As the preseason kicks off, this is an opportunity for many to realize their dreams of being NFL players. On strong rosters like the New Orleans Saints, those chances can be slim. The wide receiver room is a prime example in New Orleans. With Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Chris Olave and Deonte Harty all seemingly locks, there may only be one spot remaining for a slew of talented pass-catches. But that won’t stop the remaining wideouts from doing everything that they can to turn their dream into reality. Here are ten players, including some of those receivers, who need a big game on the road against the Houston Texans to keep their NFL ambitions alive.
WR Tre’Quan Smith
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
There were higher expectations than usual for Smith going into 2021. Though he was missing in action for the early portion of the season with an injury, there was reason to believe that he would be the wideout that could separate himself from the pack once on the field. He had multiple years in the system, what seemed like a great connection with quarterback Jameis Winston, and loads of opportunity ahead of him with Thomas sidelined to start the year, and eventually the season. But pulling in just 32 receptions for 377 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns catches didn’t necessary achieve that. Now, with three new starters in the building and several talented young players nipping at his heels, Smith has to show up and produce immediately to hold on to his roster spot.
OL Ethan Greenidge
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Greenidge is in a similar boat as Smith. There is a mass of new and young talent on the roster across the offensive line with clear starters ahead. The former Villanova tackle has been an organizational favorite in the past, but with new coaches in the building, he won’t be able to bank on that. Only performance will keep him on a roster that sports tackles like Ryan Ramczyk and James hurst with rising youngsters Trevor Penning and Landon Young.
RB Tony Jones Jr.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jones had a fantastic training camp, preseason and Week 1 performance last one, one that allowed the Saints to feel comfortable moving on from veteran back Latavius Murray. Now, he’s deeply entrenched in a competition for the team’s third running back spot behind Alvin Kamra and Mark Ingram. Jones will need to reprise his role as preseason…
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