Countdown To Kickoff - 2024 New Orleans Saints (2 Viewers)

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Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 8/11/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com



August11th, 2024 - Rejzohn Wright - Number 28


Saints Season Opener Is Four Weeks From Today!

Countdown to Kickoff: Rejzohn Wright is the Saints Player of Day 28​

We’re continuing our countdown to kickoff with the current owner of the No. 28 jersey. Rejzohn Wright is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 28, and he could have an opportunity to play against the team that brought him to the NFL when the Saints square off with the Carolina Panthers in a month.

But Smith is fighting for snaps at the team’s best position group. Here’s his story:

• Name (Age): Rejzohn Wright (23)
• Position: Defensive back
• Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 193 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A
• 2024 salary cap hit: $795,000
• College: Oregon State
• Drafted: Undrafted in 2023 (Carolina Panthers)
• NFL experience: 1 season

His college football career started at Laney College in Oakland before he transferred to Oregon State. The Panthers signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft but waived him during roster cuts that August. He spent a week on the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad last October and signed with the Saints in January.

Wright has fought hard to establish himself at a crowded position group that only got deeper when the Saints drafted Kool-Aid McKinstry. He’s in the hunt for a spot on the practice squad since the Saints typically roster just four corners and they already have their four best options. It’s vital that Wright continue to use his size to his advantage and compete with receivers at the catch point. Pro Football Focus charting found that he was targeted four times in Saturday night’s preseason game but yielded just one catch for 22 yards. He needs to keep it up and prove to his coaches that he’s deserving of more time to develop his craft.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Rejzohn Wright is the Saints Player of Day 28

Countdown to Kickoff: Rejzohn Wright is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 28. He’s fighting for snaps at the team’s best position group.

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[Artifactual]

Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 8/12/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

August 12th, 2024 = Shemar Jean-Charles - Number 27

Countdown to Kickoff: Shemar Jean-Charles is the Saints Player of Day 27​

Our countdown to kickoff is picking up with Day 27, making Shemar Jean-Charles (the current owner of the No. 27 jersey) the New Orleans Saints Player of the Day. The cornerback has taken a tough road to get here, but the finish line is in sight:

• Name (Age): Shemar Jean-Charles (26)
• Position: Defensive back
• Height, weight: 5-foot-10, 184 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 4.27
• 2024 salary cap hit: $1,055,000
• College: Appalachian State
• Drafted: Round 5, Pick 178 in 2021 (Green Bay Packers)
• NFL experience: 4 seasons

Jean-Charles grew up in the Miami suburbs and played high school football at Miramar, where he was recruited to App State. He won All-American and All-Sun Belt recognition in 2020 despite lacking standout athletic traits, which helped him get drafted by the Packers. He spent the first few years of his pro career in Green Bay until he was let go during roster cuts last summer.

The San Francisco 49erse practice squad picked him up and Jean-Charles remained with the team through November, until he was waived again and signed by the Saints. Jean-Charles spent the month of December on New Orleans’ practice squad and was promoted to their 53-man roster in January. He’s totaled 28 games in his NFL career, largely appearing on special teams.

So how can he stand out in a crowded cornerbacks room? Jean-Charles needs to prove he can hold up in coverage and compete at the catch point despite his slighter frame, all while making tackles in the open field and continuing to help out in the kicking game.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Shemar Jean-Charles is the Saints Player of Day 27

Countdown to Kickoff: Shemar Jean-Charles is the Saints Player of Day 27. How can he stand out in a crowded cornerbacks room?

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Excerpts from an article by Crissy Froyd of Saints Wire on 8/13/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com

Countdown To Kickoff: James Robinson is the Saints Player of Day 26​

Just 26 days are left until the New Orleans Saints officially kick off their 2024 season. And one player to take note of within the running back corps is James Robinson, who the Saints added to the practice squad for the last three games of the 2023 season.

Here’s everything to know about Robinson, who wears the No. 26 for the Saints:

• Name (Age): James Robinson (26)
• Position: Running back
• Height, weight: 5-foot-9, 219 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 7.85
• 2024 salary cap hit: $1,055,000
• College: Illinois State
• Drafted: Undrafted in 2020 (Jacksonville Jaguars)
• NFL experience: 6th season

Robinson certainly isn’t one of the Saints’ premier running backs, but he is a player who could prove a true diamond in the rough for the 2024 season. Robinson originally began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State in 2020.

