It’s finally here! The New Orleans Saints will kick off their first preseason game on Sunday, Aug. 10, and we’re highlighting some of the young players who must make the most of this opportunity. It’s concerning to mention so many first- and second-round draft picks here, but if the Saints are going to turn things around, they must get more out of their draftees.
Obviously a lot of eyes (if not all of them) will be glued on the quarterbacks, so we’re looking beyond Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. Here are six Saints players who need to stand out on Sunday:
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Isaiah Foskey
Jul 30, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey (55) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
It’s now or never for Foskey, who hasn’t flashed often at his third Saints training camp. The former top-50 draft pick hasn’t made an impact even in a new defensive scheme, and he must show something to warrant a roster spot over other pros like Jonah Williams and Chris Rumph II, or a rookie seventh-round pick in Fadil Diggs. You have to think the guy who won Notre Dame’s all-time sacks record can make a play in a real game.
Kendre Miller
Jul 30, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) looks on during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
With news of Alvin Kamara sitting this one out and rookie draft pick Devin Neal missing at least part of the preseason with a hamstring injury, Miller has a great opportunity to see a lot of touches and prove he’s the team’s best choice for RB2. Guys like Cam Akers, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Velus Jones Jr. have been in the mix at training camp but this preseason game gives Miller a chance to separate himself in live action.
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Jordan Howden
Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) looks on during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Howden has gotten his hands on some passes at training camp, but he was almost immediately demoted when the Saints signed Julian Blackmon, and now Howden is the team’s third safety behind Blackmon and Justin Reid. He should still get plenty of reps in that role, but it’s disappointing that he’s lost so much ground this far into his Saints career. A big game this Sunday could help him stay in the conversation to start next to Reid and fend off competition from veterans like Terrell Burgess and Ugo Amadi.
Bub Means
Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bub Means (16) during receiver drills during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
This summer has been too quiet for Means, who hasn’t been able to outcompete journeymen like Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Dante Pettis at training camp. He’s still practicing behind Mason Tipton, too. Fans had higher expectations for Means going into his second season and the coaching staff likely did, too. This is his chance to show he’s a better option for that fifth receiver spot than the guys who have made more plays at practice.
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Vernon Broughton
Jul 30, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Vernon Broughton (91) and defensive end Omari Thomas (74) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
For as excited as the Saints were to draft Broughton at No. 71 overall in April, they haven’t been eager to play him in August. He’s been stuck on the third-string defensive line behind guys like Nathan Shepherd, Jonathan Bullard, and Jonah Williams.
Trevor Penning
Jul 28, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70) looks on at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Early reports out of training camp have suggested Penning is further ahead at left guard than he was at right tackle this time last year, and that’s encouraging. But we need to see it in a live game against real competition, and this is a good opportunity for him to earn some trust after another position switch. If he can be a strength between Erik McCoy and rookie draft pick Kelvin Banks Jr., that changes the outlook on the New Orleans offensive line dramatically.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Kendre Miller among young Saints players to watch in preseason Week 1