4 Saints players facing a crucial 2023 training camp

Nathan Shepherd, DT

Longtime New York Jets defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd finally signed with just his second team since being a third-round pick back in 2018. Joining the Saints back in March, Shepherd originally signed with New Orleans assuming he'd probably be a starting defensive tackle for this squad.

However, in late April, that assumption took a radical turn when the Saints drafted Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee in the first round. Fellow starting defensive tackle and also a free agent acquisition, Khalen Saunders, will likley compete with Shepherd to earn a real starting spot come Week 1.

As of right now, the depth chart lists both Saunders and Shepherd as starters. But, we know Bresee will wind up taking one of those spots. Shepherd was a starter in three games last year for the Jets, while Saunders was a reserve for Kansas City. Shepherd has the upper hand in earning a starting gig, but Bresee will give him a run for his money.

The Saints didn't draft a guy in the first round only to allow him to come off the bench as a rotational player. Bresee will very likely surpass Shepherd on the depth chart, but will Shepherd give him a run for his money?