Da Boot Sports 7/30/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Renee Nadeau New Orleans Saints fans routinely scan the preseason roster annually to debate with friends about which player could emerge to overcome great odds, earn a spot and seemingly make a splash during the upcoming season. One undrafted rookie wide receiver and return specialist, Jermaine Jackson, may just fit the profile. Particularly with the newly adopted NFL special team rules that have completely changed kickoffs, the door springs open for players with Jackson’s skills. As a receiver who rarely drops a pass even during practice, Jackson is also capable of making difficult catches. In 29 contests while at Idaho, he latched onto 109 passes for 1,672 yards and six touchdowns. However, it’s the return skills that set him apart. Jackson recorded 36 punt returns for a 15.7 average and three scores, adding 23 kick returns with a 30-yard average and one score. During the 2023 campaign with the Vandals, the native of Oakland, California had two punt return touchdowns of 79 and 86 yards against Southern Illinois. Jackson was ranked 4th in the nation among punt returners with an impressive 18.4-yard average last year. In 2022, he had a 79-yarder for a score against Drake. Against Southeastern Louisiana in the FCS playoffs, he had a 95-yard kick return for a touchdown. The Saints scouting department recognized great potential, offering $150,000 in guarantees with a $10,000 signing bonus following the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s a good sign for Jackson since the team has recently hit on a pair of undrafted rookie free agents, Deonte Harty and Rashid Shaheed, who both earned first team All-Pro honors as return specialists. The success of his predecessors factored into Jackson’s final call to sign with the Saints following the draft. “Yes, I was aware of the returners that came through before me, like Deonte Harty and Rashid Shaheed,” the 24-year-old rookie explained. “That played a part, plus (special teams coordinator) Darren Rizzi does a great job with special teams. We had a great (pre-draft) meeting. I thought that he could set me up to be successful.” There is no time like the present to be a return specialist in the league, with the new rules offering talents like Jackson a chance to showcase those skills. “That is a great opportunity for returners. You want to take advantage of having an extra play to be on the field. It will be a huge thing for returners,” Jackson noted. During the 2021 season, Jackson opted to take a kickoff out of the end zone against Eastern Michigan. During the play, he took a hit on his knee, suffering a torn ACL and MCL. He didn’t fret, turning a potential career-ending injury into a six-month setback that did not affect his ability to run, cut or make people miss. The pitfalls of being a return specialist require a certain mindset to be overcome. It’s not for the faint of heart. Kickoffs require full speed reckless abandon. “You’ve got to feel like you’re running through fire,” he explained. “Once you get through the (first wave), you’re good. You just run as fast as you can, find a crease and hit it as fast as you can.” In the NFL when it comes to punts, you have to makes things happen once you secure the ball. Often times, it’s a split-second action that makes all the difference. “Catch the ball, square up and make the first guy miss. It will be a big step up making guys miss. I want to see how I can improve in that area. I feel like I’ve got football speed.” Listed at 5-7, 170, Jackson knows his size has been a hurdle he’s had to overcome throughout his career so he lives by the motto, ‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog’. “It affected me in recruiting,” said Jackson about his stature. “I try to use my height as an advantage. I try to be explosive and be as quick as possible, using it as an advantage. I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job.” Jermaine cites a 10-year NFL veteran who is similar in size. De’Andre Carter, who arrived in the NFL as a 5-8, 190-pound undrafted product of Sacramento State, has accumulated 108 career catches for 1,259 yards, 99 yards rushing and 3,940 return yards with seven total touchdowns. One of his scores was a 101-yard kick return back in 2021 to help Washington overtake Atlanta, 34-30. “De’Andre Carter is like a mentor to me. A lot of people compare me to him. I model my game after him.” Jackson has been an easy player to root for during his career, having succeeded both on and off the field. “I love him,” Idaho head football coach Jason Eck told the Spokesman-Review during the 2023 campaign. “He works tremendously hard. He is one of our hardest workers, and he takes a lot of leadership responsibilities on our offense. He is well respected by his teammates and one of our first ballot team captains. He’s a tough kid. He is a tough-minded kid.” The more you can do, the better your chances are to make the team. Jackson feels his contributions should not be limited to special teams only, confident in his ability as a wide receiver. “I definitely feel that I can help in the (receiver) room. I can be a deep threat, beating defenders downfield, catching those deep over-the-shoulder balls. That’s been my thing. Putting on some double moves. I’m excited to see how they can implement me into the offense, how they use me.” Lining up in the slot for offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak may be an ideal fit. He won’t shy away from the position’s physical demands. “The slot is a spot I’m used to playing. You get a lot of opportunities there. You usually get a matchup with a safety or a linebacker. My blocking, you have to take on those guys. That’s been a big thing for me. I utilize my speed in routes. I try to get a matchup on a safety and use double moves to get open,” Jackson detailed. After making a football name for himself out West, Jackson hopes to enjoy wearing the Black and Gold down south for awhile. “I feel like the Saints show a lot of love. I can’t wait to show out for the Who Dat Nation.” John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKS
