Countdown To Kickoff - 2024 New Orleans Saints (1 Viewer)

Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/5/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


July 5th, 2024 - Number 65

Currently no Saints player is wearing the #65.



Some Saints players who have worn the number 65 in the past include:

Senio Kelemete (2014-2017)
LeCharles Bentley (2002-2005)
Chri Naeole (1997-2001)
Steve Trapilo (1987-1992)
Remi Prudhomme (1971-1972)


More Saints players who have worn the #65 in the past are in the Link below:


65 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 65​


 

Excerpts from two articles by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/6/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

July 6th, 2024 - Nick Saldiveri - Number 64

Countdown to Kickoff: Nick Saldiveri is the Saints Player of Day 64​

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We’re counting down to the days to the start of the New Orleans Saints’ 2024 regular season by highlighting each player to own the corresponding jersey number, and Day 64 brings us to a very important name: Nick Saldiveri.

What are realistic expectations for the second-year pro? What does a successful 2024 season look like for him? And what road brought him here? Let’s answer all those questions:

  • Name (Age): Nick Saldiveri (23)
  • Position: Offensive line
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-6, 316 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.47
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $1,188,570
  • College: Old Dominion
  • Drafted: Fourth round in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 1 year
Saldiveri played right tackle almost exclusively in college, but the Saints converted him to left guard as a rookie last year and the new offensive coaching staff is keeping him there. And the early returns are encouraging. Saldiveri initially split reps at left guard with veteran pickup Shane Lemieux at organized team activities before dominating first-team snaps at minicamp. He did leave the final day of minicamp practice early with a soft-tissue injury (either a hamstring or groin muscle) but it isn’t expected to be serious, and he should be full-go when the Saints regroup for training camp.

Full Article In The Link Below:



Some Saints players who have worn the #64 in the past include:
Will Clapp (2018-2021)
Zach Stief (2006-2017)


More Saints players who have worn the number 64 in the past are in the article in the Link below:

64 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 64​


 

Excerpts from two articles by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/7/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

July 7th, 2024 - Nouri Nouili - Number 63

Countdown to Kickoff: Nouri Nouili is the Saints Player of Day 63​


We’re down to 63 days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 regular season with the Carolina Panthers, which makes rookie offensive lineman Nouri Nouili, the current owner of the No. 63 jersey, our Saints Player of the Day.

But what’s his story? And how can he help the team in 2024? What are realistic expectations for him? Let’s dig in.

  • Name (Age): Nouri Nouili (23)
  • Position: Offensive guard
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 315 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.58
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $796,666
  • College: Nebraska
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie
A foreign exchange student from Frankfurt, Germany, Nouili played on both the offensive and defensive lines in high school before continuing his education at the next level. Nouili’s college career began at Colorado State before he transferred to Nebraska, where he started two years at both guard spots. He logged almost twice as many snaps on the left side (919) as the right (514) while also seeing limited action outside at tackle.

He was rock-solid in pass protection — Pro Football Focus charting found that Nouili allowed just four sacks on 776 career snaps in pass pro. He also drew only six penalties on nearly 1,500 career reps as a blocker.

Full Article In Link Below:
Some Saints players who have worn the #63 in the past include:
Brad Edelman (1982-1989)
Steve Baumgartner (1973-1977)
Other Saints players who have worn the number 63 in the past are in the Full Article, Link Below:

63 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 63​


 

Excerpts from two articles by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7.8.24 as view at saintswire.usatoday.com​

July 8th, 2024 - Lucas Patrick - Number 62​


Countdown to Kickoff: Lucas Patrick is the Saints Player of Day 62​


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We’re counting down the days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 season by highlighting each of the players who wear the corresponding jersey number. And with 62 days left until Week 1, it’s time to discuss the current owner of the No. 62 jersey: Lucas Patrick.

  • Name (Age): Lucas Patrick (30)
  • Position: Offensive center/guard
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 313 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.30
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $1,152,500
  • College: Duke
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2016 (Green Bay Packers)
  • NFL experience: 8 years
Patrick has a unique skill set as someone with experience at both guard and center. While he’s spent most of his career snapping the ball himself, the Saints also worked him in at left guard during minicamp. He’s been on the field for more than 3,900 snaps on offense in his career, 1,921 of them at center and 1,372 of them at right guard, with the rest at left guard, per Pro Football Focus charting.

