The New Orleans Saints have built a strong roster ahead of the 2022 season, but competition to make the team might end up leaving some familiar names on the outside looking in — with roster cuts on the still-distant horizon, even veteran players have some things to prove once the Saints gather for training camp. Everyone knows that the NFL stands for “Not For Long,” and that these opportunities aren’t guaranteed. Here are eight players we’ll be watching closely over the summer:
1
TE Juwan Johnson
AP Photo/Brett Duke
Juwan Johnson seems to be on the edge of getting pushed off the roster with the new potential film time role of Taysom Hill and Adam Trautman/Nick Vannett both fulfilling more complete blocking assignments. A practice squad position is likely for him, as he still holds a ton of potential as a receiving tight end. He also seems to be a positive in the locker room. — Dylan Sanders
2
DT Malcolm Roach
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Malcolm Roach has a ton of new competition in the defensive line rotation. He already had a reduced role last season than his rookie year. The Saints drafted Jordan Jackson and signed two more other defensive lineman. If they need new blood in the room, Roach could find himself on the practice squad. — Dylan Sanders
3
RB Tony Jones Jr.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Jones Jr. initially looked like a younger Mark Ingram, but lacks the durability to be a legitimate asset even as depth. He appeared in just 10 games last year and only had 10+ rush attempts twice. That averages out to 5.4 rush attempts per game, and if you remove the two game outliers (which they’d be considered as such in a scientific world), that number drops to 3.4. Just not enough production, no touchdowns, and never established a presence last season. With…
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