Tag: position

PFF charted Malcolm Jenkins from 5 different alignments in Week 1

The analysts at Pro Football Focus charted New Orleans Saints DB Malcolm Jenkins as playing five different positions against the Buccaneers.

[jwplayer PTexHyiH-ThvAeFxT]

Malcolm Jenkins was one of a handful of New Orelans Saints starters to stay on the field for all 70 defensive snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he turned in some impressive tape in his first game back in black and gold after six years with the Philadelphia Eagles. While he may be listed as a strong safety, he really plays a brand of positionless football more like what you’d expect to see from Tyrann Mathieu, Jamal Adams, or another one of the young stars making a name for themselves.

Pro Football Focus took notice, grading Jenkins with a top-two rating in every category for New Orleans: run defense (70.9), pass rushing (82.5), and pass coverage (68.5), as well as overall defense (76.9). That’s a great return on investment for the priciest Saints free agent acquisition. Here’s what PFF analyst Sam Monson had to say of Jenkins’ second Saints debut:

Malcolm Jenkins’ triumphant return to New Orleans couldn’t have got off to a better start. Jenkins was used all over the Saints’ defense and had an impact in seemingly every role. He spent snaps as a deep-lying free safety (22) in the box (20), crowding the line of scrimmage as a threat to blitz (17), covering the slot (7) and even split wide as a perimeter corner to match up with Bucs’ receivers (4). He even played special teams to add to his contributions. Jenkins had two total pressures from six pass-rushing snaps on the blitz, recorded two defensive stops and didn’t give up a catch during the game as the Saints defense frustrated Tom Brady and the Bucs.

And here’s a simple pie chart reflecting all the different alignments Jenkins saw against Tampa Bay:

That versatility explains why the Saints were so eager to bring Jenkins back into the fold after letting him walk away back in 2013. He developed into a great player with a well-rounded skills set in Philadelphia, and his ability to wear so many hats was on full display. Being able to ask him to switch spots from one play to the next relieves a lot of pressure from other players, and we should expect to see more of this as the season continues.

[vertical-gallery id=37913]

Sean Payton updates the training camp battle between Cesar Ruiz, Erik McCoy

The New Orleans Saints are trying out top draft pick Cesar Ruiz at both center and right guard in training camp, along with Erik McCoy.

[jwplayer 28S7U2VW-ThvAeFxT]

The biggest battle of New Orleans Saints training camp is happening in the trenches. Cesar Ruiz, the team’s top draft pick, is hoping to win the starting job and stay at his natural position at center. But he’ll have to unseat the incumbent starter, Erik McCoy, who put up very good game tape during his 2019 rookie season.

For now, Saints coach Sean Payton is just focused on getting them used to working together. Whoever doesn’t remain at center will shift over to the right guard spot, replacing three-time Pro Bowl alternate Larry Warford. And while it’s too early to call the competition after the first day of practice in pads, Payton has been encouraged by where things started.

He spoke about the training camp competition in his Monday conference call after practice: “We’re evaluating both of them, they’re both getting plenty of work. McCoy’s getting work at center, Ruiz is at right guard. And probably every second or third day we’ll evaluate and flip them around. We’re rotating both of those guys with Nick Easton inside. We feel like, obviously, all of those reps are important and I think overall (Ruiz is) a pretty quick study.”

It shouldn’t panic anyone that Ruiz isn’t taking every snap at center right away. The Saints often train players at different positions (defensive back P.J. Williams had a great day of practice at safety), and there’s a good chance Ruiz ends up playing at guard rather than center for much of his rookie year. It’s best for him to get some familiarity with it now.

For the curious: Ruiz started 26 of 31 games at center with Michigan, spending the remaining 5 starts at right guard. At Texas A&M, Erik McCoy logged 37 starts at center and 2 at guard. That won’t factor much into who starts where in 2020 with the Saints, but it does give some context on where each player’s background lies.

Also, Easton has also been filling in for left guard Andrus Peat. While early reports out of Saints training camp were positive for Peat, he wasn’t in attendance at Monday’s practice session, and Payton offered no explanation. It’s unknown whether Peat is dealing with an injury, personal matter, or the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, but we’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, this is what Easton is here for. It’s good to see that he’s also part of the training camp battle to start along the interior, justifying the big contract the Saints signed him to last summer. While Ruiz should be a favorite to get the starting nod, having a vested veteran like Easton involved will make sure the rookie earns his opportunity.