Full Article In Link Below:
Some Saints players who have worn the #62 in the past include:

Jerry Fontenot (1997-2003)
Jay Hilgenberg (1993)
John Hill (1975-1984)


More Saints players who have worn the number 62 are included in the full article in the Link below:

62 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 62​


 

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Excerpts from two articles by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7.9.24 as view at saintswire.usatoday.com​

July 9th, 2024 - Sincere Haynesworth - Number 61​

Countdown to Kickoff: Sincere Haynesworth is the Saints Player of Day 61​


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We’re counting down the days until the start of the New Orleans Saints’ regular season by featuring each player to wear that day’s corresponding jersey number, and with there being 61 days to go it brings us to Sincere Haynesworth.

What must the rookie from Tulane do to make the squad? Let’s look back at the road that brought him here, and what realistic goals are for him in 2024:

  • Name (Age): Sincere Haynesworth (23)
  • Position: Offensive center
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-1, 310 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 5.04
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $797,000
  • College: Tulane
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie
Haynesworth didn’t receive a ton of guarantees in his rookie contract ($16,000 in total, per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill) so he wasn’t as highly sought-after as other players in the class of undrafted free agents. And he’s a little undersized by pro standards. Still, he put some strong reps on his game tape and the Saints didn’t bring him in for no reason.

Part of the appeal is his ample college experience. Haynesworth started for five years at the college level, four of them at center, totaling an impressive 3,987 career snaps. He also spent a year at right guard.


Full Article In Link Below:




Some Saints players who have worn the #61 in the past include:
Montrae Holland (2003-2006)
Joel Hilgenberg (1984-1993)
Del Williams (1967-1973)


More Saints players who have worn the number 61 in the past are in the article below:

61 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 61​


Link To Full Article Below:

 
Excerpts from two articles 7/10/24 by John Sigler of Saints Wire as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com



July 10th, 2024 - Kyle Hergel - Number 60


Countdown to Kickoff: Kyle Hergel is the Saints Player of Day 60​


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There are 60 days left until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 season, which makes the current owner of the No. 60 jersey our Saints Player of the Day. But what must Kyle Hergel do to make the team in 2024? The undrafted rookie has some experience in similar systems that could help him out when the Saints regroup for training camp in a few weeks. Let’s get to know him better:

  • Name (Age): Kyle Hergel (24)
  • Position: Offensive guard
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 315 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 7.83
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $798,333
  • College: Boston College
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie
Hergel played a ton of snaps as a starter at right guard through his first four years in college (two at North Dakota, two at Texas State) before transferring to Boston College in 2023, where he started at left guard. What’s interesting is that he worked with offensive line coach Matt Applebaum last season, who spent the 2022 staff on Mike McDaniel’s Miami Dolphins staff. There’s a lot of overlap between the offense McDaniel runs and what Klint Kubiak is installing with the Saints, both of them being former Kyle Shanahan assistants.


Full Article In Link Below:

Some Saints players who have worn the #60 in the past include:

Max Unger (2015-2018)
Brian De La Puente (2011-2013)
Steve Korte (1984-1989)
Don Reese (1978-1980)


More Saints players who have worn the number 60 in the past are in the article below:

60 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 60​


Link To Full Article:
 
Excerpts from two articles 7/11/24 by John Sigler of Saints Wire as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


July 11th, 2024 - Monty Rice - Number 59


Countdown to Kickoff: Monty Rice is the Saints Player of Day 59​


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Here’s an interesting pick for the New Orleans Saints Player of the Day. We’re almost through the trench players along the offensive and defensive lines, now that we’re into the 50’s while counting down the days until the Saints’ 2024 regular season kickoff. And linebacker Monty Rice is an intriguing player.

The former top-100 draft pick never found his way with the Tennessee Titans before being waived last December, and the Saints acted quickly to pick him up. New Orleans has experienced some turnover in the linebacker corps this offseason so he has an opportunity to make the cut. So what’s his story? And how can he win a roster spot?

