Why Saints find themselves in the bottom 8 of new NFL Power rankings

Several weeks into the NFL’s free agency frenzy, opinions abound regarding how each team has fared in bolstering or weakening its roster. Eric Edholm of NFL.com recently unveiled his initial power rankings since the commencement of free agency, aiming to assess teams based on their 2023 performances and the maneuvers they’ve executed in the ongoing 2024 offseason.

Amidst this evaluation, the spotlight naturally gravitates toward alterations in quarterback personnel and coaching staff. It’s a captivating exercise to gauge perceptions of teams ahead of the upcoming draft. The New Orleans Saints found themselves ranked at 25th in Edholm’s rankings:

The Saints haven’t undergone significant roster upheaval during free agency, managing to secure the services of Chase Young despite grappling with salary cap limitations. However, they’ve failed to noticeably enhance their squad in any distinct manner. Deficiencies are evident across both offensive and defensive lines, while the wide receiver department appears wanting. Enhancing the offensive talent surrounding quarterback Derek Carr seems like a daunting task given the available resources and financial constraints.

Looking ahead to the draft, New Orleans must target immediate contributors at wide receiver and offensive line positions. The pressure is on to identify players capable of making an impact right from their rookie year. With the roster in its current state, neither Carr nor head coach Dennis Allen can afford to rest easy. Another disappointing season could cast doubts on their futures beyond 2024.

Edholm’s assessment comes across as harsh, particularly his reluctance to attribute New Orleans’ offensive struggles primarily to coaching deficiencies. The outlook on the Saints’ offensive improvement hinges largely on faith in Klint Kubiak. Despite retaining much of the same roster from the previous year, the Saints dropped significantly in the rankings, reflecting Edholm’s lack of confidence.

While the Saints may not boast the flashiest offense reminiscent of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” labeling their wide receiver corps as “barren” appears exaggerated. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed offer a sturdy foundation with potential for growth. On the contrary, Edholm’s observation about the trenches holds more weight. Improvement is indeed needed on both sides of the line, yet New Orleans isn’t as far from mediocrity as Edholm’s rankings suggest.