Saints enter training camp facing 3 key position battles

As the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2025 training camp, fans should keep an eye on three key roster battles: cornerback, defensive tackle and kicker. On Tuesday, ESPN's Katherine Terrell highlighted these three positions as the Saints remain in a transitional phase under new head coach Kellen Moore.

At cornerback, the team faces the challenge of replacing last season's outside starters, Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo.

Terrell added:

"While second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is assumed to hold down one of the outside spots, who takes the other spots? The Saints re-signed Isaac Yiadom after a one-year absence and drafted Quincy Riley. There's also Alontae Taylor, who has been moved around the field in his three-year career and is expected to be a versatile piece this season."

Terrell noted the defensive tackle room is equally crowded and competitive, especially as the team prepares to run a base 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

Third-round draft pick Vernon Broughton and Davon Godchaux, acquired via trade from the Patriots, join a mix of veterans including Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd.

"There will not only be competition for playing time here, but also there could be competition just to make the roster in a crowded room," Terrell said.

Finally, the kicker position presents a surprising contest. According to Terrell, the contest between Charlie Smyth, a product of the International Player Pathway program from Northern Ireland, and Blake Grupe will be an "under-the-radar but fun competition to watch."

While Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler's competition for QB1 grabs headlines, the battles unfolding at cornerback, defensive tackle and kicker hold just as much weight for the Saints' hopes of a stronger 2025 campaign.