1 running back. Here are the running backs under contract for 2023, with new additions in bold: Alvin Kamara Jamaal Williams Eno Benjamin Derrick Gore Adam Prentice (fullback) Mark Ingram II, Dwayne. But the Saints running backs didnt make much happen on their own, either. Tulane prospect Tyjae Spears is listed as the fifth best running back on ESPN following a productive 2022 season as the Green Wave's RB1. New Orleans Saints running backJamaal Williamsmakes his first appearance in the NFL Top 100 ranking at 95. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. However, his relatively low 2.8 yards-after-contact average and 0.11 missed tackles forced per attempt are why hes lower on this list. The team's rushing offense was ranked 19th last season, with only 12 touchdowns (22nd) and a red zone scoring efficiency that placed them at 21st in the league. He struggles in picking up pass protection, and he could benefit from lowering his pads and running behind blockers. Here are the running backs under contract for 2023, with new additions in bold: Mark Ingram II, Dwayne Washington, and David Johnson are still unsigned free agents from last years team, and its possible one or more of them returns on another minimum deal. He's more than capable of finding big runs over the tackles and becomes a more physical finisher as the run progresses. A lot factors into that, but the room not being very deep certainly played a big role. Running back is a need for Saints regardless of Alvin Kamara's status Head Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints addresses the media after a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 14, 2019. New Orleans Saints offensive lineman James Hurstspeaks to media after joining the Saints as a free agent from the Baltimore Ravens. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Saints Remaining Free Agent Options for Training Camp 2023 New Orleans Saints depth chart for all positions. He's a physical blitz protector, so teams might envision a role for him as a second-half battering ram and third-down quarterback protector.". His best season was in 2020, averaging 19.6 ppg but had taken a nose dive to 14.3 (2021) and 10.3 (2022). Get a complete list of current starters and backup players from your favorite team and league on CBSSports.com. If the New Orleans Saints are going to reach the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons, a healthy list of players will have to step it up in 2023. CNN New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was in a Nevada District courtroom Thursday for his initial arraignment and he pleaded not guilty to charges in connection to an alleged. One of the 2023 Fantasy football sleepers the model is predicting: Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert. He'll give New Orleans a rushing element that they had when Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray were in their primes. Ranking the RBs on the Titans' 2023 schedule Share this article 156 shares Shaun Calderon follow July 12, 2023 9:14 am ET Today we continue our player rankings series by taking a look at the. While he caught passes in the Syracuse offense, he lacks true third down talent.". Latest 2023 NFL Draft big board: Running Backs | Top 10 Tuesday With running back Dalvin Cook released because of cap constraints . PFF says the Saints have two top-25 running backs for the 2023 season Spears possesses modest creativity and power through the line of scrimmage but becomes more elusive once he's up to the second level. The team ranked 19th in rushing production last season with an average of 116.6 yards per game. All Rights Reserved, 2022 Season Stats: 258 ATT | 1,580 YDS | 18 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 151 ATT | 926 YDS | 7 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 195 ATT | 1,359 YDS | 14 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 196 ATT | 1,102 YDS | 8 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 233 ATT | 1,713 YDS | 19 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 229 ATT | 1,581 YDS | 19 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 175 ATT | 904 YDS | 6 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 150 ATT | 829 YDS | 10 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 224 ATT | 1,399 YDS | 17 TD, 2022 Season Stats: 206 ATT | 1,060 YDS | 11 TD. He is much more effective when allowed to open up and build downhill momentumCharbonnet is a talented third-down option as both a blocker and pass-catcher. Jahmyr Gibbs is entering the draft as the second best available running back according to ESPN and NFL.com. Jul 18, 2023 at 10:30 AM. The departure of linebacker Kaden Elliss left a hole on the New Orleans Saints depth chart that has yet to be filled. The Wake Forest wide receiver was named 1st-Team All-ACC in 2021 and 2022. New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead talks living at the team hotel during training camp and how performance might be effected with limited or no fans in a video conference call with local media on Tuesday, August 4. Miller isn't 100% as he recovers from a midseason knee injury at TCU. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. According to CBS Sports' fantasy rankings, AK41 has been a rollercoaster ride over several seasons. running backs vs saints 2022 to 2023. Saints running back Jamaal Williams ranked 95 in NFL Top 100 Robinson is well-built with a compact lower half and pairs a low center of gravity with agile feet. His initial trial date is Tuesday. The New Orleans Saints running backs fantasy football projections for 2023-24. Lots of rushing scores up for grabs in Detroit. Elliss is now with the Atlanta Falcons, leaving way for Werner to get back on the field, and show he can be one of the team's most dynamic players on the defense. 