He far exceeded the expectations, shocking many when he earned a roster spot and was a starter in the Jags backfield on opening day. Robinson only expounded upon the opportunity presented to him, taking full advantage en route to recording 1,070 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground on 240 carries, leading the team in rushing.

He once again led the team in that category the following season, though his numbers weren’t quite as strong with a total of 767 rushing yards.

Robinson’s success dwindled from that point, largely a result of the injury bug, after he was traded by Jacksonville to the New York Jets roughly halfway through the 2022 season.

Between the Jets and the Packers in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Robinson saw action in just five games, amassing 87 rushing yards on 30 carries.



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Countdown To Kickoff: James Robinson is the Saints Player of Day 26

James Robinson could be a potential diamond in the rough for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. He’s the Saints Player of Day 26:

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Excerpts from an article by Crissy Froyd of Saints Wire on 8/14/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com




August 14th, 2014 - Kendre Miller - Number 25

Countdown to Kickoff: Kendre Miller is Saints Player of Day 25​

Our countdown to kickoff marches on with just 25 days until the New Orleans Saints officially kick off the 2024 season. In honor of that, we’re taking a deeper look at running back Kendre Miller, who wears the No. 25 jersey for the squad.

Here’s everything to know about Miller, who is at the center of one of the Saints’ preseason position battles to watch:

• Name (Age): Kendre Miller (22)
• Position: Running back
• Height, weight: 6-foot, 220 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A
• 2024 salary cap hit: $1,285,071
• College: TCU
• Drafted: Round 3, No. 71 (2023, New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: 2nd season

The Saints selected the former Horned Frogs ball carrier in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, and he made a strong impression out of the gate after finishing out his college career with 2,410 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 361 carries.

Miller was riddled by injuries throughout his rookie season, but still managed to be a force of the New Orleans backfield in the regular season finale. He saw action in 8 games, tallying 156 rushing yards and a single touchdown on 41 attempts. He showed versatility, as is so in demand for running backs in the modern era, catching 10 passes for 117 yards in that same season.

The 2024 preseason hasn’t gotten off to the best start for Miller so far after he was forced to sit out of the opener against the Arizona Cardinals with a hamstring injury. He’s been sidelined since the first day of training camp.

Miller must heal up so he can take utmost advantage of the remainder of the preseason, starting with Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.


Full Article In Link Below:

Countdown to Kickoff: Kendre Miller is Saints Player of Day 25

The Saints kick off their regular season in 25 days. That makes Kendre Miller, who wears No. 25, our Saints Player of the Day:

saintswire.usatoday.com

 

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Excerpts from an article by Luke Loffredo of Saints Wire on 8/15/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


August 15th, 2024 - Johnathan Abram - Number 24

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Countdown To Kickoff: Johnathan Abram is the Saints Player of Day 24​

Just 24 days are left until the New Orleans Saints officially kick off their 2024 season. The player of the day lies in the defensive back room with safety Johnathan Abram, who the Saints first signed in the 2023 offseason.

Here’s everything to know about Abram, who wears the No. 24 for the Saints:

• Name (Age): Johnathan Abram (24)
• Position: Running back
• Height, weight: 5-foot-11, 205 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 7.02
• 2024 salary cap hit: $1,065,000
• College: Mississippi State
• Drafted: First round in 2019 (Oakland Raiders)
• NFL experience: 6th season

Abram is a player the Saints added to fill some depth in the safety room behind Tyrann Mathieu and co. Abram began his career as a highly coveted player out of Texas A&M. After a slow start to his career, Abram came on to the scene in 2020 playing in 13 games for the now-Las Vegas Raiders. During that span Abram totaled 86 tackles and a career-high 6 pass deflections and two interceptions. Abram followed that up hitting another career-high with 116 tackles in 2021 before getting released by the Raiders in 2022. Abram would make two more stops to Green Bay and Seattle before heading to New Orleans in 2023.