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Da Boot Sports 7/26/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Rene Nadeau The start of New Orleans Saints training camp has finally arrived. There is no biggest story line to watch than the evolution of the offensive line. It will directly correlate with the team’s hopes for a successful season. It’s well known that New Orleans is banking on their top pick in this year’s NFL draft to make a significant impact for the unit. The pads come on July 29, a time when we begin to develop a true indication of his ability to fill the void at left tackle. Taliese Fuaga was the 14th player selected in this year’s NFL Draft, a player the Saints had targeted. “We really like Taliese,” head coach Dennis Allen stated following the pick. “He’s big, athletic, extremely physical, and has a culture-building personality. We fell in love with him at the Combine. We felt he was our type of person. He’s a tough, physical player.” The Saints are working with a newly constructed offensive line. If the starting quintet enjoys any level of success, much of that could stem from Fuaga’s development. He appears to possess the skills, mindset and DNA that could set him apart. Fuaga is explosive with great range, displaying rare agility for his size. He has the reactions to recover quickly and shows the talent to redirect rushers in pass-blocking assignments. The native of Tacoma, Washington can adjust with a high football IQ, and his punch is said to land with a heavyweight boxer’s knockout power. Pro Football Focus afforded Fuaga an overall grade of 88.2 last year at Oregon State, with a 90.9 run-blocking score. The team captain played in 12 games and 700 offensive snaps without surrendering any sacks on his was to becoming an Outland Trophy semifinalist. Additionally, Fuaga profiles as the type of bully every NFL team needs in the trenches, one who takes pride in dominating his opponent. He plays with a wide base with active, quick hands constantly in their proper position to strike with power. The rookie moves like a lighter man, playing with quick feet. ESPN analyst Louis Reddick heaped praise on the 6-foot-6, 324-pounder on draft night: “Fuaga has nimble feet and great punch timing. This guy is a foundational piece. He is a 10-15 year player who’s gonna be a multiple-time All-Pro.” That’s a tall order. The organization has had only five offensive linemen named First-team All-Pro: Willie Roaf, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jammal Brown, and Ryan Ramczyk. The Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Roaf earned that honor twice for the Saints and four more time with the Chiefs while Evans, a likely Canton entrant down the line, did so four times in New Orleans. Jim Michalczik has spent over 30 years coaching at both the college and NFL levels. He was recently named the offensive line coach at Michigan State, previously serving in the same capacity at Oregon State as a mentor for Fuaga. Add Michalczik to the list of believers. “Fuaga is in an elite group of players I’ve coached,” Michalczik said on draft day. “There are a few guys with his maturity. A lot of positives. He’s a hard worker, a competitor. He’s naturally powerful. He can translate that to the field.” “He’s very sharp, very smart. His talent is way up there, his work ethic, his maturity. He has those physical tools. Every rep he does at practice, he does at game tempo.” Michalczik says his former pupil strives for perfection, modeling his style after a three-year NFL veteran who has already earned First-team All-Pro in 2023 and twice earned Pro Bowl recognition. “He studied a lot of Penei Sewell,” Michalczik noted, comparing Fuaga to the Detroit Lions star tackle. “His pass blocks, he tried to emulate some of those things.” Sharpening his skills while adjusting to the speed of the NFL during his time at rookie camp, OTA’s and minicamp. “Getting my steps down for the running game,” Fuaga said. “I like run blocking. Still have to improve my run blocking and pass blocking. It’s mainly just learning a new playbook. It’s similar to what we ran at Oregon State, but there is some new terminology. Guys are bigger, faster, stronger at this level. Getting adjusted to the speed.” Fuaga spent most of his college time at right tackle but the Saints installed him at left tackle. The 22-year old has handled the adjustment with veteran precision. “I’d like to get my pass blocking down. That’s where you make your money on 3rd and longs,” he analyzed. “You’re going against very athletic pass rushers. Working against the veterans at practice is going to make me better. Being sound with my feet, steps, and hands. I have to get them all in sync.” One of those veterans who has been instrumental in Fuaga’s maturation process during their encounters is six-year New Orleans defensive end Carl Granderson. “I’m asking him questions every day. Like what could I have done better on that play. He is always straight up with me. He’s a good player. At the end of the day, we are going to compete. After practice, I always have a few questions. What do you see from a left tackle in the NFL that works?” Offensive line coach John Benton, also a newcomer in New Orleans this offseason, has been pleasantly surprised by what he has already seen so far. “Tali fits our scheme. He’s done incredibly well. The attack requires both tackles to cut off pursuit, win angles of attack. It requires a more athletic approach from both tackles rather than a physically dominating approach,” Benton detailed. “Benton reminds me a lot of my college coach Michalczik,” Fuaga said. “They are old friends. They both coach the same. Benton has kind of been like a father figure so far, taking me under his wing.” He hasn’t taken a regular season snap yet but Fuaga has already received the celebrity treatment during his brief time on the streets of the Crescent City. “I went to an Outback Steakhouse, and they gave me a discount because they knew who I was,” Fuaga said with a laugh. “There is nothing but love from the fans, and I have nothing but love for New Orleans.” New Orleans offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is pleased but knows the real work is yet to come. “Fuaga is smart, well-coached at Oregon State. He impressed us early. He works hard. He’s done everything we’ve asked. We’ll see when the pads come on.” That time has arrived. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSSaints Camp: Encouraging start for Kamara, Young; Miller latest with chronic injury concerns7/24/2024 Da Boot Sports 7/24/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Ken Trahan The first day of training camp for the New Orleans Saints included positives and a clear negative. The positives, including the weather in Irvine, California, were Alvin Kamara and Chase Young. Despite seeking a new deal, Kamara not only showed up for camp but participated in full and said all the right things. Kamara is important, make that very important for the 2024 Saints as he enters his eighth year in the league. Coming off a subpar season, Kamara is motivated to prove he is still a top-level back in the NFL as he looks to hit one last big payday in his career. With Jamaal Williams ineffective last season and with injury concerns for Kendre Miller, Kamara’s value would seem to be increasing, not decreasing. Young has been cleared for some activities and participated in part, though he did not participate in team drills. He would seem to be making good progress from neck surgery and appears on track to be available for the 2024 season, a proving ground, contract year for the talented former first-round draft pick. Young missed 23 games in 2021 and 2022 combined with the Washington Football Team due to a knee injury. Then, there is the negative and it is a genuine concern. Miller is a player whom the Saints felt strongly about. Now, the feeling is getting stronger every day, borrowing from a Chicago hit song, that Miller may not be a player you can count on. Miller suffered a hamstring injury during individual drills and left practice today. That drew the ire of Dennis Allen. “That’s a player who’s got to figure out how to stay healthy,” Allen said. The frustration was palpable. Miller fits the age-old description of oft-injured players of “you can’t make the club in the tub.” Coming off an injury which caused him to miss the national championship game while at TCU, Miller played in just eight games as a rookie for New Orleans, accounting for just 273 total yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately, the Saints have a recent history of investing heavily in players who fit that description. Marques Davenport, a first-round pick in 2018, never played in more than 13 games in his first four years with the team, a total of 18 games he could have played in. Davenport did play in 15 games in his final season (2022) with New Orleans but was largely ineffective. He was a miss, a poor pick by the organization. Davenport played in just four games with the Vikings last year. The pattern is clear. The Lions are the latest to take a flyer on Davenport as he is reunited with Dan Campbell. Payton Turner, a first-round pick in 2021, has played in just 15 games in three seasons with the Saints despite the team playing 51 games over that time. Turner played in just two games last season. The time is now for Turner to prove that he was not a mistake, another big miss. Trevor Penning, a first-round pick in 2022, missed 11 games in his rookie season after a painful turf toe injury in the preseason. Fortunately, Penning was healthy in 2023. Unfortunately, Penning was not effective in 2023, losing his starting job and ultimately being moved this season from left tackle to right tackle. Penning must prove this season that he was not a mistake, another miss. Andrus Peat, a first-round pick in 2015, never played in every game in his nine seasons with New Orleans. From 2018-2022, covering five seasons, Peat did not play in 30 games. Peat was valuable in 2023, moving out to left tackle by necessity and did a solid job, playing in all but one game. The Saints attempted to re-sign him but Peat took a solid offer from the Las Vegas Raiders. Terron Armstead, a third-round pick in 2013, was an excellent player for the Saints in his nine seasons with New Orleans, making three Pro Bowls. Armstead was not durable, missing 34 games between 2016-2021. Veteran players have broken down in recent years, including Armstead, Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk and Michael Thomas, though that happens in many instances as careers progress. Ramczyk may be done. Armstead has missed 11 games over the last two seasons with Miami, Lattimore has missed 17 games over the last two seasons. Thomas missed 48 games of a possible 68 games in his last four years with the Saints and remains unsigned, a free agent after being released March 13 by the Saints. Perhaps the Miller injury will prove to be minor and he will see the field soon. Perhaps Turner will finally get healthy and fulfill the potential the Saints saw in him. Perhaps Penning will prove he can play. We certainly hope so. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/23/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Ken Trahan Tests are an examination of knowledge learned. Even after decades of being out of college, the nightmare of waking from a bad dream of not being prepared for the big test lingers.It is a recurring dream, even though it has lost its steam being far removed from those crazy days. When prepared, it was a great feeling to receive the test, see the questions and assertively write in the correct answers with confidence. Those who have the answers win while those who do not have some but not enough answers are mired in the middle of the pack. Those with minimal correct answers will fail. The 2024 New Orleans Saints should be a competitive entity. Excitement abounds with a revamped coaching staff, including a pair of dynamic coordinators and new guidance for a very young, unproven offense line as training camp opens in Irvine, California. Based on the final month of last season when in 35 days the Saints averaged 28.8 points over six games, New Orleans earned four victories. Derek Carr shined, looking the part of the quarterback the Saints hoped they were getting when he was signed. Perhaps it was a matter of settling into the role with a new organization. Maybe it was Carr finally being healthy. The offensive line play was better. Juwan Johnson got healthy and became a factor while rookie A.T. Perry made plays. Can that momentum carry over to 2024? When last we saw Carr, he completed 22-of-28 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns while putting up 48 points. He endured enormous criticism, some of which was deserved but much of is was unfair. Carr was never and is never going to be Drew Brees. He is better than Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston but did not perform markedly better in 2023. That is a must in 2024. Will Carr be better in a new offense? The expectation is he will, providing Johnson gets healthy. There is speed and size at wide receiver. Taysom Hill is still a threat and you have to