Training camp is where NFL hopes can rise or disappear in a matter of days, and for the New Orleans Saints, several players are already feeling the pressure.
With head coach Kellen Moore evaluating a 90-man roster and only 53 spots available when the regular season arrives, every practice rep matters. The Saints have also added significant competition across the roster, making this year’s camp especially important for players fighting for backup roles and roster security.
While several Saints have impressed early in camp, four players appear to be facing particularly difficult battles as the team continues to reshape its roster.
1. Nathan Shepherd — Defensive Line
Nathan Shepherd entered camp as an experienced veteran and a potential starter, but the competition around him is becoming increasingly intense.
Shepherd recorded 14 pressures and three sacks in 2025, but New Orleans needs more consistent production from its defensive front. The Saints have also added several young defensive tackles, including multiple rookies, creating additional competition for snaps.
Vernon Broughton, who missed most of his rookie season because of a hip injury, is expected to push for a larger role. If the younger defensive linemen continue to make plays, Shepherd could find his position less secure than it once appeared.
2. Davon Godchaux — Defensive Tackle
Godchaux is another veteran facing a serious challenge.
The Saints have been searching for more strength and consistency at nose tackle, and the competition at the position is crowded. Godchaux, John Ridgeway III and Khristian Boyd were all identified as players who had not completely separated themselves from the pack entering camp.
With four rookie defensive tackles added during the offseason, the margin for error is becoming smaller.
3. Jaylan Ford — Linebacker
Ford’s special-teams ability has helped him remain in the conversation, but his defensive role could ultimately determine whether he makes the roster.
The Saints have invested in their linebacker group, and Isaiah Stalbird has emerged as another player capable of contributing on special teams while also making an impact defensively. That puts additional pressure on Ford to show that he can provide value beyond special teams.
For Ford, the preseason could become especially important.
4. Terrell Burgess — Safety
Terrell Burgess also finds himself in a competitive battle.
The Saints drafted Lorenzo Styles Jr. with a specific vision for special teams and return coverage, while Beanie Bishop Jr. provides additional versatility in the secondary. Burgess therefore cannot afford to have an ordinary camp if he wants to secure his place on the final roster.
The Bottom Line
None of these players are guaranteed to be cut, and training-camp depth charts can change quickly. But the Saints have made it clear that competition will be a major part of their 2026 roster construction.
With younger players pushing for opportunities and several positions crowded with talent, Nathan Shepherd, Davon Godchaux, Jaylan Ford and Terrell Burgess have plenty to prove.
For New Orleans, that’s exactly what training camp is about: finding the players who can help the team win — and forcing everyone else to earn their spot.
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