With the Saints, Abram has spent most of his time playing a pivotal role on special teams while also providing needed depth in the backend. In his limited role, Abram was able to come up with 26 tackles in 9 games in 2023. His best performance came in Week 17 when he was given the start over rookie Jordan Howden against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that matchup, Abram caught an interception and forced a fumble to keep the Saints playoff hopes alive going into the last week of the season.

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Countdown To Kickoff: Johnathan Abram is the Saints Player of Day 24

Countdown To Kickoff: Johnathan Abram is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 24. He’s competing with Jordan Howden to start next to Tyrann Mathieu

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Excerpts from an article by Luke Loffredo of Saints Wire on 8/16/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


August 16th, 2024 - Marshon Lattimore - Number 23

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Countdown to Kickoff: Marshon Lattimore is Saints Player of Day 23​

Our countdown to kickoff continues on with just 23 days until the New Orleans Saints face off against the division-rival Carolina Panthers in Week 1. To mark this, we’re going to give a little background on arguably the team’s most talented player in cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Here’s everything to know about Lattimore, who just recently got back on the practice field after a few weeks of spectating due to injury:

• Name (Age): Marshon Lattimore (28)
• Position: Cornerback
• Height, weight: 6-foot, 192 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 10.0
• 2024 salary cap hit: $14,616,400
• College: Ohio State
• Drafted: Round 1, No. 11 (2017, New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: 8th season

The New Orleans Saints had Marshon Lattimore fall into their lap during the 2017 draft. Regarded as the best cornerback in college football, Lattimore was projected to go in the top five or ten picks. As Lattimore shockingly slipped down the draft board, the Saints making him their selection at no. 11 was a no brainer. A team that hadn’t had a true No. 1 corner since Jabari Greer.

As a rookie Lattimore quickly came onto the scene, cementing himself as one of the leagues top corner’s in year one. The team felt comfortable early on matching him up with some of the league’s best receivers and he more than lived up to the challenge. His five interceptions and 22 pass deflections were both good for third in the NFL in 2017, leading him to his first Pro Bowl and a Defensive Rookie of the Year honor.

In the following seasons, Lattimore continued to maintain consistency, heading to three more Pro Bowls while bolstering the Saints defense to elite status, something they hadn’t experienced in a while. Currently, out of all active cornerbacks, Lattimore is fourth in the NFL with 86 passes defended despite missing much of the last two seasons due to injury. That’s a stat that puts opposing offenses on notice.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Marshon Lattimore is Saints Player of Day 23

Countdown to Kickoff: Marshon Lattimore is the Saints Player of Day 23. A return to health can help remind everyone just how talented he is:

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Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 8/17/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


August 17th, 2024 - Rashid Shaheed - Number 22

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Countdown to Kickoff: Rashid Shaheed is the Saints Player of Day 22​

We’ve got just 22 days left until the New Orleans Saints open up their 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, which means the current owner of the No. 22 jersey is our Saints Player of the Day. Rashid Shaheed is going into 2024 with a ton of momentum, having earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition for his skills in the return game while breaking out as one of Derek Carr’s favorite receivers last season — and then he signed a contract extension to stay with the Saints through 2025.

But what’s his story? What are realistic expectations for Shaheed in 2024? Let’s dig in.

• Name (Age): Rashid Shaheed (25)
• Position: Wide receiver/returns specialist
• Height, weight: 6-foot, 180 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A
• 2024 salary cap hit: $1,235,000
• College: Weber State
• Drafted: Undrafted in 2022 (New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: 3rd season

Shaheed grew up in San Diego (where he happened to cross paths with Drew Brees once as an elementary school student) and played high school football at Mt. Carmel, where he was recruited to Weber State in Utah. He earned All-American honors four times in college and finished with the third-most all-purpose yards in school history, which helped put him on the Saints’ radar as an undrafted free agent despite suffering a serious knee injury in his senior year.

Still, the Saints took a patient approach with Shaheed’s recovery, and it paid off. He made some exciting plays as a rookie in 2022 (while wearing the No. 89 jersey), ripping off a 44-yard touchdown run with his first touch and a 53-yard touchdown catch with his first reception. Then he switched to No. 22 before the 2023 season and truly broke out after getting in a full offseason of work.

