The Saints’ recent roster cuts show a bit of the team’s drafting success

The New Orleans Saints now have their roster down to 53 players, as the start of the 2024 season is quickly approaching. The roster will, of course, undergo several changes throughout the season, but the initial 53-man roster showed something promising about New Orleans. The franchise already has another somewhat successful draft class.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Saints selected seven players. Six of those players survived cut day, making the initial 53-man roster. The one player who was cut was seventh-round selection Josiah Ezirim. The rookie offensive tackle was signed to New Orleans’ practice squad a day later.

Entering the season with all but one of your draft picks on the 53-man roster is an early success for a draft class.

Saints only cut one 2024 Draft pick

Obviously, this isn’t everything. It’s just an early win, however, it’s not the full story. Yes, these players actually need to thrive on the field, and put together multiple good seasons for the class to ultimately be considered a success, but 86% of a draft class making the roster is definitely something to be applauded.

Typically, only early-round draft picks enter training camp with any type of roster security. This year, the Saints had one first-round pick, one second-round pick, three guys selected in the fifth round, and two guys drafted in the final two rounds after that. The first three selections were expected to make the roster, but the next three guys had a tougher battle.

Beyond just making the roster, New Orleans has rookies that will actually contribute during their first season. Taliese Fuaga will start at left tackle, and Kool-Aid McKinstry has already proven himself as a valuable piece in the secondary. Bub Means is in the mix of guys vying to be a consistent WR3, and he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself throughout the season.

The Saints also have Spencer Rattler, who’s still in a battle for QB2. He certainly has a chance to be the future franchise quarterback, but with Derek Carr’s injury history, Rattler could end up in a game this season.

All in all, the Saints have a promising rookie class, and that’s evident by the six draftees who made the roster. Now, they have to deliver on that promise a solidify the class as a success.

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