New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
- NFC South
- Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- Offensive Coordinator
- Pete Carmichael
- Defensive Coordinator
- Dennis Allen
- Special Teams Coach
- Dan Rizzi
- Defensive Scheme
- 4-3
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins is concerned about the risks to players that will inevitably come with the NFL's return to play during the coronavirus pandemic. "I think until we get to the point where we have protocols in place, and until we get to a place as a country where we feel safe doing it, we have to understand that football is a nonessential business," Jenkins said. The veteran safety certainly isn't the only one worrying about the risks involved with a return to play, as Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott also voiced his apprehensions about the NFL's season. As the most contact-heavy sport, the NFL will have to be vigilant on handling any positive tests if they want to have a full season. The league is slated to meet with teams on Thursday to discuss reopening facilities.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, who had his third straight 100-catch season in 2019, is in consideration as the best at his position after setting an NFL record with 149 receptions last season. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Thomas is a bully on the outside with a hard-nosed playing style. The 27-year-old has gone over the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first four seasons, totaling 298 first downs thanks to his sneaky running skills. The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees feed Thomas early and often as their clear No. 1 wideout, and opponents just haven't been able to stop him. He is an elite fantasy wideout that should be the first wide receiver off the board in all formats.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas "better break some more records," remarked receivers coach Curtis Johnson when asked how the star wideout could improve this upcoming season. The 27-year-old has a solid chance to do so as he was dominant in 2019. He finished by catching 149 of his 185 targets for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns in addition to being one of the most efficient fantasy options throughout the year. He is expected to be the first wide receiver off the board in fantasy drafts for the 2020 campaign, with a potential No. 1 overall selection also being a possibility.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston became the eighth quarterback in league history to pass for 5,000 yards in a single season with the Buccaneers in 2019. Winston, 26, has thrown for the second-most passing yards of any NFL QB through five seasons, trailing only Peyton Manning. He has more touchdowns (121) through his first five seasons than Brett Favre (108), Kurt Warner (101), Tom Brady (87) and Brees (80). But he was also the first signal-caller with 30 TDs and 30 interceptions in a single season. Winston can play at an All-Star level at times, but his turnovers and questionable decision-making are what have killed him. His 111 turnovers are the most in the league since 2015, but his 88 interceptions are fewer than the 100 picks that Manning threw over his first five seasons. The Saints may have a steal on their hands if he ends up taking over for Brees when he retires. And if Winston sees playing time in 2020 if Brees is injured, he'll definitely have immediate fantasy appeal with QB1 upside. Prior to last season, Winston had never thrown 20 interceptions in a single season.
The New Orleans Saints homegrown offensive line has become one of the league's elite units. Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat and Ryan Ramczyk are young veterans with elite skills as run and pass blockers. Erik McCoy and rookie Cesar Ruiz are versatile interior blockers with plenty of athleticism and movement skills. On the defensive line, Cameron Jordan is a five-star playmaker with refined pass-rush skills and a non-stop motor. Marcus Davenport complements him well with size, length and explosiveness. The Saints defensive line could be taken more seriously if Sheldon Rankins finds his groove on the interior. The Saints Defense is a top-10 fantasy unit going into the season, and their excellent offensive line will give quarterback Drew Brees one last shot at a title run.