Saints' best kept secret on track to breakout in 2023

The New Orleans Saints have the talent to reign supreme in the NFC South this season. On defense, it's a blend of veterans and young guys that will need to step up. In that youthful category, Alontae Taylor is their X-Factor in the secondary.  Taylor was impressive in limited time as a rookie last year, […]

Adam Holt NFL News Writer
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The New Orleans Saints have the talent to reign supreme in the NFC South this season. On defense, it's a blend of veterans and young guys that will need to step up. In that youthful category, Alontae Taylor is their X-Factor in the secondary. 

Taylor was impressive in limited time as a rookie last year, and he should be a starter for the defense this season. He plays with energy, aggression, and competitiveness that cannot go overlooked. Taylor didn't get too much attention from national NFL media, but he will this season – if he's given the chance to by the coaching staff. 

Taylor was a bright spot when Marshon Lattimore missed time with an injury. He proved that he could fill a major void fairly well, and now, with Lattimore healthy again, it would create quite the cornerback duo in the Saints secondary. Taylor consistently made plays in both the run and pass game on defense. In a season where a lot didn't go right for the Saints, the young DB did.

Of course, Taylor will need to put his best foot forward during camp. Veteran CB Paulson Adebo is a good player but has shown more inconsistencies in the past two seasons. They will surely have quite the battle, one of them winning a starting role while the other may be solid depth for New Orleans. 

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