Tag: Mason Tipton

Chris Olave’s absence would force players to see more targets vs. Falcons

The Saints passing attack has been all Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Other players must step up if Olave’s hamstring injury sidelines him:

The New Orleans Saints passing attack has been led by a blend of Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Foster Moreau is your next leading receiver, but with just 5 receptions for 45 yards.

Derek Carr expressed how the lack of targets for players is partially due to the flow of the game and the Saints not passing as often. Still, with the Big 3 commanding so much of the passing volume, you wonder how much one player missing would hamper the offense.

That hypothetical could be a reality on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, as Olave was limited with a hamstring injury on Friday.

Juwan Johnson is the first name that comes to mind as a player who must step up in Olave’s absence. You wanted more out of him in Olave’s presence, but Johnson has to step up if the receiver misses the game.

Johnson is supposed to be your leading tight end, but he’s been shut out of the stat sheet for the last two weeks. He’s not the only one. You’ll look for more out of Moreau and maybe Cedrick Wilson Jr. as well, but the veteran wideout has been limited with an ankle injury. This could be the moment for rookies Mason Tipton and Bub Means to step up at wide receiver, but look for Equanimeous St. Brown to get called up from thee practice squad.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

A.T. Perry is a healthy scratch for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys

The New Orleans Saints opted to make A.T. Perry a healthy scratch entering Week 2’s Dallas Cowboys game after he missed Week 1 with a hand injury:

The New Orleans Saints have been moving their wide receiver corps around all offseason and preseason, trying to find out the best mix of players for their roster. Ultimately, that led to A.T. Perry being marked as a healthy scratch for Week 2, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. This comes after Perry practiced without limitation the whole week, though he missed Week 1’s game due to a hand injury.

This is somewhat surprising after Perry suited up for 10 games last season, starting three, and was impressive in his playing time given. However, in preseason there were times when other players were getting opportunities over him, especially in the game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Could this just be injury management and ensuring he is completely healthy before he gets any run time? Maybe. Could it also be the Saints saying they really like what they have in guys like Bub Means and Mason Tipton over Perry? Also maybe. Who knows the thought process here, but ultimately the decision has been made, at least this week, to go away from Perry and stick with the receiver room they had for Week 1.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Lions WR Tim Patrick says Saints tried to trade for him before Broncos cut him

Tim Patrick, the Lions’ newest wide receiver, says the Saints tried to trade for him before the Broncos cut him:

The final week of the preseason is a busy time full of trade talks and tough decisions ahead of roster cuts, but some deals are discussed without ever coming to fruition. That was the case for Tim Patrick. The Detroit Lions’ newest wide receiver was let go by the Denver Broncos, but he nearly became a member of the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton has worked often with his former team over the last year so this isn’t too surprising.

Patrick told the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett that the Broncos were negotiating a trade with the Saints before roster cuts but couldn’t agree to terms, so they decided to release Patrick and let him choose his next team.

He would’ve been a good get. Patrick did miss the 2022 and 2023 seasons with injuries but he remained a popular player in the locker room, and his resume speaks for itself. He would’ve been one of the best-accomplished receivers in New Orleans. His 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 101 first down conversions are more than every wideout on the roster after Chris Olave.

What could a trade have looked like? Maybe the Saints approached Denver with a pick-swap in mind. The same day Patrick was released they cut a deal with the Washington Commanders to acquire defensive tackle John Ridgeway III, exchanging a sixth-round pick for a seventh rounder in 2025. Something is better than nothing, but in this case the decisionmakers in Denver decided goodwill with Patrick and his fans was worth more than a draft pick or some other compensation.

As for the Saints? Right now they have rostered Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., A.T. Perry, Bub Means, and Mason Tipton with Equanimeous St. Brown and Kevin Austin Jr. on the practice squad. They tried out a couple of free agents but didn’t sign any of them, so they clearly do want more help at wide receiver. We’ll just have to wait and see whether they make another move.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Rico Payton, Mason Tipton among undrafted rookies on Saints’ initial roster

The New Orleans Saints decided to keep four of their undrafted rookies on the initial 53-man roster, including Mason Tipton and Rico Payton:

The New Orleans Saints have had a long day of roster moves and cleaning out their position groups until they get down to 53 players for the initial roster. Three players worthy of note who made the cut included undrafted rookies Rico Payton and Mason Tipton, and Dallin Holker, all of whom looked exceptional in training camp. And rookie punter Matthew Hayball won his battle to secure that job, too.

It’s extremely impressive considering Tipton did not play a preseason snap due to injury, but showed out so strongly early at camp that he was retained. As for Payton, he made the roster due to high-level preseason play, despite a slower start to camp, and performed so well that the Saints could not risk putting him on the practice squad. Holker missed some time due to a recennt ankle injury, however, he looked solid enough to be worthy of a roster spot.

Payton was outstanding in all three preseason games, however, in game two he was most noticeable, earning our Player of the Game for that week from the Saints team. He will join the group of Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, and Kool-Aid McKinstry in the cornerback room among anyone else who is not taken off the roster.

