Saints PFF grades from Week 1 of preseason shows severity of offensive line problem

PFF has released their grades for the New Orleans Saints opening preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. While the team won, New Orleans has certain players who really impressed and earned themselves very high ratings, as well as people who disappointed with their grades. It is important to note that while these grades can give a good indication about a player's performance, they are not perfect and don’t tell the whole story of the game.

Although all players have grades, I only included them if they played a minimum of 20 snaps. With that being said, here are the grades.

Five highest-graded Saints players vs. Cardinals

1. Rico Payton- 91.7

The undrafted cornerback from Pittsburg State had an elite game against Arizona. In fact, Payton’s grade ranks him second among all rookies in the NFL and sixth among all defenders who played at least 20 snaps. If he can continue playing at this level he could earn himself a practice squad placement at the minimum.

2. Roderic Teamer- 74.7

The New Orleans native had a great game in his first for the team. The Saints picked Roderic Teamer up this offseason as a possible depth and special teams player which he did perfectly on Saturday.

3. Shemar Jean-Charles- 74.5

Shemar Jean-Charles was primarily thought to be a special teams player going into 2024 but is showing he can also play at corner. The Saints have seen cornerbacks who primarily play special teams translate on defense in the past (Isaac Yiadom), maybe Jean-Charles could be the next to make the leap.

4. Monty Rice- 72.6

Monty Rice is in a battle for a roster spot at a loaded linebacker position. He has had a solid training camp thus far and produced in the first preseason game.

5. Jordan Howden- 71.8

Jordan Howden is in contention for a starting spot next to Tyrann Mathieu. If he puts together another couple of games like this, the spot could be his.

Although he just missed the list A.T. Perry still deserves a shout out of being the next player with a grade of 70.4. The second-year wide receiver had a great game that deserves being noted.

Five lowest-graded Saints players vs. Cardinals

1. Mac McCain III- 29.3

McCain was an addition to the secondary this offseason for New Orleans. He struggled in his opening game, but if McCain wants a spot on the roster, he will need to play better in future games.

2. Jesse Davis- 35.0

Any depth player at the offensive line has a legitimate chance to make the roster if they play well and show potential. This game by Davis didn’t put him out of contention for a spot whatsoever, but it didn’t help him.

3. Landon Young- 35.9

Landon Young is widely viewed as the frontrunner for being the backup at tackle. He could likely be viewed as the replacement for James Hurst, playing multiple positions. Young is likely to play solid snaps in the regular season, the offensive line hasn’t been able to remain healthy in recent years, he needs to improve to assure Saints fans he can hold down a position. 

4. Trevor Penning- 41.5

Trevor Penning is in line to be the Saints starter at right tackle. If you watched the game then it was obvious that Penning struggled. He really needs to improve for the Saints to succeed in 2024. If Penning is unable to improve then the Saints might need to find another option.

5. Khaleke Hudson- 43.1

Khaleke Hudson was an addition from the Commanders this offseason. In Washington, Hudson produced on special teams, that is likely what he was brought in for. Hopefully, he can improve defensively to give the Saints another option if they need it.

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