[vertical-gallery id=37021]

P.J. Williams thriving at safety and corner in Saints training camp

The New Orleans Saints are trying out P.J. Williams at both safety and slot cornerback in their training camp practices, where he’s thriving

[jwplayer 28S7U2VW-ThvAeFxT]

The New Orleans Saints value versatility on defense more than most teams, eagerly trying out players at different positions to best gauge their strengths and weaknesses. One training camp standout getting a look at a new spot is defensive back P.J. Williams.

Initially lined up outside as a cornerback, Williams settled into a role with the Saints as their go-to defender over the slot. But he’s also seen action at safety, and the Saints are making a point to get him more experience there. It’s a move Saints coach Sean Payton has been pleased to see Williams handle.

“Well I like the fact that he’s smart, he’s got good ball skills,” Payton said in his conference call after practice. “He had a caused fumble today and an interception today, so he’s one of those players that has good football I.Q., so it’s good to give him some additional work. He’s also taken snaps at playing in the nickel, he’s got some versatility.”

Those two takeaways are a great sign of things to come: Williams initially forced a fumble out of backup running back Dwayne Washington, which was recovered by defensive lineman Margus Hunt, before getting in position to snatch a tipped ball from wide receiver Juwan Johnson’s hands (that was thrown by Jameis Winston). Not a bad day in the office.

Williams has appeared in 50 games for the Saints since 2017 (including the playoffs), bagging 29 pass breakups and 4 interceptions, plus a pair of forced fumbles. He first stepped into the safety spot late last season when the Saints were short-handed after injuries struck Vonn Bell and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, so cross-training him now makes sense. The Saints don’t want to get caught in a tight spot like that again.

But it remains to be seen how often Williams will line up deeper in the backfield. Gardner-Johnson (now going by “Ceedy Duce”) is just as position-flexible as Williams and free agent pickup Malcolm Jenkins, so the Saints have to figure out the best way to portion out those snaps. If nothing else, it’s great to have a strong backup plan waiting in the wings should things take a hard left swerve.

[lawrence-related id=31237,22496]

[vertical-gallery id=37025]

Here’s a look at the SEC’s best receivers from each school and how they rank

This 3rd installment in our Gators Wire original series will attempt to rank the likely No. 1 wide receiver for every member school in fall.

After previously examining each Southeastern Conference program’s projected quarterback and lead tailback entering the 2020 season, this third installment in our Gators Wire original series will attempt to rank the likely No. 1 wide receiver for every member school this fall.

Featuring high-powered offenses throughout the league’s 14 teams, the conference had nine wideouts selected in the 2020 National Football League Draft, meaning there will be some big names to replace and opportunities for returning players to step into larger roles.

The Florida Gators had three receivers chosen in the draft, the most of any SEC program, with Van Jefferson coming off the board at No. 57 to the Los Angeles Rams, Freddie Swain at No. 214 to the Seattle Seahawks, and Tyrie Cleveland at No. 252 to the Denver Broncos, the fourth-to-last overall selection.

Three of the league’s wideouts went in the first-round, headed by Alabama Crimson Tide standout Henry Ruggs III to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 12. His teammate, Jerry Jeudy, followed shortly behind, selected by the Broncos at No. 15, and Justin Jefferson of the LSU Tigers was plucked by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 22.

NEXT: No. 14 Josh Ali – Kentucky Wildcats

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13, Page 14, Page 15

Saints coach on Zack Baun: ‘I just know we got the right guy’

First-year New Orleans Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges is excited to work with Zack Baun, one of the team’s top 2020 NFL draft picks

[jwplayer w1QkRUqp-ThvAeFxT]

The New Orleans Saints coaching staff hasn’t been able to spend any time in person with the newest additions to their roster, but they’ve done all they can to welcome rookie draft picks like former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun into the fold.

That’s a challenge Michael Hodges has embraced, which might be even more daunting considering it’s his first year on the job. Promoted from assistant to full-time position coach after Mike Nolan left for the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator job, Hodges has made himself available to Baun and his other players as often as possible. And he’s been impressed by what the rookie has shown him.