believe Alvin Kamara will get his money and that Kendre Miller will be healthier. Will Kamara strike a new deal with the Saints? While his play declined a bit last year and he is eight years in the league now, Kamara remains a good back and the Saints need him to be successful. Here is betting that the deal gets done. Kamara has shown up in Irvine, California, an indication that an agreement could come soon. Will the young offensive line be good enough? It was not a good unit in 2023 and changes were made. The changes were an improvement but no one would assert that it was a good unit by season’s end. Can it be better? The Saints are counting on three young, unproven players in tackles Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning and guard Nick Saldiveri. If all three come through, the Saints will have a dynamic young unit for several years to come with Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz still young. If two of the three come through, the Saints will be better overall. If only one pans out, it will be a real struggle, a genuine disappointment. Carr was not healthy a year ago because he was hit too much. On occasion, he held the ball too long but much of the time, he was simply getting hit too much due to below average protection. Couple that with the lack of a traditional run game and you have a bad equation. The run game was primarily Hill in the RPO game and straight keepers lining up at quarterback. Will Chris Olave go from being a good wide receiver to a top shelf NFL performer? The ability is there and the Saints need an elite player on the outside. Rashid Shaheed is there to take the top off opposing defenses. Perry figures to improve in year two and Cedrick Wilson is a solid pickup. Bub Means cannot be ignored. Defensively, will Chase Young be healthy enough by the preseason or by the start of the season to make a difference for a pass rush that was simply not good enough a year ago? The Saints believe he will, which is why they signed him to begin with. Information about Young has been on the quiet side. We simply have to wait to see if the surgery was successful. Young is motivated, in a contract year, to show he can be an elite pass rusher. Willie Gay will add athleticism and speed to the second level, where Demario Davis has been ageless. Let’s hope that continues. Pete Werner has been solid but the Saints are counting on him to be better than solid this coming season. Will Peyton Turner ever prove that he is an NFL player? Considering the vast investment made by the Saints in Turner, it is time for him to show something. First, he has to get on the field and that has been a challenge. Will Isaiah Foskey become a factor? The 2023 season did not tell us much about the second-round pick. If either he or Turner emerges, the defensive end position will look quite better, despite the injury to Tanoh Kpassagnon. Will Jordan Howden take a step forward and earn a starting job in year two? Howden was good as a rookie, a welcome surprise as an undrafted player. Howden played in all 16 games with seven starts at safety. Howden recorded 43 tackles, including a sack and forced a fumble. He could line up in the deep with Tyrann Mathieu. Will Marshon Lattimore return to elite form? That is a good question. At this point, you are hoping, perhaps praying that Lattimore is not the latest version of Michael Thomas, a once great player who is chronically injured, not available and whose skills have declined. After making the Pro Bowl in four of his first five seasons, Lattimore has played in just 17 games the last two seasons, missing the same number of games. What role will Kool-Aid McKinstry play? Fortunately, if healthy, there is not a ton of pressure for McKinstry to make an immediate impact, though his physical skills give him the potential to do so. With Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor, the Saints can take solace in three proven corners. This is one of the team’s strongest positions, if not the strongest. Will the kicking game be better? With regard to the return game, Shaheed gives the Saints a real advantage in this aspect, particularly with the new kickoff return rules which special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi lobbied hard for. The kickers are a different story. Lou Hedley was not good enough. Looking at his 2023 season, keep in mind that there are 32 NFL teams. Pro Football Focus had him ranked as the 36th best punter in the NFL. His 4.04 hang time average was 32nd in the league. Hedley averaged 43 yards per punt on 75 punts. That was 37th in the league. The only bright spot was Hedley landing 31 punts inside the 20-yard-line, which was fifth in the league. Rookie Matthew Hayball of Vanderbilt will challenge Hedley for the job in training camp and the preseason. Hayball was a second-team All-American last season, averaging 47.6 yards per punt. Blake Gillikin, whom the Saints cut to keep Hedley, averaged 50.6 yards per punt on 51 efforts last season and had 11 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Then, there is Thomas Morstead, whom the Saints released to keep Gillikin, which lasted two years. Morstead is still punting and he is good. Morstead led the NFL with 99 punts and in punt yards with 4,831, averaging 48.8 yards per punt with 36 punts downed inside the 20-yard-line. Similarly, the Saints let Wil Lutz, a proven kicker when healthy, go and Sean Payton quickly picked him up in Denver. New Orleans went with rookie Blake Grupe. Grupe converted 81.1 percent of his field goal attempts, 26th in the NFL. Grupe was a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points and finished with an 83.5 percent touchback rate. His crucial miss against Green Bay with less than two minutes to go, a kick that could have won the NFC South for New Orleans, was a season-defining moment in retrospect. He had other key misses as well and must be better. With the Broncos, Lutz converted 88.2 percent of his field goal attempts. He was 29-of-31 on extra point attempts and had an 87.7 percent touchback rate. Charlie Smyth will get a look in training camp but the Saints like Grupe, who is expected to have the job again this season. In short, Grupe simply needs to take the next step and improve. Finally, is Dennis Allen the right man for the job? Can he prove that he is a solid NFL head coach? That may be the biggest question. A proven, excellent coordinator, Allen now has his quarterback, many of his own players and virtually all his own coaches, including two new coordinators. If it is going to happen, this is the year. If it is not this year, there is no guarantee Allen will get a fourth opportunity. Given what he inherited from a talent perspective and with continuing cap issues, aging stars and no Drew Brees, Allen has not been bad but he simply has not been good enough to inspire long-term confidence, to this point. In review, the offensive line must be better, Carr must be more consistent, the kicking game must improve significantly and the coach must earn his keep. Those are primary answers to the questions. Will the Saints have the correct answers? We are about to start finding out. