The New Orleans Saints have had an impressive off-season. With a better than expected draft outcome and many prime additions picked up in free agency, the 2019 outlook for the Saints is only improving. The 2018 Saints were already a very full team, with limited spots for improvement. By filling necessary positions and improving a few areas of the team that need work, the 2019 Saints should be a dominant team and huge threat in the league. The variety of options the Saints have acquired make it highly likely that the Saints will see an improved, more whole team from their already successful 2018 team.
Here are three New Orleans Saints off-season additions who should all be on everyone’s radar during the 2019 season.
New Orleans Off-Season Saints Additions That Could Pay Off In A Big Way
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Safety
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, safety from the University of Florida, was the most surprising addition to the Saints roster from the 2019 draft. Gardner-Johnson was expected to be a second-round pick, with some even predicting he’d go late in the first round. When he was still available going into the fourth round, New Orleans was able to seal a trade with the New York Jets and move up to the third pick in the fourth round (105th overall) selection. Gardner-Johnson, an unexpected steal for New Orleans, should have a huge impact on the team for the 2019 season.
Filling the safety position was one of the biggest long-term needs the Saints had going into the draft, making Gardner-Johnson a huge value pick. The former Florida Gator should be able to fill a key missing piece to the near-complete 2018 Saints team and hopefully will help propel the team to a Superbowl this upcoming season. With experience at both cornerback and safety, Gardner-Johnson is an extremely versatile player. Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has always excelled at using safeties to their maximum potential and Gardner-Johnson’s adaptability should be something Allen will fully utilize.
At 5”11, 210 pounds Gardner-Johnson has an impressive athletic build. The safety has incredible agility and speed, with a 4.48 second 40-yard dash time. He is an aggressive player with good natural instincts and ability to act quickly. Gardner-Johnson’s various strengths combined with his confidence and willingness to adapt in ways to best benefit the team should make him a huge asset to the Saints team.
Erik McCoy, cornerback
There is a reason why the Saints used their first pick in the 2019 draft on Texas A&M cornerback Erik McCoy. The Saints made a trade with the Miami Dolphins in order to move up 14 spots and acquire McCoy. McCoy was a much needed addition after Max Unger, the Saints center from 2016-2018, announced his retirement. With the starting position open, McCoy has the opportunity to be a key piece in the 2019 Saints offensive line. Cameron Tom and Nick Easton, a former Minnesota Vikings starter picked up in free agency are McCoy’s competition for the starting slot.
Although New Orleans has three strong candidates to fill their starting center position, McCoy has strong potential to be the best long-term fit. McCoy stands at 6”4, 303 pounds, giving him an extremely similar profile to Unger. McCoy’s size makes him a powerful blocker who’s shown an impressive ability to block in space. McCoy’s awareness and athleticism will make him a huge contender for the starting center position. In addition, his versatility, leadership, competitiveness, and hard-working demeanor will make him a great addition to the team.
Jared Cook, tight end
In March the Saints signed free agent Jared Cook, tight end, from the Oakland Raiders. Since the release of Jimmy Graham after the 2014 season, the Saints have struggled to find someone to fill the tight end position. Saints current tight end Josh Hill has proven to be a great blocker with decent hands but has never been a huge playmaker or really stood out. Michael Thomas, who just agreed to a huge contract extension, could also benefit from having Cook on the roster.
However, Cook will have to battle with current starter Hill and new addition Alize Mack, Notre Dame tight end who the Saints picked up with the 231st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2019 draft. Mack has been impressive in training camp, and his youth and developmental potential make him an intriguing long-term option. However, for the immediate success of the 2019 team, Cook poses the biggest offensive threat. A veteran, Cook has been in the league since 2009 when he was drafted in the third round by the Tennessee Titans. In addition, Cook has spent seasons with the St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Oakland Raiders.
Cook’s veteran status makes him an already developed, easy fit into the Saints passing game. Drew Brees is easily the most accredited quarterback Cook has played with and that will be a huge benefit for Cook. With the limited other passing options the Saints possess and dynamic quarterback Brees throwing to him, Cook could easily have a career season. At 6”5, 254 pounds Cook has great size, along with long arms and large hands which has shown to be a huge asset for him. All of that combined with his impressive agility makes him a dependable target. Cook has already shown great chemistry with Brees in training camp and could easily snag the starting position and become a huge asset to this Saints offense.
Gardner-Johnson, McCoy and Cook are three New Orleans Saints off-season additions that could pay huge dividends for the Saints.
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