19 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. And he's got the speed to take it the distance if he breaks free in the open field, so there's a lot of qualities about him that I like.". Running back Kendre Miller (25) watches possible teammates during the New Orleans Saints Rookie Minicamp at the Saints Practice Facility in Metairie, Saturday, May 13, 2023. But neither Ingram nor Johnson were very effective when called upon, and Washington missed most of the last month of the season with serious cluster migraines, so its possible the Saints continue to look to a new direction as they restock the depth chart. Please check your email for a confirmation. CBS draft projections: The Buccaneers own the No. Keep a watchful eye on this battle, since coach Dennis Allen wants to run a ball control attack. New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd had his full press conference with the media during his first day in the Black and Gold after signing his contract during the 2023 NFL Free Agency period. Tucker lacks the slashing qualities needed to speed through the line and past linebackers. Jul 17, 2023. Pro Football Focus is especially. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. running back Dec 24, 2022; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27). Please check your email for a confirmation. If he's on the sideline, the Saints' postseason chances take a big hit. To counter any loss of Kamara, New Orleans signed former Detroit Lions rusher Jamaal Williams who led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022. While it's easy to look at those numbers and assume that Kamara has lost a step, he continues to show a strong burst, and the ball simply hasn't been thrown his way as much the last two years. Read More Saints News:Eno Benjamin Chance For Role in Crowded New Orleans Backfield, Williams, Miller, and the other running backs will get extra reps should the All-Pro Kamara be sidelined because of a lengthy trial. His restricted stride length provides greater control to cut early in the run, but it works against him when he needs to hit the gas and stride past linebackers. One troubling note is that Kamara has yet to play a complete season since his rookie year. The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year has assembled an impressive resume with 2 All-Pro nods, 5 Pro Bowls, and several rushing and receiving records in the NFL. All reports point to Williams making pass catching a top priority this offseason, which could mean good things in a PPR league. There's zero reason why the league can't do this immediately, since the infraction occurred 17 months ago and there's been little new evidence presented. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The New Orleans Saints have a history of turning undrafted free agents into important roster pieces, and the team enters training camp hoping . He entered the league posting a 14.5 ppg average in 2017. He lacks the vision to recognize and exploit opportunities quickly and the elusiveness to dart in and out of developing run lanes. Ranking the best running backs on Saints' 2023 schedule by PFF grade 2023 New Orleans Saints Depth Chart | Ourlads.com You'll now receive the top Saints Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Alvin Kamara's fantasy football fanatics will have a problem during the 2023 Fantasy Football drafts. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) reacts to stopping Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during a NFL football game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. I know it's not popular, but I would draft him in the first round and just get him the rock as much as I possibly could. Here is why Sikkema ranked Williams as the 25th best running back in the league: Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2022 (17). I expect the NFL to issue a 4-6 suspension for violation of the league's personal conduct policy. His third-down value is relatively low, so he will need to sell himself as an early down backup on the next level.". That's my motto', Two months after receiving diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma, Moreau participated in first OTA with Saints, 'How they use (Kamara) in the pass game, that's pretty cool. Hill said at Saints minicamp. New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis addressed media during his annual training camp opening press conference on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. He's coming off an extremely productive and consistent season as Tulane's RB1, though. The draft is a great opportunity for them to reload a thin spot on the depth chart. Email Patrick Magee at PMagee@TheAdvocate.com or follow him on Twitter, @Patrick_Magee. His biggest downfall is his below average pass protection, but he makes up for it by being a consistent option out of the backfield. Following a 7-10 season, these are the Saints who appear on track for rebound years following disappointing or injury-plagued seasons: Kamara's production has dipped since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 campaign. New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams had his full press conference with the media during his first day in the Black and Gold on Friday, March 17, 2023 after signing his contract. They signed free-agent RB Jamaal Williams, who is coming off a career-high 1,066 rushing yards and NFL-best 17 touchdowns with Detroit. The two played together for the Cougars from 2012 to 2016. You'll now receive the top Saints Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. His addition, at his price point, is one of the better moves that the Saints made. Pro sports bettor is optimistic on Derek Carr and 2023 Saints but also has a big concern, Rod Walker: With 50 days until kickoff, we rank the 50 most important Saints, Saints hope to find another breakout linebacker to play behind Demario Davis, Pete Werner, The 5 undrafted free agents who have the best chance to make the Saints roster, Michael Thomas, Chris Olave are stars, but Saints need other wide receivers to earn spots. He