What we learned about the Saints

We finally got some answers to the lingering questions surrounding the Saints after watching the offseason program.

Now, New Orleans will not have another practice until training camp begins in late July. But before that happens, let's take a look at some things we learned about the team this summer.

Real deal

We don't want to hype anyone up too much too early. Especially not the new quarterback, who needs to prove his last organization wrong. That should all be decided on the field, not in internet columns during mid-June.

But …

Man, Derek Carr looked great this summer. Everything you wanted to see, you saw. He's not going to be the franchise's savior and will need help to win games, but Carr showed he knows how to use everyone on the field. Everyone on offense looked good this summer, from Chris Olave to Adam Prentice, and that's because the quarterback knew how to take advantage of everybody's skill sets.

Optimism can be dangerous this time of year, but I would be lying if I didn't say I came out of minicamp feeling better about the team than I did walking in — and I was already high on their potential.

Will the Saints offense evolve with Derek Carr at QB?📺: https://t.co/PtRVKfKN63 pic.twitter.com/ZrZr8PYcbZ— NOF (@nofnetwork) June 16, 2023

Good competition

There seems to be good competition brewing at several spots on the roster, even in some places we didn't expect to see it. From my early vantage point, three of the better battles for roster spots are at wide receiver, safety and linebacker.

The battle at wide receiver is going to be interesting. Rookie A.T. Perry produced some highlight moments, but he doesn't figure into the immediate mix of contributors, at least until he becomes more consistent. Tre'Quan Smith, Bryan Edwards and James Washington all look to be a step or two ahead of the rookie. And the battle for spots might come down to those players. Edwards and Smith are more head-to-head since they're similar players, while Washington is more of a downfield type.

If you were cutting the roster today at linebacker, Demario Davis, Pete Werner and Zack Baun would all be on the team. Baun still has a ton to prove, and he probably didn't do anything this summer to separate himself from previous notions about his game, but he's still the team's best strongside linebacker. That will likely put him on the team. The other spots are up for grabs.

D'Marco Jackson was on a path coming out of OTAs, but his play was shakier than expected in minicamp. Nephi Sewell, Anfernee Orji and Ryan Connelly will make it a tight battle during training camp. Sewell, Orji and Connelly all flashed more than Jackson during minicamp.

The competition at safety also will be incredibly interesting. I actually was more impressed with rookie Jordan Howden, Ugo Amadi and Smoke Monday than Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Jonathan Abram during this window. That could always change in the future, but the young guys made more eye-catching plays during summer practices.

Tightened up

Vibes can be challenging to gauge, but things felt a little bit tighter at camp — in a good way. Last year, the vibe was slightly more relaxed and the message seemed to be, "don't sweat the small stuff."

This year, everything matters, from where the media walks to how things are accomplished on the field. Coach Dennis Allen looks, feels and sounds locked in. It's clear he has his footing, and it should yield results for the Saints.

Saints notes and observations: Derek Carr shines during 2-minute drill, Taysom Hill back at QB during final minicamp practice, MOREhttps://t.co/QQX53aHvt8— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 15, 2023

Let go

The depth of the defensive coaching staff stood out this summer, particularly in the secondary where Joe Woods, Marcus Robertson and Sterling Moore were able to break the players into small groups for individual coaching.

But after minicamp, Moore was suddenly and unexpectedly let go. We've heard it wasn't for football reasons. Moore was only an assistant, so it's not like he must be replaced, but he had steadily climbed the ranks the past few years and was solidifying his spot on the team.

Interior look

There's a chance the Saints will have some good players on the interior defensive line. Bryan Bresee's movement ability stands out and could be an asset this season. Khalen Saunders also appears explosive.

A former Chiefs interior defender, Saunders is way faster than he looks and could have an opportunity to make some splash plays. His quickness could make him an asset on designed pressures.

We didn't get a close enough look at free agent import Nathan Shepherd to form any type of opinion.

Weaponry

The potential of the Saints' weapons was obvious throughout the summer.

Chris Olave looks ready to turn into a star, and Rashid Shaheed was consistently flashing throughout OTAs before suffering a minor groin injury. Juwan Johnson should continue to stand out, and Foster Moreau flashed his solid hands.

At running back, Alvin Kamara will always be a threat; Jamaal Williams had some moments, and rookie Kendre Miller will eventually get on the field and show everyone his talent.

And don't forget Michael Thomas, who looked good working out off to the side as he continues to rehab a foot injury.

If everything goes right with this group, the offense could be special. However, the fragile nature of the roster was put under a microscope after Shaheed and Olave suffered early minor injuries that sidelined them.

It would be hard to argue the team needs to add another receiver, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. One more guy could be all the insurance the Saints need to protect against bad-luck situations.

Use the code FATHERSDAY to save 20% on your first payment https://t.co/5NQ6okK9d1— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 15, 2023

Head to head

It was interesting watching the battle between Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor for CB2. Adebo started on the outside on the first day; Taylor took it on the second day, and the two split (Taylor first team during 7-on-7s; Adebo first team during the team portion) reps on the final day.

Both players produced good moments. Adebo broke up two passes on Day 3, while Taylor made an interception on Day 2. Both also suffered some down moments. Taylor gave up a long touchdown, and Adebo was on the wrong side of a couple of plays.

So who wins? It's hard to say. I think we could see pretty clearly that Taylor has the most upside, but Adebo's floor is probably a little higher.

For my money, I like Taylor to eventually win this battle, but I don't think you could say he's ahead right now.

Limited reps

Rookie QB Jake Haener didn't get much work during minicamp since Taysom Hill worked at quarterback on two of the three days.

This is going to be an issue if Hill keeps working at that position. There are only going to be so many reps to go around, and if there are three quarterbacks working ahead of Haener, there will be many days when the rookie doesn't get to take a rep.

That might make it hard for Haener to develop unless the logjam clears up a bit.