“It’s Saturday night at 10:30 and Zack doesn’t have anything else to do so he pulls up an old teach tape,” Hodges said during a recent conference call, referencing one recent example of Baun’s work ethic, “and there’s verbiage on there that explains what we’re doing. All of a sudden he’s getting a lesson than that he wouldn’t have gotten before because maybe I wouldn’t have had the reason to do it.”

Teleconference meetings can help a lot, but there’s no replacing a classroom-style meeting where more experienced players can offer pointers and react to their newer teammates in real time: “And when (Baun) has to answer a question and he feels Demario (Davis) right there listening to him and then there is feedback throughout the room, those are things that we’re missing. But we’re getting some of that even through these calls.”

Hodges reflected on a conversation with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, saying, “We were talking about Zack and he has been an outstanding pro. For him to approach what he’s been doing the way he has. I mean, I just know we got the right guy and that (credit) goes to our scouting department. They knew all that stuff.

“When you talk about a makeup, this guy’s makeup is outstanding and then from an intelligent standpoint, man, he approaches it the right way. He invites being corrected. He’s already asked me how we’re going to schedule out the rest of the summer for meetings and so it’s been really impressive to see him.”

Baun broke out for the Badgers in his senior year, notching 12.5 sacks and 19.5 total tackles for loss in 14 games last season. While he predominately stood tight to the line of scrimmage and made his plays scrapping with blockers in the trenches, Hodges saw enough in Baun’s game tape to project him to a more-traditional role in the Saints defense.

Hodges continued, “Well, there was enough movement skills to say, this guy could play a different position besides Sam linebacker and I told Jeff (Ireland) very early in the process, when we watched him, I see Sam, Mike, boom. Like I wrote it down. It was the first note I wrote on him and really that aligned with other people’s vision as well. And it gave us the confidence to go get him where we did and Sean (Payton) agrees with it.”

Still, the rookie’s track to earning snaps is filled with hurdles. Baun has to outwork veteran starters like Alex Anzalone, Kiko Alonso, and even special teams captain Craig Robertson before he can run with Davis in the starting lineup (which typically features just two linebackers in New Orleans). That process is something Hodges expects to be cooperative. He just wishes they could get into it sooner rather than later.

[lawrence-related id=29723]

[vertical-gallery id=29192]

Ty Montgomery chose Saints due to their success with versatile playmakers

Ty Montgomery struggled to catch on despite his skills. He’s seen the Saints thrive with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, and wants to be next.

[jwplayer bx1nhJG7-ThvAeFxT]

The New Orleans Saints made an interesting free agent pickup last week by signing Ty Montgomery, the wide receiver-turned-running back who rose to prominence with the Green Bay Packers. Montgomery struggled to find his footing in stops with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, due as much to uncreative playbooks as inexperienced quarterbacks under center like Sam Darnold and then-rookie Lamar Jackson.

He’s hoping to rebound well in New Orleans. Montgomery spoke with local media on a recent conference call, pointing to the success the Saints have found with other position-versatile talents as a major selling-point for him.

“Obviously they have guys like Alvin Kamara, they’ve shown what they can do with guys like him,” Montgomery said. “Taysom Hill, they’ve shown what they can do with guys like him, just other guys as well over the years. Coach Sean Payton and his offense, it’s just sort of been, I guess you could say notorious for putting guys in the best positions to be successful and being very creative on offense.”

Listed at 6-foot-even and 216 pounds, Montgomery has done most of his damage on the ground (with 224 rushing attempts) while running a variety of routes on passing downs (drawing 163 targets as a receiver). He’ll look to expand his portfolio in New Orleans and prove a better candidate to back up Kamara than, say, special teams ace Dwayne Washington or practice squad call-up Taquan Mizzell.

While fans shouldn’t expect Montgomery to push Latavius Murray off the field as the team’s number-two running back, there’s definitely value in having someone with experience on the plays and responsibilities Kamara has perfected in recent years. The Saints lost an element of their playbook when Kamara missed time last year, but Montgomery could be an effective band-aid should the Saints call his No. 88.

But in the meantime, Montgomery is preparing to handle whatever responsibility the Saints have in store for him — up to and including throwing blocks as a fullback so his teammates can get a clear running lane.

Montgomery continued, “I’ve always said I don’t believe I necessarily have to fit into a box. I can sit in a running back room and still do things as a wide receiver, I can sit in the receiver room and still do things as a running back. My ultimate goal’s just to be able to play and help the team in any way I can.”