tends to fall forward, picking up extra yards. Getting an electrifying rookie like Spears or Miller in the mix would go a long way. He has the uncanny ability to change a game with one explosive run or thrilling reception. At times last season, Kamara had one of the best roles in all of fantasy, as he averaged 15 carries and nearly four receptions per game. But we have to go back to the 2019 season for the last time he was on the field for a full season. His frame allows him to run through tacklers when he gets some speed, and he can pack a punch when picking up blitzing defenders. NFL.com Overview: "Spears has the size of a change-of-pace back, but he needs to play with more consistent explosiveness, as he's unlikely to offer the versatility typically expected from a player in that role. He may benefit from a veteran leader and could earn some reps on special teams. He could also benefit from learning from a proven veteran running back. Achane can be a complementary slasher with the ability to mismatch coverage out of the backfield or from the slot. The Saints do have a new defensive coordinator in Joe Woods and a new quarterback in Derek Carr, but this year's squad isn't exactly a reboot. With a veteran-laden roster, the Saints are hoping that they can rely on experience for an edge in the NFC South. Therefore, you understand why fantasy football analysts are straying away from Alvin Kamara's projections for the impending season. The New Orleans Saints have what could be the best running back room in the league when all participants are healthy, but that might not be conductive to fantasy football success. New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton previews this Sunday's Saints game against the Minnesota Vikings for the 2019 NFC Wild Card Round in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. That's a question for CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr. Kamara (897 rushing yards) and Hill combined for 1,472 of the teams 1,982 yards on the ground, 74% of the teams output. The New Orleans Saints rushing offense was around the middle of the league last season, averaging 116.6 yards per game. With as much backfield talent as the Saints have had in years, here's a training camp preview of what to expect at the position. The fifth best prospect according to NFL.com and the sixth on ESPN.com, DeWayne McBride had a productive 2022 with the Blazers, running for 120 yards or more in 10 of his 11 games. Benjamin, 24, will have to make a big special teams contribution to grab a roster spot. The team ranked 19th in rushing production last season with an average of 116.6 yards per game. A personnel executive for an NFC team had this to say about the Texas standout: "He has to eat. Maye proved active with 60 tackles in 10 games, but he didn't have an interception and had only two passes defended. Head Coach Sean Payton speaks with the media and shares his thoughts on the team after the first week of Saints OTAs 2019. Read More Saints News: Could the Saints Buck the Trend, Win With Defensive-Minded Head Coach? Contact me at kylemosley@saintsnews.net for interviews, requests, comments, or news stories. They ranked in the top half of the league in carries (492, or 28.9 per game) but placed in the NFLs bottom half in rushing yards (2,218, or 130.4 per game), touchdown runs (12 in 17 games), and yards per attempt (4.3). I think he's got really good contact balance. The New Orleans Saints rushing offense was around the middle of the league last season, averaging 116.6 yards per game. In his two games, he had only one rushing attempt and one receptions for a total of. The best receiving back in the league, he presents matchup problems that give opposing defenses nightmares. New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr had his full press conference with the media during his first day in the Black and Gold on Saturday, March 11. Next, assistant general manager Jeff Ireland's scouting department figured using this year's third-round selection on TCU running back Kendre Miller could alleviate the loss of Kamara in the Saints backfield. With Carr behind center and a likely renewed focus on getting Kamara involved in the passing attack, the running back could be on track to put together a strong season. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY. In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson has Tampa Bay adding Georgia tackle. PFF says the Saints have two top-25 running backs for the 2023 season. New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders had his full press conference with the media during his first day in the Black and Gold on Friday, March 17, 2023 after signing his contract during the 2023 NFL Free Agency period. It's reasonable to expect him to improve from his previous year's performance of only catching 12 passes for 73 yards. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports. Running backs are out of options after franchise tag deadline passes NFL.com Overview: "Upright runner with outstanding body composition and consecutive seasons of impressive production for the Bruins. Teams will need to do some deeper digging into his knee health to determine where to select him. A lot factors into that, but the room not being very deep certainly played a big role. All that wasnt just due to a career high in carries, as Williams averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry. He proved durable last season appearing in all 17 regular season games for the Lions including nine starts and has never played in fewer than 13 games in his six-year career. Saints 2022 Free Agency Preview: Running Back - Sports Illustrated He has lateral elusiveness and the build-up speed to outrun defenders in the open field. He's a capable inside/outside runner with unique footwork to stack moves and reset pathways, but can plow into tacklers at a moment's notice using elite contact balance to keep the run rollingHis pass-catching