He totaled 719 receiving yards along with 384 kick return yards and 339 punt return yards last season (plus 37 rushing yards), scoring five touchdown catches and a punt return touchdown. Shaheed was the only player in the NFL to have 300-plus return yards on both punts and kickoffs while also gaining more than 500 yards of offense. Look at the runners-up:

• Rashid Shaheed (Saints): 756 scrimmage yards, 384 KR yards, 339 PR yards. 1,479 all-purpose yards
• Xavier Gipson (Jets): 297 scrimmage yards, 511 KR yards, 319 PR yards. 1,127 all-purpose yards
• Marvin Mims (Broncos): 407 scrimmage yards, 397 KR yards, 312 PR yards. 1,116 all-purpose yards
• Derius Davis (Chargers): 167 scrimmage yards, 374 KR yards, 385 PR yards. 926 all-purpose yards

The hope is for Shaheed to take another step forward with Klint Kubiak calling plays instead of Pete Carmichael. Finding new, creative ways to get Shaheed involved and taking full advantage of his athleticism is a high priority.


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Countdown to Kickoff: Rashid Shaheed is the Saints Player of Day 22

Countdown to Kickoff: Rashid Shaheed is the Saints Player of Day 22. The third-year pro is looking to take a big leap forward in a new offense

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Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 8/18/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com



August 17th, 2024 - Jamaal Williams - Number 21


Saints Season Opener Is Three Weeks From Today!

Countdown to Kickoff: Jamaal Williams is the Saints Player of Day 21​

We’re exactly three weeks away from the start of the New Orleans Saints’ regular season — 21 days stand between us and kickoff with the Carolina Panthers. And that makes Jamaal Williams, who wears the No. 21 jersey, our Saints Player of the Day.

The veteran running back has move to prove in 2024. Here’s his story:

• Name (Age): Jamaal Williams (29)
• Position: Running back
• Height, weight: 6-foot, 224 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 4.55
• 2024 salary cap hit: $4,630,000
• College: BYU
• Drafted: Round 4 in 2017 (Green Bay Packers)
• NFL experience: 8 seasons

Williams played high school football in Fontana, outside Los Angeles, and went to college at BYU where he was teammates with Taysom Hill. The Packers drafted him at No. 134 overall in 2017 but he didn’t truly break out until joining the Detroit Lions. After setting career-highs in rushing yards (1,066) and touchdown runs (17) with Detroit in 2022, Williams signed a free agent contract with the Saints in 2023 with a lot of momentum behind him.

It’s tough to describe his 2023 season as anything but a disappointment. Williams saw career-lows in rushing yards (306) and touchdown runs (1) and averaged the worst yards per carry (2.9) he’s seen in the NFL. The hope is for him to rebound in Klint Kubiak’s more-creative running game, but Williams needs to rediscover the extra gear he put to good use in Detroit. This was the first season in which he didn’t have a single run of more than 20 yards.


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Countdown to Kickoff: Jamaal Williams is the Saints Player of Day 21

Countdown to Kickoff: Jamaal Williams is the Saints Player of Day 21. The veteran running back has much to prove in 2024:

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Excerpts from an article by John Sigler of Saints Wire on 8/19/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com



August 19th, 2024 - Pete Werner - Number 20

Countdown to Kickoff: Pete Werner is the Saints Player of Day 20​

Our countdown to kickoff continues with Day 20, which means Pete Werner is the New Orleans Saints Player of the Day. Expectations are higher for the veteran linebacker in 2024 now that he’s signed aa long-term contract extension. But what’s his story? Let’s break it down.

• Name (Age): Pete Werner (25)
• Position: Linebacker
• Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 242 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 9.52
• 2024 salary cap hit: $2,908,763
• College: Ohio State
• Drafted: Round 2 in 2021 (New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: 4 seasons

The Saints drafted him at No. 60 overall and he didn’t take long to work his way into the starting lineup.

And he’s done well for himself this summer. The Saints signed Willie Gay Jr. as competition for Werner’s starting job, and he did so well in training camp that the team offered him a three-year extension. And because Werner was already under contract for 2024, he’s now tied to the team through 2027. That’s valuable long-term security that gives the Saints a viable option in the middle of their defense once Demario Davis decides to call it a career, whether that happens next year or in two or three years.