  • Name (Age): Monty Rice (24)
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-0, 233 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 7.21
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $1,321,209
  • College: Georgia
  • Drafted: Third round in 2021 (Tennessee Titans)
  • NFL experience: 4 years
Rice was a big special teams player for the Titans, having logged 412 snaps in the kicking game compared to 631 on defense through 35 appearances in three years. And that figures to be his best path to winning a roster spot in New Orleans. The Saints favor linebackers on the punt and kickoff units, and they’ve lost guys like Zack Baun (385 snaps on special teams, most on the team) and Ty Summers (303) in free agency, while Nephi Sewell (266) is out for a while after his ACL injury on New Year’s Eve.

Full Article In Link Below:



Some Saints players who have worn the #59 in the past include:

Dannell Ellerbe (2015-2016)
Keith Mitchell (1997-2001)
Rufus Porter (1995-1996)
Wayne Coleman (1969-1976)
Fred Whittingham (1967-1968)


More Saints players who have worn the number 58 in the past are listed below:

59 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 59​



Full Article In Link Below:

 

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Excerpts from two articles 7/12/24 by John Sigler of Saints Wire as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


July 12th, 2024 - Anfernee Orji - Number 58

Countdown to Kickoff: Anfernee Orji is the Saints Player of Day 58​




We’ve got 58 days to go until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, which makes Anfernee Orji our Saints Player of the Day. The current owner of the No. 58 jersey spent a year on the Saints practice squad which prepared him to compete for a roster spot at training camp later this summer:

  • Name (Age): Anfernee Orji (23)
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 230 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.23
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $795,000
  • College: Vanderbilt
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 1 year
Orji received $226,000 in guarantees last spring to sign with the Saints as an undrafted free agent, which just trails this year’s leader (tight end Dallin Holker, who was guaranteed $235,000). He showed some impressive movement skills through training camp and preseason but missed too tackles, and he spent his rookie year on the practice squad.

Now he’s competing with guys like D’Marco Jackson, Khaleke Hudson, Monty Rice, Jaylan Ford, and Isaiah Stalbird for two, maybe three roster spots, depending on how soon Nephi Sewell can return from a December knee injury.

Full Article In Link Below:

59 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 59​


Full Article Below:

 

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Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/13/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

July 13th, 2024 - Niko Lalos - Number 57

Countdown to Kickoff: Niko Lalos is the Saints Player of Day 57​


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Time is flying by. There are just 57 days left until the tart of the New Orleans Saints’ 2024 regular season, which makes the current owner of the No. 57 jersey our Saints Player of the Day: Niko Lalos.

Another year on the practice squad has been good for his development. Lalos has higher goals in 2024, but what road brought him here? Let’s break it down.

  • Name (Age): Niko Lalos (27)
  • Position: Defensive end
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 269 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: N/A
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $915,000
  • College: Dartmouth
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2020 (New York Giants)
  • NFL experience: 2 years
Lalos spent the first couple years of his pro career with the Giants, appearing in a handful of games with Big Blue before they waived him during their 2022 training camp. He joined the Saints for the rest of the preseason that summer and spent most of the year on their practice squad, returning to New Orleans in 2023. He played well for the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in 2022 before re-signing with the Saints and held his own throughout the preseason but ultimately wound up on the practice squad again. They saw enough to warrant bringing him back for 2024.


Full Article In Link Below:


There is only one #57. City Champ!
 

Excerpts from an article by Luke Loffredo of Saints Wire on 7/14/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

Countdown to Kickoff: Demario Davis is the Saints Player of Day 56​


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The countdown to the New Orleans Saints 2024 regular season kickoff is underway as we highlight every player who wears the corresponding jersey number. With now 56 days remaining before the Saints’ Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Demario Davis is today’s Saints Player of the Day:

  • Name (Age): Demario Davis (35)
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 248 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.99
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $9,033,000
  • College: Arkansas State
  • Drafted: 3rd round in 2012 (New York Jets)
  • NFL experience: 13 years
Demario Davis has been one of the most decorated Saints players since his arrival in 2018. At age 35, Davis is still one of the game’s most elite players at his position. After securing his fifth consecutive All-Pro selection as well as his second Pro Bowl nod, Davis has shown no signs of slowing down.

The Saints made sure to add some depth behind Davis this offseason at the linebacker position with the signings of Willie Gay Jr. and Khaleke Hudson while adding Jaylan Ford in the draft. These signings along with the presence of fellow starting linebacker Pete Werner relieves a little bit of pressure off Davis who has been the mainstay for so many years.


