New Orleans Saints training camp is right around the corner, so what’s on the line with key position battles? In the latest episode of the Audacy original podcast Inside Black & Gold, Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak and WWL Sports Director Steve Geller update the competition for several key roles up and down the roster, with projections for potential winners at linebacker, backup quarterback, pass-rusher and more.
0:00 – Segment 1: Position Battles Part 1: Don’t Expect a (Real) Kicker Competition
… We kick off this position battles episode of Inside Black & Gold by updating the most obvious position battles, all of which have a strong incumbent option. It’s likely the kicker competition stretches throughout camp, but is it a real competition for Blake Grupe and Lou Hedley? We’ll also talk about option in the slot role and why Alontae Taylor should have his eyes on a stronger Year 3, and the biggest competition at the linebacker spot. Could Pete Werner be feeling the heat?
Spoilers!
P: Lou Hedley vs Matthew Hayball
RIGHT NOW: Hedley 90%
K: Blake Grupe vs Charlie Smyth
RIGHT NOW: Grupe 85%
SLOT CB: Alontae Taylor vs Kool-Aid McKinstry
RIGHT NOW: Taylor 75%
WILL LB: Pete Werner vs Willie Gay
RIGHT NOW: Werner 70%
26:42 – Segment 2: Position Battles, Part 2: All Eyes on Backup QB
… For the first time in a long time the New Orleans Saints have a real battle for the backup QB job, so who enters training camp with a head start between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler? We’ll also dive in on the starting safety spot alongside Tyrann Mathieu, depth wide receivers and what type of leap might be in store for last year’s first round pick Bryan Bresee.
Spoilers!
SS: Johnathan Abram vs Jordan Howden
RIGHT NOW: Abram 65%
QB2: Jake Haener vs Spencer Rattler
RIGHT NOW: Haener 65%
WR3: A.T. Perry vs Cedrick Wilson vs Equanimeous St. Brown
RIGHT NOW: Wilson 60%
3-TECH (run downs): Bryan Bresee vs Nathan Shepherd
RIGHT NOW: Shepherd 60%
46:51 – Segment 3: Position Battles, Part 3: Will the Saints Ever Draft Another TE?
… We close out today’s Inside Black & Gold by diving into the position that really feel up for grabs, but only one is for a starting gig. Will Nick Saldiveri hold onto the left guard spot? Can Jamaal Williams prove that 2023 was an aberration? Which defensive end steps up to take the key reps behind Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson? Steve and Jeff break it all down.
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Spoilers!
TE3: Dallin Holker vs Michael Jacobson vs Jesper Horsted
RIGHT NOW: Holker 55%
RB2: Jamaal Williams vs Kendre Miller
RIGHT NOW: Williams 55%
LG: Nick Saldiveri vs Shane Lemieux
RIGHT NOW: Saldiveri 55%
DE3: Chase Young vs Isaiah Foskey vs Payton Turner
RIGHT NOW: pick em
Full roster projection:
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