In the wide receiver room, NOF’s Nick Underhill has confirmed it will be Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson, A.T. Perry, Tipton, and Bub Means to start off the season. All things considered, that was probably the best mix of talent and upside of the wide receivers on the team, so it was formed well given the players they had.

As for the tight ends, we will see Juwan Johnson, Holker, and Foster Moreau with Kevin Rader landing on IR. Ultimately Holker will be a fun addition to the team, who could get some playing time with Taysom Hill seeming more like a fullback in the new offensive scheme for the Saints. We’ll see if all four rookies hang around but for now they have to be feeling optimistic.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

B/R picks the wrong UDFA with best chance to make Saints’ final roster

Dallin Holker is a good pick, but Mason Tipton is the right choice for a Saints rookie with the best chance to make the roster:

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine laid out every team’s undrafted free agent with the best chance to make each roster. His pick for the New Orleans Saints was a good pick, but not the best selection. Ballentine selected tight end Dallin Holker, who did lead the Saints’ undrafted rookies in guaranteed money back in April.

Prior to training camp starting, that felt like the obvious answer. Seven days through training camp and wide receiver Mason Tipton has climbed to top of the UDFA totem pole.

Tipton has been the show-stealer throughout training camp and has made a few explosive plays through his connection with Spencer Rattler. Tipton is a speedster with the desire to show he’s more than a one trick pony. He’s a receiver who can “run the entire route tree” after leading Yale’s offense the last few years.

Holker was selected because of how open the tight end position is. Juwan Johnson is injured, and Taysom Hill will play all over the field. That leaves Foster Moreau and an open spot for one other player.

The former Yale wide receiver walks into a similarly open room at wide receiver. The Saints are headlined by Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but there’s no sure thing after those two young stars.

Tipton has had the performances throughout camp and a favorable opportunity in the locker room to be considered the UDFA with the best chance to make the roster.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Undrafted rookie Mason Tipton emerging in Saints wide receiver corps

Undrafted rookie Mason Tipton is emerging as a playmaker in the Saints wide receiver corps. Dennis Allen has a unique comparison for his quick rise up the ranks:

Don’t look now, or you might miss Mason Tipton. The New Orleans Saints rookie is quickly climbing the depth chart after a strong start to training camp. After emerging as a favorite target of his quarterbacks on the third- and fourth-string offenses and now he’s earning looks with the higher-ranked units. He brings a similar athletic profile to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed  at a listed 5-foot-11, 187 pounds with credible 4.3 speed.

The Saints clearly liked what they saw from Tipton in college because they guaranteed $110,000 of his rookie contract. But it’s safe to say he’s blown past their initial expectations. You don’t see many undrafted rookies added to the media availability list to start  the second week of training camp.

Dennis Allen has seen players like Tipton break out before, but his comparison is kind of unique. He pointed to one of his former players on the defensive side of the ball as an example of someone who thrived in similar circumstances.

“I was telling someone the other day,” Allen began, speaking with local media after Monday’s practice session, “I had Chris Harris in Denver. 2011, we had the lockout, and nobody knew who Chris Harris was. He was an undrafted free agent out of Kansas. But every day he showed up out there, he worked his tail off, competed at the highest level, and every day he did something to catch your eye. Next thing you know you’re two or three weeks into training camp, and he’s done something to deserve another opportunity to get more opportunities. I like some of the things I’m seeing out of him.”

Harris formally retired from the NFL earlier this year with an impressive list of achievements on his resume. He won a place on the Pro Bowl roster four times and was recognized as a first team All-Pro in 2016, also winning a Super Bowl ring with the Broncos. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored him on their All-Decade team for the 2010s. That’s a high standard to chase, but as Allen said, he and Tipton had similarly humble starts upon turning pro.

Allen added that the Saints want to fully explore Tipton’s skill set, to see if he can be more than just a deep threat or decoy downfield. The more he can do to help the team the better his chances of making the roster. Things are fairly open after the top four spots (being Olave, Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and A.T. Perry) and other young pros like Bub Means aren’t necessarily secure just because they were picked in the final rounds of this year’s draft.

We’ve seen undrafted wideouts make the team before. Look at Shaheed, and before him guys like Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harty. Tipton is certainly on the right track. He just needs to keep it up.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Countdown to Kickoff: Mason Tipton is the Saints Player of Day 84

Countdown to Kickoff: Rookie wide receiver Mason Tipton is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 84. What must he do to make the team?

With now 84 days left until the New Orleans Saints’ regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers, we continue our countdown of players with the corresponding jersey number. Today’s player is undrafted free agent wide receiver Mason Tipton.

The history behind No. 84 brings some notable names to mind especially at the wide receiver position. The most glorified Saint to ever where the number is none other than LSU’s product Eric Martin, who is currently second in team history in career receptions and yards. Other notable players to wear this number are wide receiver Kenny Stills and wide receiver/returner Michael Lewis.

With Tipton being today’s player, let’s take a deep dive into his background and what he can potentially bring to the team.

