Saints roster projection 2.0: Who is going to make the final 53 in New Orleans?

There is just one preseason game remaining until the New Orleans Saints have to cut down their roster to 53 players. There is no easy way to do that; some talented players will be cut. While several roster bubble guys have shined throughout training camp and the preseason, only so many guys can make the regular-season roster.

Here is who I’m projecting to make the final roster.

Quarterbacks- 3

Derek Carr, Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler

This is straightforward, there shouldn’t be any surprises following this week's game. Derek Carr will be the Week 1 starter, which gives the two younger quarterbacks time to develop.

Running Backs- 3

Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims

The biggest question here is what do the Saints do with Kendre Miller. There’s no doubt that he has tons of potential, he just can’t stay healthy. The fate of Jordan Mims also is impacted heavily by what the Saints do with Miller. It’s possible that they keep them both as well.

Considering that Miller is still hurt, he’ll probably start the season on injured reserve, so the team will be able to keep him without him counting towards the 53-man roster.

Wide Receivers- 5

Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., A.T. Perry, Bub Means

The depth behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed at wide receiver is not yet proven. Cedrick Wilson Jr. has had some great years at the slot position, A.T. Perry showed us what he could do at the end of last year, and Bub Means has potential coming out of Pittsburgh. Now they need to show it on the field.

Tight Ends- 3

Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Dallin Holker

The big story at tight end is still Dallin Holker. The undrafted free agent has shown flashes of greatness during the preseason and training camp. If this group stays on the field then it could surpass people’s expectations.

Fullbacks/Utility- 2

Taysom Hill, Adam Prentice

It is nearly impossible to classify Taysom Hill to just one position. All that matters is that he is a lock to make the roster. His abilities were shown against the 49ers when he took multiple snaps at running back. The new offensive system could elevate Taysom Hill even more.

Offensive Line- 8

Taliese Fuaga, Lucas Patrick, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Trevor Penning, Olisaemeka Udoh, Landon Young, Nick Saldiveri

The success of the offensive line is make-or-break for the Saints season. If they perform well it could elevate them to a potential playoff spot, but if they fail, New Orleans could be at the bottom of the NFL. It is crucial that the starters stay healthy, as the depth isn’t too desirable.

Defensive Tackle- 4

Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Khristian Boyd

These four making the roster seems pretty straightforward. It’s important that the defensive tackles are able to stop the run. The addition of Khristian Boyd in the NFL Draft should help with that. New Orleans really struggled last year against the run, and that needs to be fixed this year.

Defensive End- 5

Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan, Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey

The addition of Chase Young completely revitalized this group. Last year, it was viewed as one of the low-points of the roster, outside of Carl Granderson. Based on what we’ve seen in the preseason, this group has potential to turn that around and be an elite group.

This is a huge year for them, especially for Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey. Staying healthy has been a struggle for almost everyone in this group. They need to stay on the field if they want to succeed.

Linebackers- 6

Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay, Khaleke Hudson, Anfernee Orji, D’Marco Jackson

Anfernee Orji has been killing it in both training camp and preseason. He’s played so well that I believe he should be given a roster spot. Hudson, Jackson, and Orji will all play key roles on special teams. The new kickoff rules are going to require players to be strong and fast, which all three are.

Cornerbacks- 6

Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Rico Payton, Shemar Jean-Charles

Similar to Orji, Rico Payton has made a name for himself this offseason. He was picked up by the Saints after going undrafted out of Pittsburg State. His play this preseason may have earned him a spot on the roster. This is going to be a top group not only for the team, but also the NFL. There is a combination of elite talent and elite depth. Dennis Allen has an uncanny ability to develop corners.

Safety’s- 5

Tyrann Mathieu, Johnathan Abram, Jordan Howden, JT Gray, Will Harris

The starting role opposite of Tyrann Mathieu is still up for grabs. Both Johnathan Abram and Jordan Howden have cases to start. JT Gray and Will Harris both will have the opportunity to compete for reps as well as being special team aces.

Special Team- 3

Blake Grupe, Lou Hedley, Zach Wood

No big changes here yet, though, Charlie Smyth and Matthew Hayball are closing the competitions. Although Grupe and Hedley are still the frontrunners, don’t be surprised if one of them don’t make it.

READ MORE