Breaking down the potential running backs next season.
Heading into OTAs, one question that remains is what the running back room could look like for the New Orleans Saints. Here’s who I think will be in the backfield come week one.
Alvin Kamara, RB #1
This one here is obvious. Kamara is a Saints icon, holding the franchise record for all-time rushing yards with 6,779 and with 2024 being the closest he’s ever been to a 1,000-yard season, he’s sure to be motivated heading into year nine.
Devin Neal, RB #2
Neal was selected in the sixth round in last month’s NFL Draft and has the potential to be the ultimate gem. He probably would have been taken earlier, if it weren’t for the running back class of 2024 being the deepest in years.
In his four seasons with Kansas, Neal has come to be on the top of the all-time rushing list with 4,343. He also has the most rushing touchdowns in school history with 49.
“I’m super dynamic and versatile,” Neal said during rookie minicamp. “Whatever role I carve out with this team, I’m definitely going to look to maximize that.”
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB #3
The Baton Rouge native joined the Saints late last season after the Kansas City Chiefs released the running back. He said it was a dream come true when he got the call.
“No better feeling. When I saw that 504 number come across my phone the other day, I couldn’t be more than ecstatic.” Edwards-Helaire said in his first meeting with media. “Being able to come home, being able to put on that black and gold, is something that I dreamed of as a kid.”
He shined a bit in his few snaps with the team. and with a full offseason in New Orleans under his belt, he could improve tenfold.
Kendre Miller, RB #4
It’s disappointing for me to put Miller so low on this list and so close to being off the team. The 2023 third-round pick has struggled to stay healthy, battling hamstring injury after hamstring injury. However, when he has been on the field, he quickly shows why the Saints used a day two pick on him a few years ago.
His positioning in the wrong areas of the field last season also doesn’t help his case but Miller has the speed, agility, and balance to succeed in the league. He’s just had some horrible injury luck.
Kendre Miller stays on his feet for the first down pic.twitter.com/G23jig3rD2
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) December 8, 2024