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Countdown to Kickoff: Pete Werner is the Saints Player of Day 20

Countdown to Kickoff: Pete Werner is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 20. Expectations are higher for the veteran linebacker in 2024.

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Excerpts from an article by Luke Loffredo of Saints Wire on 8/20/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com



August 20th, 2024 - Blake Grupe - Number 19

Countdown to Kickoff: Blake Grupe is the Saints Player of Day 19​

We’ve got just 19 days left until the New Orleans Saints open up their 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, which makes our player of the day kicker Blake Grupe, the current owner of the No. 19 jersey. Grupe has found himself in a kicking battle for the second year in a row, hoping to come out on top once again.

Let’s give a little bit of a background on the second-year pro and what we can expect from Grupe in 2024:

• Name (Age): Blake Grupe (25)
• Position: Kicker
• Height, weight: 5-foot-7, 156 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A
• 2024 salary cap hit: $915,833
• College: Notre Dame
• Drafted: Undrafted in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: 2nd season

Grupe grew up in Missouri, where he attended Smith-Cotton High School in the city of Sedalia. He was a three-sport athlete in soccer, baseball and football where he earned all-state recognition. During his high school football career, Grupe set school records for field goals ultimately earning him an opportunity to play college ball at Arkansas State.

As the college football season concluded and the NFL draft rolled around, Grupe was regarded as one of the best kicker prospects in the country. After going undrafted in 2023 like most specialists, Grupe signed with the Saints, immediately entering into a kicking battle with former Pro Bowler Wil Lutz. The two competed all through camp until the end of the preseason, where Lutz was traded to the Denver Broncos crowning Grupe as the winner.

In his first season as the Saints’ place kicker, Grupe hit on 30 of 37 field goal tries (81%) with his long being 55. Although battling through some inconsistency, Grupe had some special moments in year one. In Week 5, Grupe earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after connecting on two 50-plus yard field goals and hitting on all four of his extra point tries.

Going into the 2024 season, Grupe is in another kicking competition this time with undrafted rookie Charlie Smyth. All throughout training camp the two have been pretty even as far as production which means it will likely go down to the wire when it comes to a decision. This was the case last season when Grupe got his shot, the only difference is now Grupe isn’t the young buck anymore. With one week left in the preseason, the room for error will only narrow meaning Grupe must do everything in his power to hold onto his job.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Blake Grupe is the Saints Player of Day 19

Our countdown to kickoff continues with Blake Grupe. The second-year kicker is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 19:

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Saints Kicker Blake Grupe Set 11 Saints Rookie All-Time Franchise Records, Tied 2 Saints Rookie All-Time Franchise Records, Set 3 Saints All-Time Franchise Record and Tied 2 Saints All-Time Franchise Records In His Rookie Season in 2023:

Eleven Saints Rookie Kicker Franchise Records Set:

1. Most FGs Made In A Single Game - 5
2. Most FGs Attempted - 37
3. Most FGs Made - 30
4. Most FGs Made From 40 or More Yards Out - 14
5. Most FGs Made From 50 or More Yards Out - 6
6. Most Touchbacks - 76
7. Most Kickoff Yardage - 5828
8. Highest Touchback Percentage - 83.5%
9. Highest Kickoff Average - 64.0 Yards ***(For Rookie Kickers Who Kicked In Every Game For The Saints During Their Rookie Season.)***
10.1st Rookie To Make 2 FGs of 50 or More Yards Out in a Single Game
11. 1st Rookie Kicker to Kick in 17 games in a single season

Two Saints Rookie Kicker Franchise Records Tied:

1. Most Made FGs between 40-49 Yards Out - 8
2. Percentage Of PATs (40 out of 40) - 100%

Three Saints Franchise Kicker Records Set:

1. FGs Made From 50 or More Yards Out In A Single Season - 6
2. Highest Career Touchback Percentage - 83.5%
3. Highest Career Kickoff Average - 64.0 Yards

Two Saints Franchise Kicker Records Tied:

1. 100% of PATs Made (40 out of 40)
2. Most FGs Made In A Single Game - 5

In addition to the above Records, Grupe has also Holds the Record for the 2nd Longest FG Made by a Rookie at 55 Yards and is Tied for 2nd in Franchise History for FGs Made in a Single Season of 40 Yards Out or More at 14. Grupe Scored the 2nd Most Points (130) for a Rookie in Saints Franchise History.

