The New Orleans Saints have an impressive group of rookies, so I wanted to start a series looking at what their impact could be in the next game.
Let’s start the breakdown for Sunday’s game against the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers!
OT Kelvin Banks
Starting with the first round pick from 2025, Kelvin Banks has been one of the most impressive OTs, and maybe even one of the best players from the class. He has had some struggles, but in the Saints’ scheme, Banks is put in situations where he needs to win 1-on-1 against opposing defenders. This is not an easy situation for a rookie to succeed, but Banks has looked great, and even dominant, in many of his games.
Now, let’s focus on the game against the Buccaneers. Compared to many of Banks’ previous games this season, this should be less of a difficult matchup. I won’t say it will be easy, because third-year linebacker Yaya Diaby is having a really great start to the year, but aside from him, their group is a bit weak. Again, it won’t be easy, but if also would not be a surprise if Banks finishes with zero sacks given up.
QB Tyler Shough
Shough has not played this season, and I do not expect this game to be the one where that changes. If Spencer Rattler struggles again, that may happen, but I doubt it.
S Jonas Sanker
After a bit of a down game against the Patriots, which was a surprise given how well he had played, Sanker had a decent game against the Bears. It was nothing crazy, but Sanker made some strong tackles. One of his best abilities this season has been making plays in the air, and this could show up against the Bucs. QB Baker Mayfield has been able to play pretty clean this season, but he still makes some risky throws that Sanker can take advantage of. Also, Cade Otton has been a top target for Mayfield, so Sanker could be targeted a good amount when covering the TE.
CB Quincy Riley
Since Riley broke into the starting lineup, he has looked like one of the best corners on the roster. That may not be saying much due to how bad the play has been this season, but Riley’s experience in zone coverage has been necessary for Brandon Staley’s scheme. Last game against the Bears, Riley got his first interception of the season, and he has an opportunity against the Bucs to have another impressive performance. Tampa Bay has been dealing with WR injuries all season, and now, with Mike Evans out for at least most of the season, the Bucs only have an injured Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard as the top receiver options.
RB Devin Neal
With Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller having pretty big roles all season, Devin Neal has not played much this season. Against the Chicago Bears, Miller suffered a torn ACL, and this was the first time in a while that Neal was put into the game. His snaps were limited, but he had one of the best RB blocks I have seen all season. On Sunday against the Bucs, Neal’s role will be increased, and with how much Kellen Moore likes to run down the middle of the offensive line, the rookie’s skillset actually fits more than the other RBs on the roster. We could see a pretty big game from Neal.
Moliki Matavao & Fadil Diggs
Both players have been on and off the practice squad, so it is unknown if they will play on Sunday.