And he didn’t go into this situation blind; Montgomery noted that he’s spoken with former teammates who spent time in New Orleans like Jimmy Graham, who talked up the Saints offense for its knack of putting players in position to max out their talents. But the proof he needed came from seeing what Hill, a former Packers training camp washout, could do in the right situation.

“Taysom Hill, we were actually in Green Bay together, so I already knew what kind of athlete he was. So to see him thrive, catch balls, run the football, throw the football,” Montgomery said, musing on the system Payton has built. “It’s just a place where anybody can thrive really.”

[lawrence-related id=33669,33660]

[vertical-gallery id=33495]

Saints, P.J. Williams agree to another one-year contract extension

The New Orleans Saints re-signed veteran cornerback P.J. Williams to a one-year, $2 million contract extension on Thursday, per reports.

The New Orleans Saints and free agent cornerback P.J. Williams agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension on Thursday, as first reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The team announced the agreement shortly after, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that it is a fully-guaranteed $2 million deal.

It’s a big get for the Saints, who will add the 26-year-old Williams to a defensive backfield stocked with talent. Williams started eight games last season while sitting out two weeks with a suspension related to an offseason DUI charge. He was on the field for 798 snaps in the regular season, trailing only Eli Apple (932) and Marshon Lattimore (819) in total snaps played.

Where Williams will line up is questionable. He won the starting slot cornerback job last season over Patrick Robinson, who returned to the Saints for 2020 after agreeing to a pay cut. Safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Malcolm Jenkins should also each compete for opportunities in defending the slot. If Williams doesn’t start right away, he offers extensive experience behind Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins as the next-man-up should either miss time. While most of his NFL action has been spent in the slot, Williams moved outside for a few games last year and also filled in at safety as injuries ravaged the secondary.

Considering how thin the Saints were previously at cornerback — special teams ace Justin Hardee and XFL pickup Deatrick Nichols were the top backups prior to Williams’ return — this should be seen as a great move. Even if Williams doesn’t play often, the depth chart is in much better shape with him back in the fold. It also decreases the need for another cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft, though his presence shouldn’t prevent the Saints from selecting a rookie if the value is right. There isn’t a team in the pass-happy NFL with enough defensive backs.

[vertical-gallery id=31178]

Tom Herman Announces Position Changes for the 2020 Season

Tom Herman announced position changes for the 2020 season. Significant on both offense and defense, they will impact UT big time next year.

In his first time talking to the media since wrapping up the 2020 recruiting class and completing his coaching staff, Tom Herman spoke about both sides of the ball. When asked about players moving positions, Herman named seven different players that will be in new spots next season.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a few changes starting with Anthony Cook. The junior will be the nickel corner, coming in to give the defense five defensive backs. In 18 career games for the Longhorns, he has made five starts, with his best moment coming in this year’s Red River Shootout, causing a fumble from Jalen Hurts.

The biggest jump will be former defensive back DeMarvion Overshown moving to the linebacker position. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 210 pounds, Overshown has the size to play the position. Herman said he is “excited” about the switch.

Alamo Bowl MVP Joseph Ossai will be moving to the jack position with Byron Vaughns, primarily rushing the passer. That was a huge problem for Texas last season, being in the bottom half of the Big 12 in sacks. Ossai proved against Utah how disruptive in the backfield he can be, totaling three sacks and six tackles for loss. Vaughns, who will be a redshirt sophomore, only played in six games last season, securing 12 tackles.

Flipping over to offense, there are some significant changes that have the chance to make the Longhorn offense even better than it was last season. Beginning with former five-star prospect Jordan Whittington, he will be playing slot receiver, a move that has been anticipated. His athletic ability gives him the option to play anywhere on the field, but a loaded running back room makes it too difficult to get him touches.

Part of the reason the backfield will be so crowded next season will be because former third-string quarterback Roschon Johnson will be sticking to running back going forward. Making the move last season after the position was thin, he played at a high level. Rushing for 649 yards and seven touchdowns, Johnson will now be competing with junior Keaontay Ingram and true freshman Bijan Robinson for snaps.

Another significant move for the offense is Malcolm Epps moving to tight end. It was a position that produced nearly nothing last season, with Cade Brewer having 11 catches for 159 yards. While Brewer will be returning in 2020, he will now have another body competing for his spot. Epps is a huge 6 feet 5 inches that has the chance to be a big target for Ehlinger next season.