 

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Excerpts from an article by Crissy Froyd of Saints Wire on 8/21/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com



August 21st, 2024 - Spencer Rattler - Number 18

Countdown to Kickoff: Spencer Rattler is the Saints Player of Day 18​

Just 18 days stand between now and the kickoff the 2024 NFL season for the New Orleans Saints.

Here’s a look into everything to know about the player who dons No. 18 for the Saints:

• Name (Age): Spencer Rattler (23)
• Position: Quarterback
• Height, weight: 6-foot, 211 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 4.00
• 2024 salary cap hit: $879,120
• College: Oklahoma, South Carolina
• Drafted: Round 5, No. 150 overall (New Orleans Saints, 2024)
• NFL experience: Rookie

Spencer Rattler is one of the most intriguing stories over recent college football history, going from a player who was once projected to be a No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick to a quarterback who was benched during the season in favor of backup Caleb Williams at Oklahoma.

Rattler wouldn’t quite reach the same heights, but did get his feet back under him when he joined Shane Beamer in Columbia with the South Carolina Gamecocks, going on to become the Senior Bowl MVP during offseason showcases.

The signal-caller got better in his own right in a way that wasn’t always noticed because of the subpar offensive line and supporting cast he was surrounded by. South Carolina as a whole looked lackluster when it finished out the 2023 season with a 5-7 overall record, but Rattler didn’t, ending out the year with a 68.9% completion rate, 3,186 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

Up next, Rattler will continue battling another former Senior Bowl MVP in ex-Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener for the backup position. Haener has somewhat of an edge intellectually, given that he’s spent one year in the Saints offense, though some may argue it is Rattler who has the higher ceiling and upside.


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Countdown to Kickoff: Spencer Rattler is the Saints Player of Day 18

Taking a look at quarterback Spencer Rattler with just 18 days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 regular season:

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Excerpts from an article by Luke Loffredo of Saints Wire on 8/22/24 as viewed at saintswire.usatoday.com


August 22nd, 2024 - A.T. Perry - Number 17

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Countdown to Kickoff: A.T. Perry is the Saints Player of Day 17​

We’ve got just 17 days left until the New Orleans Saints open up their 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, which makes our player of the day wide receiver A.T. Perry, the current owner of the No. 17 jersey. Perry is currently in a battle for the Saints No. 3 receiver job and is hoping to take that next step to being a legitimate option for his team.

Let’s give a little bit of a background on the second-year pro and what we can expect from Perry in 2024:

• Name (Age): A.T. Perry (24)
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 9.62
• 2024 salary cap hit: $959,091
• College: Wake Forest
• Drafted: 6th Round, No. 195 in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: 2nd season

A.T. Perry grew up in Lake Worth Beach, Fla. where he was a three-star recruit at Park Vista Community High School. Amongst many collegiate scholarship offers, Perry made the decision to attend Wake Forest where he would spend the next five years developing.

As a freshman in college, Perry was redshirted sitting out the entire season in 2018. In his redshirt freshman season, Perry found himself active in four games totaling 4 receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. His role would slowly increase in 2020, now catching 15 balls for 211 yards and a touchdown in six games. And finally in his redshirt sophomore season, Perry reached new levels. In 2021, Perry would catch 71 passes for 1,293 yards and a school records 15 touchdowns. Perry was named first-team all-ACC and was regarded as one of the best receivers in the country. Choosing to stay for an additional season, Perry posted another 1,000 yard season but this time surpassing his career-high in catches (81) and scoring double digit touchdowns for the second year in a row.

At the end of his final season at Wake Forest, Perry declared for the 2023 NFL draft where he was projected to go in the mid- to late-rounds. But during the draft, Perry heard his name called at pick No. 195 in the sixth round when the New Orleans Saints traded up for him. Perry was quickly regarded as a steal for the Saints due to his falling stock during the draft. It was reported that there were character concerns tied to this but it was never really discussed or examined further.