  • Name (Age): Mason Tipton (23)
  • Position: Wide receiver
  • Height, weight: 5-foot-11, 191 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.03
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $798,333
  • College: Yale
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie

Tipton went to Archbishop Hoban High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. In football, Tipton won three state titles. During his senior year, he was named to both the first team all-league and the first team all-region. Tipton would play four football seasons during his five years at Yale (2020 saw no action due to COVID). Over his career, Tipton ranked third in school history with 19 touchdowns received, fifth with 132 receptions, and sixth with 2,067 yards. In addition, he was chosen for All-Ivy three times.

Tipton is a long shot to make the roster at the receiver position with the top four spots already secured for this season. His best bet is to find a way in a special teams role, an interesting spot would be as a returner. Tipton ran a 4.33 40 yard dash at his pro day which indicates he does have the electrifying speed that one would want at that position. He does have some competition though probably even more so than he would have in the past with the new kickoff rule. Guys like Rashid Shaheed, Taysom Hill, Cedric Wilson Jr., Jermaine Jackson are all players that could potentially find themselves in this role. Tipton would have to make some hay during training camp and even more so in the preseason to claw his way into a spot on this team.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

NFL analyst says Saints signed a top-10 undrafted free agent rookie class

The New Orleans Saints signed another highly-rated class of rookie free agents. Here’s why their undrafted rookies arrive with high expectations:

There aren’t many teams that can match the New Orleans Saints’ success in recruiting, developing, and leaning on undrafted talent. Just in recent years we’ve seen former rookie free agents like Rashid Shaheed, J.T. Gray, Carl Granderson, Juwan Johnson, Deonte Harty and Wil Lutz earn starting jobs and even Pro Bowl recognition after not hearing their names called during the NFL draft.

And this year’s crop has a lot of potential, too. FantasyPros’ Thor Nystrom is  one of the best at evaluating the draft each year, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who more thoroughly studies the players available as undrafted rookies. This year, he ranked the Saints’ class of undrafted free agents at No. 9 among the NFL’s 32 teams.

A major factor in that lofty placement was the pickup of former Colorado State tight end Dallin Holker. Nystrom ranked Holker as his 156th-best prospect in the entire draft, and the seventh-best tight end. Here’s why he’s still high on Holker despite some athletic limitations:

TE Dallin Holker is headed for an H-Back role at the next level that he absolutely has the skill to excel at. The question becomes… does he have the physical ability? Holker lacks speed (4.78), and he needs space to build up to that meager gear (24th-percentile 10-yard split).

Additionally, as one of the classes’ oldest players, there’s a glass ceiling on his potential within that usage-specific role. That said, Holker is a hands-catcher with real ball skills, a rarity amongst this class. Holker’s 10 contested catches last year were two more than any TE in this draft class.

Holker has one genetic quirk that decidedly works in his favor in this area: Holker is tied with the 6’7/260 Brevyn Spann-Ford for the longest arms of my top-15 TE. This gives Holker a deceivingly large catch radius that he uses to great effect, extending those long levers out to greet the rock at its earliest point every time.

Holker posted a sublime 94th-percentile 3-cone and an 83rd-percentile short shuttle. Holker’s change-of-direction fluidness is most evident after the catch, where he was a veritable broken-tackle machine in the Mountain West, finishing No. 2 in this class with 15 last year.

One area to work on at the next level to play up his natural agility and win more separation is footwork efficiency during the route-break process. But, overall, what his routes lack in snap and pizazz, Holker augments with tempo changes and a fun grab bag of upper-body deeks.

But Holker wasn’t the only rookie free agent the Saints signed after the draft. Nystrom is also high on former Yale wide receiver Mason Tipton, who offers game-breaking speed, and who we spoke with in an exclusive interview.  He’s one of several intriguing wideouts the Saints picked up as undrafted free agents, along with Jermaine Jackson (who had four kick return touchdowns at Idaho) and Kyle Sheets (who dominated his competition at Slippery Rock). All three of them should be in the mix for a roster spot or place on the practice squad.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Browns to meet virtually with Yale WR Mason Tipton

Could the Akron native return to Northeast Ohio?

Yale wide receiver Mason Tipton is set to complete a Zoom call with Chad O’Shea, the wide receivers coach of the Cleveland Browns as the 2024 NFL draft lingers just about a week away.

An Akron native, Tipton told The OBR’s Noah Weiskopf that the Browns have been in hot pursuit from the very beginning:

“They [the Browns] want to find a way for me to get in that jersey… For that, I’m extremely grateful, extremely excited and it’s a dream to be in Cleveland, it’s my hometown.”

Tipton wowed scouts at his pro day at the University of Toledo, largely there to see cornerback and projected first rounder Quinyon Mitchell, by running a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash. He racked up 786 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns this past season at Yale.

The Yale product was named Dane Brugler of The Athletic’s highest-graded non-combine invite wide receiver in this year’s draft class.

It is worth noting that the Browns have historically used a chunk of their visiting energy with players they want to bring in as undrafted free agents who have the chance to choose who to sign with. Building rapport with the speedy hometown wideout, Tipton and the Browns could be on a pathway toward a spot on the 90-man roster.