Full Article In Link Below:


Some other Saints players who have worn the #56 in the past include:

Micheal Mauti (2015-2017)
Jo-Lonn Dunbar (2008-2011)
Alfred Fincher (2005-2007)
Pat Swilling (1986-1992)


More Saints players who have worn the number 56 in the past are listed in the article by John Sigler of Saints Wire 7/14/24 as seen at saintswire.usatoday.com

Link below:

56 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 56​


 
Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/15/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

July 15th, 2024 - Isaiah Foskey - Number 55

Countdown to Kickoff: Isaiah Foskey is the Saints Player of Day 55​


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We’ve got 55 days to go until the New Orleans Saints’ regular season kicks off, which makes the current No. 55 our Saints Player of the Day: Isaiah Foskey. What does a successful Year 2 look like for the former second-round draft pick? Let’s break it down.

  • Name (Age): Isaiah Foskey (23)
  • Position: Defensive end
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 270 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.61
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $1,985,164
  • College: Notre Dame
  • Drafted: 2nd round in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 2 years
Foskey may have fit the same athletic profile as past Saints draft picks like Marcus Davenport and Payton Turner, but he was seen as a very different prospect coming out of college. He won Notre Dame’s school sacks record (26.5) and was considered to be a very polished pass rusher compared to guys from smaller programs who didn’t have as much experience or success at lower levels of competition.

Still, his rookie year was frustrating. Foskey was buried on the depth chart behind other players and totaled just 84 defensive snaps while missing time with an injury. He didn’t collect a single sack. Obviously, he has a lot of room to grow in Year 2.


Full Article In Link Below:
 
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Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/15/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

July 15th, 2024 - Isaiah Foskey - Number 55

Countdown to Kickoff: Isaiah Foskey is the Saints Player of Day 55​


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We’ve got 55 days to go until the New Orleans Saints’ regular season kicks off, which makes the current No. 55 our Saints Player of the Day: Isaiah Foskey. What does a successful Year 2 look like for the former second-round draft pick? Let’s break it down.

  • Name (Age): Isaiah Foskey (23)
  • Position: Defensive end
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 270 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.61
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $1,985,164
  • College: Arkansas State
  • Drafted: 2nd round in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 2 years
Foskey may have fit the same athletic profile as past Saints draft picks like Marcus Davenport and Payton Turner, but he was seen as a very different prospect coming out of college. He won Notre Dame’s school sacks record (26.5) and was considered to be a very polished pass rusher compared to guys from smaller programs who didn’t have as much experience or success at lower levels of competition.

Still, his rookie year was frustrating. Foskey was buried on the depth chart behind other players and totaled just 84 defensive snaps while missing time with an injury. He didn’t collect a single sack. Obviously, he has a lot of room to grow in Year 2.


Full Article In Link Below:
College: Arkansas State?

Hey, if it helps him play more like Demario - 👍
 

Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 7/17/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


July 17th, 2024 - Jaylan Ford - Number 53

Countdown to Kickoff: Jaylan Ford is the Saints Player of Day 53​


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We’ve got 53 days left until the New Orleans Saints open up their 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, meaning Jaylan Ford is the Saints Player of Day 53 in our countdown. The holder of the No. 53 jersey and rookie draft pick should aim higher than just making the team. But what road brought him here? Let’s break it down.

  • Name (Age): Jaylan Ford (22)
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 240 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.30
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $858,569
  • College: Texas
  • Drafted: 5th round in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie
There’s a lot to like about Ford’s game. He’s highly experienced despite his young age, having played in all 49 games the Longhorns have had over the last four years, with plenty of special teams reps on his resume. He’s only a two-year starter on defense but amassed 220 tackles and 10 takeaways in that span. He was regarded as a high-upside run defender coming out of school with some skills in pass coverage, though he may lack the high-end athleticism to hold up against NFL pass-catchers.

If he’s going to displace someone who made the team last year like D’Marco Jackson or Nephi Sewell, it’ll be because Ford had a strong summer working on special teams while holding his own with the second-string defense. Beyond covering punts and kickoffs, he needs to prove he won’t be a liability running with halfbacks and tight ends while picking up crossing routes from slot receivers moving into his zone.


Full Article In Link Below:

 

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