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/22/2024 By: Terrill J. Weil Steve Korte was a 2nd round pick in the 1983 NFL Draft out of Arkansas where he was a consensus All-American in 1982 at guard. He bench pressed 585 pounds, making him one of the strongest football players in Arkansas Razorback football history. In 2015 Korte was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor. Korte played guard and center for the Saints from 1983 to 1989. He was a solid anchor on the New Orleans offensive line and became a fan favorite. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/19/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: CCS Staff New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk was placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list Thursday.The move means he is out for the entire 2024 season, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The three-time All-Pro (2018-20) had offseason knee surgery and did not participate in OTAs or the veteran minicamp. Ramczyk, a former first round pick out of Wisconsin, has been a staple at right tackle for the Saints in his seven NFL seasons. In other roster moves, the Saints also placed tight end Juwan Johnson, linebacker Nephi Sewell and a pair of defensive ends – Tanoh Kpassagnon and Chase Young – on the active/PUP list. Wide receiver Chris Olave is now on the non-football injury (NFI) list while rookie receiver Bub Means was activated from the the non-football injury list. Johnson remains sidelined while recovering from foot surgery in June, and Young is recovering from neck surgery in late March. Once cleared to practice, any player on the active/PUP list will be eligible to join the active roster at any point during training camp or the preseason. Kpassagnon torn an Achilles in the offseason and Sewell suffered an ACL tear last season in Week 17 versus Tampa Bay. Olave is dealing with back tightness termed "not a significant situation." per Saints insider Nick Underhill. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/15/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent city Sports By: Renee Nadeau We’re just a few days away from the opening of New Orleans Saints training camp in Irvine, California. There is a particular group of players who could take a major step forward this season, ultimately positively impacting the team. Three on the following list are new rookie arrivals, some are NFL veterans looking to elevate their careers to the next level and others were former Saints’ draft picks who are possibly assuming primary roles. A trio of young offensive linemen headline the list. Here are 10 Saints to watch: Let’s start with this year’s first-round pick, Taliese Fuaga. Although it’s still early in the process, he is being considered a player with All-Pro potential. Most NFL prognosticators have lauded his potential and awarded the Black and Gold an “A” grade for the pick, terming him a “stud with nastiness.” The Saints quickly slid Fuaga into the left tackle spot. Throughout rookie camp, OTAs and minicamp, they have really liked what they have seen. The pads come on soon, and that’s when we’ll get a clearer picture. Nick Saldiveri is in a jumbled competition at left guard along with veteran free agent additions Lucas Patrick and Shane Lemieux. During minicamp, the now 6-6, 330-pouner appeared to have separated himself and drew rave reviews from the staff. Limited to four games in his rookie season in 2023, he started 35 contests at Old Dominion, proving to be tough, durable, and possessing a high football IQ and outstanding blocking recognition. He displays good knee bend, is patient in pass protection with a good base, and keeps his feet moving in blocking assignments. The Saints recognized great potential and traded up in the fourth round of the ’23 draft to get him. Defensive end Chase Young is not yet 100 percent physically but the early prognosis has been trending upward, and he seems to be on schedule concerning tests on his neck injury. The Saints signed him to a one-year, $13 million prove-it deal. The 25-year-old was the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was selected as the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl that season as well. Thus far in his career, he has accumulated 100 tackles and 16.5 sacks in 32 NFL starts. Last season, he posted 7.5 sacks, including one in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs. He could be an ideal piece on the edge along with Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson. Linebacker Willie Gay, a five-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, is very active. The 6-1, 243-pound former Mississippi State Bulldog has collected 233 tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 interceptions since arriving as a second-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2020 draft. He could be a major addition to the Saints’ defense for the foreseeable future. Kendre Miller is still somewhat of a mystery. Saints fans may not have witnessed his true potential since he was inactive for nine games as a rookie last season. He did flash some potential, totaling 73 yards on 13 carries against Atlanta in the season finale and showing great patience on many of those runs. In week 9 against the Bears, he made an attention-grabbing 31-yard catch near the sideline. He cradled an over-the-shoulder swing pass in week five against New England and then galloped 33 yards upfield. Of Miller’s 51 touches as a rookie, 15 produced first downs. Pro Football Focus tabbed the 22-year-old, 6-0, 220-pounder as a sleeper for the 2024 campaign. Tight end Dallin Holker received a $235,000 guarantee along with a $10,000 signing bonus as an undrafted rookie free agent this year. The 6-2, 