Three young Saints players poised to break out in 2023
![Juwan Johnson, Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints Juwan Johnson, Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2309,h_1298,x_0,y_193/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/15/01h4ejaskh09p7yb1s0q.jpg)
Third Saints breakout candidate: Cornerback Alontae Taylor
We've spoken a lot recently about the potential of Alontae Taylor in 2023 and beyond, and it's pretty difficult to contain our excitement. We also aren't alone considering the likes of Sports Illustrated and NFL.com have joined us in hyping up the defensive back.
Taylor has a chance to win the starting outside cornerback job opposite Marshon Lattimore, but the Saints also have another tentative plan in place that shows their faith in Taylor's skill and potential.
In today's pass-happy NFL, you need more than two solid cornerbacks. The slot corner has essentially become a starting role, with teams using a nickel set (two linebackers and three cornerbacks) as their base. Taking it a step further, often times NFL offenses will line up their best wide receiver, or pass catcher in general in some cases, in the slot.
As such, the fact that the Saints have reportedly been having Taylor spend the majority of his time in the slot this summer, it really speaks to their faith in him. They are not only comfortable, but almost feel at ease having Taylor lined up in the slot, and he has the versatility to do so. They trust him to take on a big responsibility within the defense.
If these three players (if not more), are able to break out, especially considering they're all involved with the passing-game, then the New Orleans Saints should be able to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them, and potentially go on a bit of a run.