The New Orleans Saints are two preseasons games into the schedule, and we're beginning to get a more concrete idea of who is working their way on the roster. For example, it feels hard to keep Jayden Price off this team right now.
That certainly wasn't the case three weeks ago, but Price has been consistent in practice making plays, and he had an impressive pick in the first preseason game.
While some players, like Price, have given themselves firmer footing, there's still much up in the air about the initial 53 man roster. This is where projections come in handy.
Despite struggles against the Los Angeles Rams, Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler are both projected to make it.
3 QB- Tyler Shough, Zach Wilson, Spencer Rattler
Tyler Shough is the starter; no question about it. After that, it gets interesting.
Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler have been battling this offseason, trading blows back and forth. They both disappointed against the Rams, but have shown enough potential to each warrant a spot. However, they must improve against the Dallas Cowboys in order to secure their position and earn the backup role.
4 HB- Travis Etienne, Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Audric Estime
The running backs have been plagued by injuries this offseason, with Travis Etienne being the lone healthy soldier projected to make the roster. After him, Alvin Kamara has a slot regardless of any health issues.
Then, it’s anyone's race between Kendre Miller, Audric Estime, and Devin Neal for the final two slots. Right now, Miller’s explosiveness and Estime’s reliability and Week 1 preseason performance, even in a small sample size, edge out Neal, who simply can’t stay healthy. Still, the battle is far from over and will continue through the coming weeks.
6 WR- Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, DeVaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barrion Brown, Bub Means
The biggest question surrounding this group is Jordyn Tyson. His latest hamstring injury could force the Saints to move him to the injured reserve or the Physically Unable to Play list. As a result, this would open up another roster spot.
That said, write Chris Olave, DeVaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, and Barrion Brown’s names in pen; nobody is touching their spots. I initially had Ja’Lynn Polk in this position, but his retirement opened up an opportunity for Bub Means to seize the role, which he has. Anything can happen, but I feel confident in these six making the roster.
3 TE- Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant, Oscar Delp
There’s little question surrounding this group. Juwan Johsnon, Noah Fant, and Oscar Delp are the clear choices to make the roster. No extra explanation needed.
9 OL- Kelvin Banks, David Edwards, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga, Jeremiah Wright, Toricelli Simpkins, Asim Richards, William Sherman
This group is almost exactly the same as my prior 53-man roster projection, with William Sherman replacing Dillon Radunz (torn ACL) as the only change.
The starting five, plus Jeremiah Wright, is an impressive unit. Banks, Fuaga, and McCoy are franchise cornerstones; David Edwards was an important free-agency acquisition; and Cesar Ruiz/Jeremiah Wright have starting upside at right guard.
4 DT- Christen Miller, Vernon Broughton, Davon Godcheaux, Nathan Shepherd
The position room has seen big changes since the original projection, with Bryan Bresee tearing his ACL and Zxavian Harris heading back to college.
As before, Christen Miller and Vernon Broughton are making the roster. Following them is interesting. Currently, Davon Godchaux and Nathan Shepherd are the leading contenders. Their experience and solidified role in the defense give them an edge over other players.
John Ridgeway III barely missed the roster. He was an impactful player for the Saints late in 2025. However, I view him as a practice-squad player who will provide valuable depth in case of injury rather than a day-one starter.
5 DE- Chase Young, Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, Tyree Wilson, Anfernee Jennings
Anfernee Jennings and Tyree Wilson’s preseason has been a major indication of their future. Jennings was inactive on Saturday, and Wilson only saw 11 snaps. This bodes well for them as the coaching staff has likely seen enough to grant them a roster spot.
Additionally, undrafted free agent Michael Heldman has had a fantastic offseason and is vying for a roster spot. He may force Kellen Moore to keep six defensive ends rather than hoping Heldman passes waivers.
5 LB- Kaden Elliss, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, Jaylan Ford, Isaiah Stalbird
No changes at linebacker. These five are the clear top options and have performed well this offseason.
The Saints added competition with veteran Deion Jones. However, they pivoted quickly and traded Jones for a running back. This is a sign Brandon Staley is comfortable with the unit and is ready to enter the season without changes.
5 CB- Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, Martin Emerson Jr., Isaac Yiadom, Jayden Price
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and Martin Emerson are the starters. Right now, Isaac Yiadom’s special teams prowess and Jayden Price’s elite offseason put them ahead of the other contenders.
Seventh-round pick TJ Hall barely missed the cut. He had an amazing game against the Rams and vaulted himself into contention. He could make the initial roster if he puts together another great week of practice and preseason performance.
5 S- Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, Jordan Howden, Lorenzo Styles, Terrell Burgess, Jonas Sanker
This is a veteran unit, outside of Lorenzo Styles, that doesn’t have many questions about who’s making the roster. Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon are the two starters.
Jonas Sanker is the clear STAR role Staley’s defense. This role was left vacant after Alontae Taylor’s departure last year, meaning Sanker is learning an entirely new position. So far, he’s been impressive in training camp and is trending towards being a quality starter.
Behind them, Jordan Howden and Terrell Burgess are reliable depth pieces who can fill in because of injury. On the other hand, Styles won’t be a major contributor on defense, but his special teams ability warrants a roster spot, if his current injury doesn't put him on the PUP or IR.
3 ST- Zach Wood, Ryan Wright, Daniel Carlson
Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown struggled throughout training camp and the preseason. As a result, Kellen Moore brought in two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson. Even without a field goal attempt in New Orleans, he’s already leading the charge and is my projection to make the roster.
Besides that, there aren't any changes to the special teams unit. Nobody is touching Ryan Wright and Zach Wood.
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