ESPN Slams Saints with Worst Roster Ranking in NFL

The low ranking for the Saints isn't surprising, as the media has been low on New Orleans since veteran Derek Carr announced his retirement. ESPN names Carr's retirement as the team's biggest weakness, leaving them in rebuild mode. While they do mention rookie Tyler Shough as the favorite to win the job, ESPN appears not to be high on the 25-year-old rookie.

On the other hand, ESPN mentions what they believe is the team's biggest strength— the pass rush. The Saints' pass rush being named their biggest strength is surprising to say the least. New Orleans indeed had two edge rushers finish the 2024 season in the top 10 in quarterback hurries, but finished the season tied 18th in the league with 39 sacks. They continued to come short when it comes to getting to the quarterback in 2024 and are hoping that a scheme change in 2025 boosts what is a talented defensive line room.

Finally, ESPN named the roster's x-factor going into the new season— their young tackle duo. The Saints have invested a first-round pick into drafting tackles in the last two drafts, hoping to solidify their offensive line for the future.

Second-year tackle Taliese Fuaga had an outstanding rookie season and will be moving from left tackle to his college position of right tackle. New Orleans drafted Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft and will be playing him at left tackle. The young rookie duo shows an immense amount of promise and hopes to make building a roster down the line easier.

But to ESPN's credit, there will likely be plenty of errors to pick on for the Saints, and the team isn't expected to be competitive in 2025. But it's hard to believe a team that consists of Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Demario Davis, and Erik McCoy is the worst roster in the league.