It’s early. Don’t get too excited if a player’s hot or too down if a player is struggling. Training camp hasn’t even started. Calling any backup player a roster “lock” at this point is ridiculous. Calling anyone struggling a “bust” or “done” is equally misguided. There’s no point in jumping to conclusions at this point. That said, there are players that are off to fast starts and looking strong so far. That’s a good sign for their chances entering training camp. Here’s the one’s that have stuck out the most:
1. Michael Thomas, WR: He’s looked every bit the part of the 6’3″ 212lb frame and 4.5 speed player with reliable hands we were promised. Thomas has gotten better and better each day and he seems to be consistently showing production every day in practice. Most notable is his developing chemistry with Brees. It’s great if Luke McCown and Garrett Grayson are making plays with you, but unless Brees is throwing you the ball early, then your chances of making an impact during the season are small. Everyone is talking about how impressive the Saints rookie 2nd round pick has been. Maybe a good sleeper fantasy guy to keep an eye on?
Another red-zone TD strike from #Saints Drew Brees to rookie WR Michael Thomas in team drills.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) June 14, 2016
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Saints rookie WR. Michael Thomas
Thomas is so smooth to get out of cuts & breaks & catches ball w/ease
Barely hear the ball hit his hands— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) June 15, 2016
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.@Saints‘ Drew Brees: Rookie WR Michael Thomas’ improvement has been awesome. https://t.co/AEdhxBEQU2 pic.twitter.com/Ga14cEtsvN
— NFLonNBC (@SNFonNBC) June 3, 2016
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2. R. J. Harris, WR: We were hoping that with just Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and MAYBE Brandon Coleman as known commodities, one of these young receivers would step up and impress to give the position more depth. Thomas certainly has, but the Saints have to be feeling optimistic about what they have in Harris, too. He’s been extremely impressive in OTAs as well and it bodes well for being one of five receivers to make the team. In training camp he’ll need to show he can contribute on special teams to increase his chances of making the team. Harris was one of the most productive players in college football two years ago with 100 catches for 1,551 yards and 15 touchdowns at New Hampshire. That made fans very excited about him as a rookie UDFA for the Saints last year – but he never really put it together. In year two he made it back to the Saints and he seems to have made the necessary improvements to be taken seriously as a viable 53 man roster candidate.
Saints minicamp Day 2 is underway. Small note: R.J. Harris going through early walkthrough with the ones. Vincent Brown too.
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) June 15, 2016
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2nd-year WR R.J. Harris was the standout performer at #Saints practice Thursday. Caught at least 3 deep balls, including diving 1-hander …
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) June 2, 2016
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It’s was just pajamas and slippers Saints practice..But MVP today was WR. R.J. Harris w/ 5 outstanding catches. Got praise f/ Payton & Brees
— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) June 2, 2016
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3. Craig Robertson, LB: We don’t know exactly what his role will be with the Saints this season as a starter, sub or backup. But the free agent pickup isn’t hurting his chances at seeing the field with his strong OTAs so far. Most important is he came in with some recognized ability in coverage, something the Saints linebackers were HORRIBLE with last year. If he can do that consistently, he’ll see the field plenty. He’s impressing big time in that area currently.
Craig Robertson had 2 PBUs in the 2 minute drill.
— Sean Fazende (@SeanFazende) June 14, 2016
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Sean Payton raving about LB Craig Robertson “he’s been a great addition, glad we signed him.”
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) June 14, 2016
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LB Craig Robertson is active in pass coverage #Saints mini camp. Nice break up on seem route to Fleener in tea drills
— Kristian Garic (@KristianGaric) June 14, 2016
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4. P. J. Williams, CB: He’s healthy and trying to bounce back from a year on IR but his potential was never in question. So far, so good. He’s gotten some looks with the 1s and he’s played well. The Saints are desperate for corner depth and there’s huge hope Williams could provide that.
P.J. Williams taking base CB snaps with ones in team. Made a nice PBU. Reggie Bell just made a leaping catch from Brees.
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) June 15, 2016
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Defense wins today, offense does up-downs. P.J. Williams had a big day.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) June 14, 2016
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5. Erik Harris, S: Coming on the podcast this week was obviously a huge boost to Harris’s fortunes. Speaking of coverage, though, he’s been excellent. Special teams is his way to the roster, of course, but he’s strong in that area and showing great ability at safety as well. He’s got the versatility to play free or strong, too, so you know the Saints enjoy that flexibility with him.
Erik Harris, PJ Williams and Craig Robertson all had very solid days
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 14, 2016
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My early sleeper is Erik Harris.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 14, 2016
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With Byrd out, Erik Harris continues to get a lot of run with top group
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) June 14, 2016
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I loved Delvin Breaux & Willie Snead’s chances to contribute to Saints last year. Feel the same about Erik Harris!https://t.co/gzGP4LUeNj
— D. Scott Alexander (@DScottAlexander) June 15, 2016
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