3 takeaways from Saints first unofficial depth chart

The New Orleans Saints are preparing for their first preseason game of the 2024 season, and with that comes an unofficial depth chart. On Monday, the team released its first depth chart. While the Saints have only been in camp for two weeks, and there’s still plenty of time left for the depth chart to shuffle around, a few things did immediately jump out.

3. Jake Haener is above Spencer Rattler in the QB2 battle

Entering camp, one of the biggest storylines that everyone was eager to watch was the battle for QB2. Derek Carr, coming into his second season with the Saints, is the unquestioned starter. However, with Jameis Winston now with the Cleveland Browns, Carr doesn’t have a clear backup.

Based on the offseason moves in New Orleans, it was clear the battle for QB2 would be between second-year quarterback Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler. So far, both guys have been having solid camps, taking reps with different units. However, it’s the slightly more experienced Haener who’s listed second on the depth chart.

2. Mason Tipton is still buried on Saints depth chart despite impressive camp

If a breakout player of training camp had to be named right now, the winner would undoubtedly be wide receiver Mason Tipton. Despite being an undrafted rookie, Tipton has been one of the most talked about players in camp because he’s making plays every day.

Unfortunately for him, those plays haven’t resulted in any early climbing of the depth chart. He’s listed as the fifth-string wide receiver for Rashid Shaheed’s spot. That doesn’t even account for the guys who’s backing up Chris Olave, who also could technically be ahead of Tipton.

If anything, this should be a message to him that the work isn’t done. As an undrafted rookie, it’s always an uphill battle to make the regular-season roster. Tipton must continue to thrive in camp and in the preseason if he’s going to move up the depth chart.

1. Chase Young and Carl Granderson are locked in a position battle

Only one position on the depth chart had two names listed and it was right defensive end, which had Carl Granderson or Chase Young. That’s a sign that the two are in a position battle and there’s very little separation between them at this point in training camp.

Young, who was signed this offseason and is coming off a neck surgery, has been incredibly impressive, dominating the offensive line in training camp. Granderson, however, has also been good, and he’s coming off a 8.5-sack season, leading the Saints last year.

While only one of these guys will get the official starting job, it won’t really matter because they’re both going to play a ton. In reality, Young and Granderson will likely be the two ends on the field the most, with the veteran Cam Jordan playing fewer snaps. Jordan will also probably take some snaps on the interior defensive line, allowing New Orleans to put its three best pass rushers on the field at once.

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