Each change will bring a dynamic change to both sides of the ball for Texas next season. With new offensive coordinator Mike Yurich and new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, it will be their responsibility to make sure the players produce. If they can, the Longhorns will be one of the best teams in the Big 12 next season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Taysom Hill prepared to leave the Saints if they don’t view him as a franchise QB

Taysom Hill has reiterated that he views himself as a quarterback, and he’s prepared to leave the New Orleans Saints if they disagree.

[jwplayer yY808HIT-ThvAeFxT]

What is Taysom Hill’s position? He’ll tell anyone who will listen that it’s quarterback, but more than half his snaps with the New Orleans Saints came on special teams last year. On offense, his time at receiver and tight end dwarfs his action at quarterback. But he elaborated on his stance during an interview with Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press.

“I definitely view myself as a franchise quarterback,” Hill said. “I think as you look at the other questions: is it New Orleans? Is it somewhere else? As you go into free agency, this is the time that you start to find out how people view you. We haven’t gotten into free agency long enough to really know how these guys view me, and we’ll just handle it as it comes.”

While Hill is only a restricted free agent this year (meaning the Saints will have the option to match any contract offers he receives, or keep him around on a low-cost one-year contract tender), he’s obviously casting an eye to the future. And he has to do that. Hill will be 30 when the 2020 season kicks off, and there’s no guarantee that his body will hold up to continued abuse in his current role — four of his five years at BYU ended with injuries. Unlike the 27-year-old Teddy Bridgewater, he doesn’t have the luxury of biding his time on the bench until the perfect opportunity opens up. There’s a very narrow window for Hill to cash out in, and he knows that.

So while he wouldn’t be happy in having to leave the Saints, it’s a reality Hill has already made his peace with: “I have loved every second of my time (in New Orleans). So do I want to leave? The fact of the matter is no, I don’t. But as you look at free agency, you have to find the right opportunity for you. You have to find the situation to take care of your family. I want to play quarterback in this league, and if New Orleans don’t view me that way, well then I have to leave. That’s really where we’re at.”

[vertical-gallery id=28191]

WR, TE, QB, FB, RB? Just how many positions did Taysom Hill play in 2019?

The New Orleans Saints played Taysom Hill just about everywhere during the 2019 season, but more than half his snaps were on special teams.

[jwplayer yY808HIT-ThvAeFxT]

What’s the next chapter in Taysom Hill’s story? The do-it-all playmaker has a reputation as a Swiss Army knife, seeming to succeed everywhere the New Orleans Saints put him in just about any role. But where exactly did he line up in 2019?

It can be hard to distinguish that. Hill takes reps from all over the Saints offense, lining up out wide as a receiver on one play before trotting over to lead-block as a fullback. He’s auditioned at tight end and thrived as a slot receiver, also playing sparingly as a quarterback. And that doesn’t even get into his many responsibilities on special teams.

Thankfully, the team at Pro Football Focus is here to help. They charted every snap Hill played in 2019, and recorded each position he lined up — totaling 572 snaps in 17 games, including the playoffs. However, just 264 of those plays came on offense; 54% of Hill’s action was spent on special teams, running with the punt and kicking units.

Here’s an illustration of Hill’s usage in a pie chart we put together using PFF data:

So there’s an answer: considered all of his assignments, it’s safe to say that Hill played 10 different positions during the 2019 season. But while more than half of Hill’s contributions came on special teams, what we’re really curious about is his usage on offense. So here’s a second chart that’s filtered down the positions played on offense, and combined his snaps at receiver (72 in the slot, 44 out wide):

That paints a better portrait of what kind of talent he is, and where Hill’s career may go next. He may insist on being designated a quarterback — and Saints coach Sean Payton might be determined to tell anyone who’ll listen that it’s the case — but actions speak louder than words. And so far, the Saints have shown a greater willingness to play Hill at other positions, and it’s tough to argue with the results. He caught 21 of 24 targets for 259 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns last season, also logging 31 carries for 206 rushing yards and another score. Great things happen when Hill gets the football as a receiver or runner, and the Saints should continue to prioritize that.

[lawrence-related id=27946,27568,26850,25423,24054]

[vertical-gallery id=28191]