Heading into 2023, New Orleans has made a concerted effort to increase competition and build better depth. Training camp has seen a number of tightly contested battles, which carried over into the Saints first preseason game. Heading into their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, these three players have made a positive name for themselves.
The Top 3 Saints Preseason Stars
Trevor Penning
Penning making it through the game healthy has to be considered the biggest positive. Following multiple foot injuries to start his career, it remained uncertain how Penning would fare once back in game action. All in all, it was an assuring step in the right direction. He showcased multiple dominant reps in run blocks and held up well enough in pass protection in his limited snaps. Penning’s availability and performance can truly have a transformative effect on the Saints offensive line. He has a long way to go in his development, but there is no doubt the upside is there and health may be the only thing holding him back.
A.T. Perry
With an up-and-down performance at camp, Perry had a lot to prove heading into the Saints first preseason game. With Rashid Shaheed and Tre’Quan Smith injured, Perry received a lot of run with the rest of the second unit. Highlighted by a 29-yard score, he showcased a smoothness that is hard to find in receivers of his stature. Nothing was certain, but the Saints likely wouldn’t want to risk losing Perry from the practice squad.
Following this last performance, though, he may have locked his name onto the 53-man roster. With the last few receiver spots still seemingly wide open, the possibility remains open for Perry to become an actual contributor on game days in his rookie year, rather than just someone who the team essentially redshirts until 2024. With veterans like Smith, Bryan Edwards, and Keith Kirkwood having significant NFL experience under their belts, Perry will look to stack more performances like the one he just had to continue climbing the depth chart.
A.T. Perry vs Kansas City Chiefs.
All targets. pic.twitter.com/VUnn8IKfkn
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 14, 2023
Ugo Amadi
Amadi was a relatively under-the-radar signing in free agency but is exactly the type of player the Saints love on defense. His versatility has been on display throughout the offseason, being utilized in multiple roles in the secondary. Throughout camp, the team has played him in both safety spots along with snaps at nickel corner. Against the Chiefs, Amadi continued his solid play from camp, with a couple of pass breakups and an interception. The Saints have a deep group at safety, with fellow vets like Lonnie Johnson and Jonathan Abram also bringing years of NFL experience to the table. But if Amadi continues to make plays on defense in addition to the special teams prowess he possesses, he may play himself onto the final 53-man roster.
Honorable Mentions: Ellis Merriweather, Nephi Sewell, Bryan Bresee
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