In his first season as a Saint, Perry was active in 10 games totaling 246 yards receiving on 12 catches while scoring 4 touchdowns his rookie season. Perry became one of the teams big play threats down the stretch as he averaged 20.5 yards per catch in 2023. It was starting to look like the Saints had potentially a nice, young core at receiver with Olave, Shaheed and Perry.


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Countdown to Kickoff: A.T. Perry is the Saints Player of Day 17

Countdown to Kickoff: A.T. Perry is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 17. What’s his story, and what are realistic expectations for him in 2024?

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Sources of information: NFL.Com / Wikipedia.Org / Over The Cap.Com

August 23rd, 2024 - Jerrod "Bub" Means - Number 16

Countdown to Kickoff: Bub Means is the Saints Player of Day 16​

We’ve got just 16 days left until the New Orleans Saints open up their 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, which makes our player of the day wide receiver Jerrod "Bub" Means, the current owner of the No. 16 jersey. Means is currently in a battle for a spot on the Saints 53-man roster.

Let’s give a little bit of a background on the rookie first-year pro and what we can expect from Means in 2024:

• Name (Age): Bub Means - 23
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height, weight: 6'1", 212 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 9.47
• 2024 salary cap hit: $858,569
• College: Pittsburgh
• Drafted: 5th Round, in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
• NFL experience: Rookie

Overview​

Big receiver with build-up speed who should be a natural fit for teams employing a layers-based passing scheme. For his size, Means is surprisingly adept at slipping press and shows an ability to create separation on over routes and go routes once he hits top speed. He can win contested throws but gives too many away when he's not imposing his size on the coverage. Means could struggle with a route tree requiring him to gear up and down getting in and out of breaks.

Strengths​

• Good height with big frame and excellent wingspan.
• Suddenness to elude press and take early lead.
• Drops head and hits accelerator to extend downfield separation.
• Uses catch radius to stab throws over the heads of corners.
• Has speed to prolong the run after the catch on West Coast routes.
• Played much more confidently over second half of the 2023 season.

Weaknesses​

• Needs additional steps to stop momentum on comebacks.
• Occasionally takes foot off the gas and doesn't finish the route.
• Sits and waits on zone throws, allowing coverage to bang catches loose.
• Average feel for putting the cornerback on his hip and keeping him there.
• Could use better effort to sustain his run blocks.

Bub Means attended Lovejoy High School in Lovejoy, Georgia where he was a 3 star recruit coming out of HS. Means committed to play college football at the University of Tennessee. After redshirting in 2019 at Tennessee, Means decided to transfer to Louisiana Tech, where he was forced to sit out the 2020 season. Means first saw action at Louisiana Tech in 2021, where he tallied 22 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns.

Following the 2021 season, Means announced that he would transfer to Pittsburgh. In his firsts season with Pitt, he had 27 receptions for 401 yards and 2 touchdowns. The next season Means hauled in 41 receptions for 721 yards and 6 touchdowns before declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.

Means has good measurables at 6'1" and 211 pounds while running a 4.43 forty yard dash at the NFL combine and posting a 39.5 vertical. He missed a sizeable amount of practice time since being drafted by the Saints in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL draft. He has been practicing with the team as of late.


His performance in the upcoming preseason game against the Titans could determine him making the Saints 53=man roster or not.

If not, he will certainly be a candidate for the Saints practice squad to begin the 2024 season should he clear waivers.

 

[Artifactual]

Sources of information: NFL.Com. Wikipedia.Org. OverTheCap.Com


August 24th, 2024 - Lou Hedley - Number 15

Countdown to Kickoff: Lou Hedley is the Saints Player of Day 15​

Just 15 days stand between now and the kickoff the 2024 NFL season for the New Orleans Saints.

Hedley has changed his number from 39, which he wore in 2023, to 15, which he hopes to wear as the Saints punter in 2024.