241-pound former Colorado State star could be utilized in an assortment of ways in the new-look Klint Kubiak offense. With Juwan Johnson suffering an injury that could keep him on the shelf for an undetermined period, Holker could see his practice reps increase from the start. He possesses an uncanny catching radius, reliable hands and decent run-after-catch ability. Holker is sneaky fast. He will have to fine-tune his blocking skills. Trevor Penning couldn’t be left off this list. He has been the center of attention for many observers. The former first-round pick in 2022 has seemingly gotten a new lease on his NFL life since moving to right tackle during the offseason. Said to have started the offseason with a clean slate, Penning has drawn positive feedback from Dennis Allen, Klint Kubiak and new offensive line coach John Benton. Cedrick Wilson, a seven-year veteran, was added to bolster the overall depth at wide receiver. The 6-2, 197-pounder with 4.53 speed and a 37″ vertical appeared comfortable in his route running during OTAs and minicamp. A sixth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2018, Wilson has accumulated 101 catches for 1,269 yards and 11 scores in his career. A very diligent worker, the 28-year-old served as a deep threat for Dallas and later with the Miami Dolphins. He can track the ball well as a route runner. Wilson’s father spent seven seasons in the NFL (49ers, Steelers) and was part of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh squad in 2006, teaming with Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and running back Jerome Bettis. Will Harris, a six-year veteran, hasn’t drawn a lot of attention. He was a below-the-radar free agent addition this offseason who has been an active NFL contributor with 246 tackles, 14 passes broken up and 2 interceptions from his secondary spot. The 6-1, 207-pound Boston College product was a third-round pick of the Lions in 2019. Possessing skills to play either safety or nickel, he is a treasured pickup. Harris has played in 41 NFL games with 31 starts. Harris’ father played wide receiver at Mississippi State (1989-’92) and was drafted by the Bills in 1993. Bub Means, a fifth-round pick of the Saints this season, could maneuver his way into the three-wide receiver set as a rookie. A few NFL websites identified Means as a potential impact player as a rookie. With the required size at 6-1, 212 pounds, he can negotiate the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds with an impressive 39.5″ vertical. He recorded 19 reps on the 225-pound bench press test at the NFL Combine, which caught everyone’s attention. The offensive scheme at Pitt limited his deep play potential, although Means corralled 41 passes for 721 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He uses his body very well to shield the ball from defenders. Having experience at cornerback earlier in his college career has helped his maturation as a receiver. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/13/2024 Courtesy of: LaGalerieHotel.com The New Orleans Saints are one of the country’s most-watched NFL teams and have even been dubbed “America’s Team.” (A title that had been long-held by the Dallas Cowboys). However, if you’re a Big Easy local, it’s a given that you bleed black and gold and chant “Who Dat!” in your sleep. Whether you call NOLA home or cheer for the Saints from another part of the country, this team is undoubtedly one to watch. While you might know a lot of things about this popular team, as their colors and logo (the fleur-di-lis), there are also likely quite a few things you might not know. So, it’s time to get to know America’s Team a little better. Here are 10 fun facts you might not know about the incomparable New Orleans Saints:
John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/13/2024 By: Terrill J. Weil The Saints drafted Kyle Turley in the 1st round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact starting 15 games as a rookie. Turley's versatility allowed him to play both guard and tackle during his five seasons in New Orleans. He became a huge fan favorite while in NOLA. His career with the Saints was a solid one as Turley was steady and dependable. One of the biggest highlights of his career was during his helmet throwing incident against the New York Jets in 2001. The Saints traded Turley to the St. Louis Rams in 2003 for a 2nd round pick where he played for two seasons. A serious back injury ended his stay in St. Louis. He was signed by Kansas City, but the back injury continued to haunt him causing him to retire from football in 2007. Life after football saw Turley move to Nashville to pursue a music career. He started a band, released music and eventually started his own record company. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/12/2024 By: Terrill J. Weil The Saints drafted Willie Roaf in the 1st round of the 1993 draft. Roaf played nine seasons in New Orleans, making the Pro Bowl seven times. He could very well be considered the best offensive tackle to ever wear the black & gold. The Saints traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2002. Roaf would play in Kansas City for four seasons before retiring, making the Pro Bowl in each of those final four seasons. In 1993 he made the NFL All-Rookie Team, He is a member of the NFL's 1990s All-Decade team and the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team, He made the Pro Bowl 11 times, He is a member of the Saints Hall of Fame and The Saints Ring of Honor. Willie Roaf entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Roaf is considered the most awarded player in Saints history. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/10/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Rene Nadeau Defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, a sixth round selection for the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 draft, has a little history on his side. That round has produced some household names in franchise history: Saints Hall of Fame running back Fred McAfee, linebacker James Williams (1990-’94), wide receiver Floyd Turner (1989-’93) and cornerback Johnnie Poe (1981-’87) were all sixth rounders. Although 2023 top pick Brian Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, Jack Heflin and offseason addition Kendal Vickers are also on the roster, the position could use some depth at a minimum. Missing from last year’s group is Malcolm Roach, who signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. Interestingly, Boyd was issued jersey No. 97, previously worn by Roach. The 6-3, 329-pound Boyd took a pre-draft visit to the Saints headquarters. “They were one of the teams that I wanted to get with me right after the Combine, and they’ve always shown love,” noted Boyd, who also visited Detroit, Green Bay, Arizona, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Miami, Buffalo, Baltimore and the New York Giants. The Missouri native wasn’t invited to the 2024 NFL Indianapolis Combine but his Pro Day numbers helped make up for it. Boyd would have posted the 2nd most reps (38) on the 225 lbs. bench press testing among all attendees. Some NFL scouts have compared him favorably to the aforementioned Khalen Saunders. “I put in a lot of work. God gave me a lot of ability, but I still got to put the work in.” Possessing sheer power with a 650 lbs. squat and 345 lbs. power clean, Boyd has the strength to play with the big boys despite a FCS pedigree. He received some advice from former Northern Iowa teammate Trevor Penning, the Saints first round pick two years ago, on what to expect as he begins his NFL journey. “He told me it takes a lot of hard work to make it in the NFL,” Boyd said. “I just need to keep my head down and grind.” His five-year total as a pass rusher at UNI includes 79 pressures, 36 hurries, and 13 sacks. He will be 24 years old for the 2024 campaign. Being voted as team captain at Northern Iowa points to his leadership qualities. “That’s one of the best honors I have ever had.” The scouting report on Boyd note that he has the prerequisites to compete at the NFL level with a 5.1 time, a high motor and a good pass rush arsenal. He gets his hands into the passing lanes quickly to deflect throws, has an explosive first step out of his stance, is very disruptive and has the strength to anchor and challenge blockers. Boyd uses violent hands and pursues well from behind. His arsenal features a powerful push-pull technique that renders the blocker off balance, and he can stack blockers against the run. Those positives need to be shown at an even higher level in the NFL. The rookie tasted a sampling during offseason workouts of what to expect when training camp opens later this month. He learned which areas need fine-tuning. “My getting off the ball, being a force in the run game. I can pass rush as well, but I need to get better at shedding blocks and being more effective as a pass rusher and stay in my lane.” Opportunities often present themselves in the NFL; it’s what the individual does when he has his chance to shine that tells the tale in a career. Eight-year veteran Tanoh Kpassagnon suffered an Achilles injury that could keep him on the shelf for the foreseeable future. That could present an immediate spot on the New Orleans defensive front. Boyd is a good fit in the 4-3 scheme, versatile enough to play anywhere along the interior defensive line from “0” technique to “3” technique. “I feel like I’m best at the ‘one’ technique (shade off the guard’s shoulder). That’s what I’ve been doing (with the Saints) so far. I’ve got to master that,” Boyd stated. At that spot, his responsibility would be to take on double teams and occupy blockers. It requires power and flexibility. “Sometimes I will shade under the pressure and get to the quarterback,” Boyd assessed. ”I do what I have to do to get to the passer.” Like many athletes, Boyd sharpened his skills at a very young age. He grew up on the basketball courts but feels there is a correlation between the hardwood and the gridiron. “My dad had me playing basketball since the 3rd grade. That helped me a lot with my footwork, my agility and my speed.” Boyd models his playing style after a renowned NFL tough guy. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was on the 2010 NFL team of the decade, a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time 1st team All-Pro and two-time 2nd team All-Pro. “He played physically the way I like to play. He was considered for the Heisman and was the 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He got it done at the NFL level.” If Boyd comes anywhere near the success Suh enjoyed during his NFL career, the Saints will have struck gold in Round 6 once again. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/10/2024 By: Terrill J. Weil Drew Brees was a 2nd round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He had a solid five year stay in San Diego. Brees then sign a free agent contract with New Orleans in 2006. He would go on to lead to Saints to their greatest season in franchise history in 2009, winning Super Bowl XLIV and then would go on to set several NFL records. Brees made New Orleans his home, playing 15 years with the Saints. Below is a list of NFL records that Drew Brees holds::: Most career passing yards: 80,358 Most career completions: 7,142 Best career completion percentage: 67.7% Most seasons with 5,000+ passing yards: 5 Most completions in a season: 471 Best completion percentage in a season: 74.4% Most passing touchdowns in a game (Tied): 7 Most games with 300+ passing yards: 123 Most games with 4+ passing touchdowns: 37 Most games with 5+ passing touchdowns: 11 Most seasons with 30+ passing touchdowns: 10 While with the Saints, Brees passed for 68.010 yards with 491 touchdown passes. In his 20 year NFL career he made the Pro Bowl 13 times. Won a Super Bowl and was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV. Brees is currently owns a variety of restaurant businesses. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/9/2024 By: Terrill J. Weil NEW ORLEANS, LA - Below is a copy of the New Orleans Saints 2024 regular season schedule. Come to Da Boot Sports for all your New Orleans Saints coverage! John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/9/2024 By: Terrill J. Weil Jim Everett was drafted in the 1st round of the 1986 draft by the Houston Oilers. Everett refused to sign with the Oilers and was traded to the Los Angeles Rams where he played for eight seasons before being traded to the Saints in 1994. He was the Saints starting quarterback for three seasons. Everett then signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers where he played his final NFL season. He finished his three year career in New Orleans throwing for 10,622 yards and 60 touchdowns. His record with the Saints as the starting quarterback was 17-30. