Bradley Roby was the most surprising cut when the New Orleans Saints trimmed their roster down to 53 players this week, but it wasn’t a move the team made without reason. The move meant Alontae Taylor was moving into the slot. This is a move many thought he could make when picked in the 2022 NFL draft. He spent the offseason splitting time between the slot and battling with Paulson Adebo for starting outside at cornerback, where he played very well as a rookie.
That’s the biggest reason the ceiling is still high for Taylor. His athleticism lends itself to being able to play in the slot and now he can focus on it. The preseason was a bit shaky for him, but it’s important to note he was learning a new position. He was never able to fully dedicate himself to it. Now that playing outside is off the table, Taylor’s development on the inside can be more rapid.
Tyrann Mathieu was once one of the best slot corners in the NFL. He’s now a safety for the Saints and a valuable resource for Taylor. Taylor said he’s leaning on Mathieu to help learn the position. Entering in second season in the league, he provides the willingness to tackle that is reminiscent of past players at the position. Taylor has the potential to combine the aggression in the run game and coverage skill in a way we’ve never seen in the slot in New Orleans.
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