Biggest x-factors on the Saints
By: Jake Rajala
The Saints-Cardinals game is on the horizon. Week 1 isn’t far away. With that said, I’m going to discuss the Saints and unfold three x-factors on the Saints heading into the season.
- Kelvin Banks Jr.
The 2025 first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. was arguably the Saints best player in Week 1 of preseason. He didn’t allow a single pressure or draw any penalties. He had an 84.9 PFF grade in the Saints-Chargers game! Not only is Banks dominating, but he’s allowing Taliese Fuaga to play RT, where he is more comfortable. It’s safe to say he has been worth the first-round selection thus far.
- Kool-Aid Mckinstry
Kool-Aid was the third fourth best CB in the beginning of 2024. He was behind Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor. Over the summer, Kool-Aid has looked like the best CB. If he can stay healthy, he could make the Pro Bowl.
- Juwan Johnson
Defenses will key on WRs Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. This will open things up for TE Juwan Johnson. He will also be a fine security blanket for short passes down the middle. Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler will want to play it safe and throw to him in short passes where he is single-guarded.
Honorable Mention:
- Kendre Miller
The former third round pick Kendre Miller didn’t have a stellar Week 1. I will give him a pass since he didn’t get a dozen carries. Alvin Kamara is 29 years old and he isn’t quite the same back he once was. I expect Miller to get many carries, especially in the 4th quarter. He reminds me of Khiry Robinson.
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