Final Saints Practice Squad prediction
The New Orleans Saints have a difficult week ahead of them. Amongst the rest of the NFL, they will have to make a lot of roster decisions and moves. They will need to cut down to a 53-man active roster by Tuesday afternoon. Accordingly, they will form their practice squad soon after based on who […]
The New Orleans Saints have a difficult week ahead of them. Amongst the rest of the NFL, they will have to make a lot of roster decisions and moves. They will need to cut down to a 53-man active roster by Tuesday afternoon. Accordingly, they will form their practice squad soon after based on who does and does not secure a roster spot.
Who do I believe will be on the 16-man Saints practice squad after the active roster is set?
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
Running Back | Darrel Williams |
Running Back | Kirk Merritt |
Wide Receiver | Kawaan Baker |
Wide Receiver | Lynn Bowden Jr. |
Wide Receiver | Shaq Davis |
Tight End | Lucas Krull |
Offensive Line | Calvin Throckmorton |
Offensive Line | Max Garcia |
Defensive Line | Niko Lalos |
Linebacker | Zack Baun |
Linebacker | Ty Summers |
Linebacker | Anfernee Orji |
Cornerback | Anthony Johnson |
Cornerback | Isaac Yiadom |
Safety | Johnathan Abram |
Defensive Back | Lonnie Johnson Jr. |
Safety | Smoke Monday |
Both running backs, Williams and Merritt, have dealt with an injury recently. They haven't been able to prove their value for New Orleans during this off-season, but both deserve a practice squad spot for depth.
At wide receiver, Baker and Davis have had bright spots in the preseason. Bowden provides special teams ability. Ultimately, the Saints keep those three in the building in case of injuries. At tight end, it's just Krull on the PS. He had a great preseason finale against Houston, and the Saints like him as depth. They have a lot of bodies in the TE room for the active roster, though.
On the offensive line, Throckmorton and Garcia are both interior players that the Saints need in their back pocket. The prior has starting experience with New Orleans in the past. Lalos may be the surprise pick of all of them in this scenario, but he deserves the spot. He made plays during the preseason and provides energy for the DL.
Baun, Summers, and Orji all three have a chance to get on the active roster. That being said, keeping a combo of three LBs on the practice squad will make sense for the Saints. Their depth is unproven, and multiple players have shown capabilities during the preseason.
In the secondary, there are plenty of options. The Saints will probably keep Monday in the building as a younger option. Both Anthony johnson and Lonnie Johnson Jr. have impressed during the offseason as well. It will be intriguing to see which depth players get the roster nods.
Overall, the Saints have a talented group that will create their practice squad this season.
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