Here’s a look into everything to know about the player who currently dons No. 15 for the Saints:

• Name (Age): Lou Hedley, 31
• Position: Punter
• Height, weight: 6'4", 220 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: Not Available
• 2024 salary cap hit: $916,666
• College: Miami
• Drafted: Undrafted 2023
• NFL experience: 2nd Year

Hedley grew up in Mandurah, Western Australia and originally played Australian Rules Football. He started playing juniors with the Mandurah Mustangs in the Peel Football League before 5 sesaons with the South Mandurah Falcons in the Metro Football League where he was a premiership player. He played senior football in 2013 with Peel Thunder for a season in the West Australian Football League though he did not break into the senior side. Known for his long kicking he was invited to join the ProKick Australia during that season aiming for a potential American football career.

Hedley played one season of college football at City College of San Francisco in 2017, where he averaged 38.6 yards per punt.

On February 5th, 2019, Hedley officially signed with the Miami Hurricanes. Hedley played 4 years at Miami. During the 2020 season Hedley averaged 47.2 yards per punt. He was named 2nd team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and he was named one of the three finalists for the Ray Guy Award. He was again named 2nd team All ACC in 2021 and again a finalist for the Ray Guy Award. In 2022 Hedley was named 1st team All-ACC and was named as a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award. He was also named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

After the 2022 season, Hedley announced he would forgo his last season of eligibility with Miami to declare for the NFL draft.

After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Hedley signed with the New Orleans Saints as an Undrafted Free Agent. On August 29th, 2023, he made the Saints initial 53-man roster. He finished his rookie season with the Saints with 75 punts for 3,224 yards, averaging 42.99 yards per punt.

Hedley has been a camp battle with fellow Australian punter Matthew Hayball, a rookie out of Vanderbilt, for the punting job in 2024.

​

 

[Artifactual]

Sources of information: neworleanssaints.com / pro-football-reference.com / ras.org / overthecap.com


August 25th, 2024 - Stanley Morgan - Number 14


Saints Season Opener Is Two Weeks From Today!

Countdown to Kickoff: Stanley Morgan is the Saints Player of Day 14​

​

Former St. Augustine Purple Knight joins his hometown team​

​

• Name (Age): Stanley Morgan, Jr. - 27
• Position: WR
• Height, weight: 6'0", 205 pounds
• Relative Athletic Score: 8.62
• 2024 salary cap hit: $985,000
• College: Nebraska
• Drafted: Undrafted 2019
• NFL experience: 5 Years

Just 14 days stand between now and the kickoff the 2024 NFL season for the New Orleans Saints.

Here's everything we know about the player currently wearing the number 14 for the Saints.

Morgan attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and played three seasons with the Purple Knights, tallying 173 receptions for 2,774 yards and 34 touchdowns. Morgan was chosen first-team Class 5A all-state his senior year and second-team Class 5A all-state his junior year.

Morgan's mother, Monique Jason, told NOLA.com back before the 2019 NFL Draft that Morgan thought he wanted to be an NFL player when his rec league had the opportunity to take the field at halftime during a game between two of his future teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints, in 2006. "After the halftime show, he came up to me and said, 'Mom, I think this is what I want to do for my life. I like the crowd, I like the fans, and I like the lights,'" Jason said.

Morgan joined the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers where he cemented his name in the record books, setting the mark for career receptions (189), career receiving yards (2,747), season receiving yards (1,004 in 2018), season receptions by a wide receiver (70 in 2018), season 100-yard receiving games (five in 2017) and consecutive games with a reception (38) over his four seasons. He was named second-team All-Big Ten for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Morgan went undrafted in 2019 but would sign on with the Bengals where he'd play from 2019-2023. Morgan had a limited role as a receiver with the Bengals, bringing in five receptions for 29 yards, but carved out a role for himself on special teams. In this role, he had 909 special teams snaps and tallied 30 tackles (20 solo) in 51 games.

Morgan played in four postseason contests for Cincinnati including in Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season, recording one coverage stop in the 2022 playoffs.

New Orleans born and raised Stanley Morgan, Jr. is in a tough battle to make the 53-man roster at WR. It's doubtful at this point that Morgan makes the initial cut unless the Saints decide to keep 6 WRs and view Morgan as a value to the special teams unit. Most likely he will be cut and be asked to return to the practice squad where he could be called upon from time to time as an elevated player during the season.