed flashes of brilliance a year ago, and seemed to be carrying that momentum into OTAs. Now that full-padded training camp is officially underway, Shaheed still isn't messing around.

Simply put, the young Shaheed has been absolutely shining during the young training camp to this point. So much so, that it appears the Saints trust him wearing many different hats.

Shaheed also had the play of the day during the fifth day, and first padded day, when he made a circus catch from rookie quarterback Jake Haener. Not to take anything away from Haener, because the rookie threw an absolute seed on a rope, but it was the ball work from Shaheed and sure-footing to come down with the45-yard touchdown was what got the crowd in attendance roaring. 

While the highlight reel play didn't come with Derek Carr at quarterback, Shaheed had already developed a strong connection with his new quarterback during OTAs, and Carr was praising him any chance he got, emphasizing the speed of Shaheed.

The defense is expected to carry the New Orleans Saints in 2023 as far as they can go. However, the offense may have a gem on their hands in Rashid Shaheed. With the upgrade at quarterback, the sky may be the limit for both this offense, and this team as a whole.