The New Orleans Saints lost three-time Pro Bowl receiver Michael Thomas this offseason, but they still have a collection of offensive weapons they are confident in. The Saints, led by five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara, also have two outstanding young receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. In addition, New Orleans possesses Taysom Hill, Juwan Johnson, and a slew of young players who will look to prove themselves in 2024.
While this is a good outfit, it is widely acknowledged that the weaponry in New Orleans should be improved further. However, NFL analysts appear to think even less of the group than expected. This was demonstrated in a recent ESPN rating of clubs’ offensive weapons by Bill Barnwell. Barnwell ranked clubs based on their wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs.
This is an activity that Barnwell performs every offseason, and the rating essentially predicts how the groups will look in the coming season. With this in mind, Barnwell ranked New Orleans’ weapons 25th entering the 2024 season.
ESPN ranked the Saints’ offensive skill players 25th in the NFL.
New Orleans was ranked 14 a year ago and 21 in 2022. The Saints are now down to 25. Barnwell noted that having two standout playmakers is not a given. Barnwell believes Chris Olave will continue to rise in 2024, while Alvin Kamara will fall.
“Do the Saints have two playmakers that stick out? It depends on how positive you are about Alvin Kamara. I believe in Chris Olave, but Kamara hasn’t been an efficient rusher in three seasons, since Drew Brees retired. During that time, he averaged 3.9 yards per carry and exceeded expectations by minus-277 rush yards.
Bill Barnwell
Unfortunately, Barnwell is not the first to present this argument. After starting his career with five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, Kamara has missed the last two seasons, and many believe he is past his prime. However, many people believe Kamara still has the qualities that make him unique, and all he needs is a little support from the system and offensive line to demonstrate it.
The Saints’ focus for the 2024 season will be on proving themselves. Barnwell complimented Rashid Shaheed as a deep threat, but is unsure about him as an every-down receiver. Simply said, everyone in New Orleans will have to prove their worth this season.
Barnwell did conclude by noting the team may be back in the teens if Klint Kubiak can get Alvin Kamara back on track, which is precisely what the Saints plan to happen.
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