Pressure makes diamonds. For the New Orleans Saints, pressure must also make improvements around their roster. Some players are exceedingly important for the team's success in 2024.
5 most important Saints players for the 2024 NFL season
Cesar Ruiz
A bit of a surprise to start this list? Potentially. The entire offensive line is quite important for the Saints in 2024. Trevor Penning is expected to start, and rookie OT Taliese Fuaga is a starter who must perform.
We cannot overlook Ruiz, though. In 2022, Ruiz took a big step forward in his development. 2023 was a bit more inconsistent for the interior offensive lineman. He needs to bounce back in order to make sure at least one of two players on a certain side of the OL is consistent.
Marshon Lattimore
Latt is back. The star cornerback missed a bulk of the 2023 season due to injury. Now, the Saints have their top CB in the building and ready to contribute.
If The Saints get top 10 CB play from Lattimore alongside Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, and the safeties, the Saints defense can reach a top-flight level. New Orleans' defense could be a top five unit in the entire NFL if Lattimore plays to the level he is capable.
Cameron Jordan
Jordan had his worst year as a pro in 2023. He dealt with multiple injuries, and the rest of the DL was not playing well, either, outside of Carl Granderson.
The veteran defensive leader is healthy now, and he is looking to dominate upfront alongside new teammate Chase Young. If Jordan can be better on the pass rush than he was last year, that will make a massive difference for the Saints this season.
Bryan Bresee
The rookie showed intriguing flashes last season. His run defense has holes, but he is working hard to shore that up. His pass rush traits were always the best part of his game. He should step forward for more snaps in 2024.
If Bresee can get somewhere between six and ten sacks this year, the New Orleans defense looks a lot different on the DL than 2023.
Derek Carr
The most obvious choice is the caboose here. Carr is the quarterback. He must be the engine in today's NFL. The play-calling will improve, and hopefully, Carr will stay healthier in 2024.
If the Saints get more consistent play from Carr, the offense's ceiling is much, much higher. Rashid Shaheed and Taysom Hill will be key pieces for Car under Klint Kubiak, and Chris Olave can solidify himself as a WR1 among his peers if Carr allows them to do so. He will feel plenty of pressure this season, and Dennis Allen's job somewhat relies on his QB.
