The Saints had their first padded practice today. Safety Justin Rid was the Saints’ biggest addition of the offseason. The Louisiana native is a seven-year vet and will be a leader in coordinator Brandon Staley’s new defense. He says the most important things right now are staying healthy and learning the playbook.
The defense was the winner of the first day of pads. Edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson were frequent customers in the backfield, and undrafted free agent Omari Thomas made an impression with two would-be sacks. Second-round pick Tyler Shough handled the starting reps at quarterback as head Coach Kellen Moore cycles back through the three-man rotation.
LSU players report for fall camp tomorrow. Tigers head coach Brian Kelly has yet to win a season opener with LSU and has raved about the importance of starting 1-and-0 this offseason. The Tigers have a massive test August 30 as they visit Clemson. WWL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s an important game for both teams, but it may have a little more juice for the coach of the Bayou Bengals.
Cut 19 (19) “…Nussmeier is.”
Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes struck out nine in six shutout innings versus the Diamondbacks yesterday. Skenes was credited for the 6-0 victory as he allowed just three hits and one walk.
Free Agent tight end Noah Fant is scheduled to visit the Dolphins today after leaving New Orleans without a deal on Friday. Fant also previously met with the Bengals and has said he plans to weigh all his options before making a decision.