The Saints will return to a fully padded practice today after a slower-paced walkthrough practice yesterday. The schedule is part of head coach Kellen Moore’s approach players have raved about, emphasizing team bonding and recovery. As intensity ramps back up, so will the competition in the trenches. The Saints have tried to build the roster from the inside out and prioritize quality line play. New Orleans used the ninth overall pick on left tackle Kelvin Banks in this year’s draft, and he joins a starting line with four first-rounders. He says that’s a blessing and a curse.
Quarterback Jake Haener will take the starting reps today as the team gets back to its three-man rotation after Spencer Rattler got the starting nod in walkthroughs yesterday.
Saints right tackle Taliese Fuaga was selected 14th overall last year and started at left tackle last season. Since the arrival of Banks, he’s moved back to the right side where he played in college. He says he feels comfortable on his natural side and enjoys playing next to fellow first-rounder Cesar Ruiz.
LSU players reported for camp yesterday and will have their first of 21 practices today. Fall camp will wrap up August 23 as the team prepares for their long-awaited week one matchup with Clemson August 30.
Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks, UL-Lafayette defensive end Jordan Lawson and Tulane linebacker Sam Howard were all named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. The trophy is awarded each year to the best defensive player in college football.