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKSDa Boot Sports 7/8/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Ed Daniels This offseason, Saints head coach Dennis Allen has made it clear he thinks New Orleans has a good number of talented young players that his staff can develop. “When you look at our team, we have some really young talent that has a chance to grow,” said Allen at the NFL meetings in March. “How you can sustain success in this league is to develop young players.” Then, this month at mini-camp Allen said the following. “I think we’ve done as good a job as anybody at developing young players over the course of my time here in New Orleans.” That is continued confidence that there is untapped potential on the Saints roster that the organization believes can improve the results on the field. In no particular order, here are some of the young players with higher ceilings and how they might project. Wide receiver AT Perry, a 6th round pick in 2023, had three touchdown receptions over the final three games and averaged 20.5 yards a reception. At 6-foot-5, Perry could be an even bigger red zone weapon, if the Saints running game inside the 20 improves as hoped. Former first round pick Chris Olave has 159 receptions and nine touchdown catches in his first two seasons. Can the Ohio State product, who turns 24 Thursday, go from real good to great? Fellow wideout Rashid Shaheed had 46 receptions and five touchdowns. A gifted return specialist, he also returned a punt for a score. Shaheed, cut by the Saints in August of 2022, was available to any team via waiver claim. Two years later, if Shaheed has a big year, he could attract significant interest as a restricted free agent. The new offensive coaching staff for New Orleans has several projects for training camp centered around finding missing pieces on the offensive line. Nick Saldiveri, who has zero career starts, will get his chance at left guard. Injuries severely limited Saldiveri in 2023, his rookie year, but the Saints obviously think highly of him. They traded with the Bears to the top of the 4th round to draft him. Former first round pick Trevor Penning was benched last season after struggling mightily at left tackle. The Saints hope a move to right tackle with a new position coach working with him will accelerate Penning’s progress. New Orleans also has Landon Young, who has started seven games after being selected in the 6th round in 2021. The ex-Kentucky standout can play left or right tackle. Running back Kendre Miller certainly looked like a ‘dude’ in the season finale against Atlanta, rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries. If Miller stays healthy, he could quickly justify the Saints for selecting him in the third round of the 2023 ahead of Tyjae Spears (Tennessee) and Devon Achane (Miami). Quarterback Jake Haener, a fourth round pick a year ago, has a solid and accurate arm, but can he make enough good decisions for the Saints to be comfortable with him as their primary backup quarterback? On the opposite side of the ball, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee could make a big leap forward in his second season. If there is a young breakout player for the Saints, last year’s late 1st round pick could be the one. Here are numbers that are hard to ignore. Bresee had 4.5 quarterback sacks, taking less than 50 percent of his team’s defensive snaps. Cornerback Paulson Adebo, who turns 25 in July, had a stellar year in 2023. You could say he even flew under radar. Adebo had a pair of forced fumbles, two fumbled recoveries, four interceptions and 18 passes defensed. Also at that position, Alontae Taylor had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed, but he was also benched in a late season game against the Los Angeles Rams. We shall see where he fits in the defensive scheme since he has seen time at both nickel and boundary corner. Jordan Howden, a 5th round pick had a solid rookie year. Primed to start at safety this season, he had a sack, one forced fumble and five passes defensed in his debut campaign. Defensive end Isaiah Foskey, a second round pick a year ago, is a total unknown. He had just half of a sack in very limited playing time. At 6-5, 270, the former Notre Dame star certainly looks the part, but can he play? Year two will tell a lot. At this point, the Saints’ 2024 draft is an unknown but here are some early takes. Taliese Fuaga will be a staple for the Saints at left tackle. He’s huge and all business. He will make a lot of money in the NFL, and perhaps for a long time. Kool-Aid McKinstry, an interesting pick in Round 2, only had 2 picks in his Alabama career. That number has to go up. He is built thick so he might be a big help from the secondary in run support. Spencer Rattler was a curious pick but you can see why the Saints are high on him. It’s rare for a fifth round quarterback to have his combination of college experience, mobility and a cannon for an arm. Rattler is the perfect stash-and-develop prospect. If he doesn’t turn out to be a good pick, it didn’t cost you much. Wide receiver Bub Means at 6-5 is hard to ignore. At Pitt last season, he averaged more than 17 yards per reception. It could be a Perry vs. Means battle for key snaps this season. At this point, the values of 5th round pick Jaylan Ford, 6th round pick defensive tackle Khristian Boyd and 7th rounder offensive tackle Josiah Ezirim are to be determined. More reps and data are needed to see if they can be Day 3 draft gems. When camp commences in southern California next month, that process of development and learning truly kicks into gear. How the inexperienced investments turn out may determine if New Orleans can perform above middling expectations. The Saints do appear to be accumulating good young talent though. How many will turn from intriguing prospects to quality front line NFL starters? And how quickly? John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! Cardio Health Solutions (CHS) utilizes PET and CPET technology to detect all forms of cardiovascular disease even in its earliest stage. We also provide financing, support, and management services to practices interested in exploring the functional capacity of their patients through detection and ancillary imaging. GEAUX to https://www.cardiohealthsolutions.net/ for more information, or call 1-800-578-0654 DA BOOT SPORTS SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKS |
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