talent ensures the opportunity for Robinson to see a high number of touches. New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis talks balancing social justice advocacy and preparing for the upcoming NFL season in a video conference call with local media on Tuesday, August 4. However, he's simply too talented and explosive as a runner to be confined to gadget duty. Kamara and his legal issues have been widely reported since his Feb. 6, 2022, arrest in Las Vegas after the 2022 Pro Bowl. Head Coach Sean Payton speaks to the media after the New Orleans Saints-Carolina Panthers game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018. Miller really came into his own in 2022 with TCU after sharing backfield duties his first two years. While he'll have to make progress as a pass blocker, Penning getting on the field would be a major boost to the Saints' rushing attack. He ran a blazing 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, further proving his ability to speed past defenders. Not used as a receiver often in college, he still displayed good natural hands and vision in the open field. Jamaal Williams, coming off of a record-setting touchdown season, is actually a sleep pick for fantasy this season. Williams joined the Saints in the off season, agreeing to a three-year contract with the Saints on March 17, 2023. Fantasy Football Rankings 2023: Breakouts from acclaimed NFL model that New Orleans Saints. three-year contract with the Saints on March 17, 2023, Jamaal Williams media availability | Saints Minicamp 6/13/2023, Running back Jamaal Williams, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders fill critical areas for New Orleans Saints in free agency, Taysom Hill media availability | Saints Minicamp 6/15/2023, Five things to know about New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams. The New Orleans Saints are entering a pivotal season, with a new quarterback, a new defensive coordinator and a second year under head coach D. Kamara, who turns 28 on the first day of training camp, is still the focus of the offense. New quarterback Derek Carr could elevate this offense, and the offensive line still looks strong on paper. Saints finish draft with seven selections, The New Orleans Saints drafted seven players in the 2023 NFL draft, Saints land Nick Saldiveri, Jake Haener, Jordan Howden and A.T. Perry on Day 3 of the draft. New Orleans Saints players most likely to rebound in 2023 | Saints Kyle T. Mosley is the CEO, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for Saints News Network, HBCU Legends, and Pelicans Scoop on Sports Illustrated's FanNation channel. Their. What's troubling fantasy experts and participants is that Kamara could face a league-mandated suspension for his participation with co-defendants Chris Lammons, Darrin Young, and Percy Harris. 2022 New Orleans Saints roster breakdown: Running backs/fullbacks His biggest knock is his speed and acceleration, but he makes up for it with power. He's a dynamic back who's proven that he can be effective between the tackles, but is most dangerous in space. Running Backs Vs Saints 2022 To 2023 | StatMuse Saints don't rule out the idea of a 1st round running back | Saints A lot factors into that, but the room not being very deep certainly played a big role. He tends to be a one-speed runner, though, and he can be easy to track for linebackers in coverage. This is dependent on when the league makes their initial ruling. A.T. Perry recorded 28 touchdowns at Wake Forest, tied for seventh in ACC history, Howden had a career-high 58 tackles in his 13 starts for Minnesota in 2022, Howden started 49 of 58 career games for Minnesota, Haener was the first Fresno State quarterback to play in the Senior Bowl since Derek Carr in 2014, Haener threw 20 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions in his senior season at Fresno State, A two-time all-conference selection, Nick Saldiveri was a three-year starter at right tackle for Old Dominion, The Old Dominion tackle was a two-time all-conference selection, 2023 New Orleans Saints. Just three teams had fewer broken tackles on running plays than the Saints (14) last year: the Chargers (12), Falcons (10), and Buccaneers (9). After three seasons in the NFL , Akers has played just 29 games and only made 14 starts. New Orleans Saints draft TCU running back Kendre Miller with pick 71 in All Rights Reserved. (Staff Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). The rest of ranks 90-100 can be viewed now on NFL+ with 10 more players being revealed each day. NFL.com Overview: "Compact, early down backup candidate with adequate size, good contact balance and instinctive features that create opportunities outside the blocking scheme. The Dreaded 3: Saints Running Backs Fantasy Projections McBride is experienced and comfortable running in all blocking schemes. He showed signs of being a dominant run blocker in six games played in 2022, but he suffered a Lisfranc injuryto his right foot in the season finale after having his first 11 games wiped out by turf toe. The Saints undrafted free agents join the roster with seven Saints draft picks from the 2023 NFL Draft. He has the size and strength to keep runs moving though contact, although he could be an even better run-finisher. Williams brings versatility in the passing game too having hauled in 160 receptions in his career. During the 2022-23 season, Williams had his most successful fantasy performance, scoring an average of 12.5 points per game. He is the type of guy you want in your locker room and he is the type of guy you want on the field and he's always been that way.". The New Orleans running back room is one that will be extremely fun to watch this year. ", Full draft prospect analysis from NFL.com Analyst Lance Zierlein. The New Orleans Saints have what could be the best running back room in the league when all participants are healthy, but that might not be conductive to fantasy football success.