Picking potential standout players for New Orleans this upcoming season.
As the offseason progresses and the New Orleans Saints await training camp, fans and staff can start to get a better idea of how the 53-man roster will shape up ahead of the regular season. Which players should we expect to shine and be the leaders of this season? Who are we hoping to make an impact on the team? Here are my predictions for the upcoming year.
Rookie of the Year: Danny Stutsman
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While it would be easy to go with the Saints first-round pick, Kelvin Banks Jr., here, I think it may be almost too easy. Then, with uncertainty in a starting quarterback between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler as well as Devin Neal fighting for snaps in a chockablock running back room, there is opportunity for the fiery and passionate linebacker out of Oklahoma to make some noise in his rookie campaign.
Stutsman has the size and speed to be an aggressor on both special teams and as a member of Brandon Staley’s newly implemented 3-4 defense. His nose for the football and disregard for the ballcarrier scream “Dome Patrol.” The Dick Butkus award finalist and All-American should be in for a big role in 2025; expect to see him flying around the field.
Comeback Player of the Year: Rashid Shaheed
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The speedy wide receiver and kick/punt returner was a major loss for the Saints when he went down with a serious injury. Shaheed needed surgery for a meniscus tear that sidelined him after playing in just six games in 2024.
Rashid Shaheed is pivotal to the offensive success of the team as the “big play” guy. He has the type of second-gear that can beat defenses over the top or the slippery agility to run past guys for a return touchdown anytime he gets his hands on the ball. Head coach Kellen Moore should have a lot of fun with 22 at his disposal in the passing game.
Most Improved Player: Trevor Penning
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As mentioned earlier, Kelvin Banks Jr. might have been too easy to tab as R.O.Y. for the Saints. However, his force and presence at the left tackle spot may be exactly the move to allow another lineman to elevate his play. Moore and offensive line coach Brendan Nugent have shifted Trevor Penning to the interior at guard- a fit that seems to be working out well for both sides.
Penning struggled heavily last season at T, especially in pass protection. His size and aggression enable him to work well clearing space for running plays, hence his transition to G. He and the coaching staff are already seeing a difference and reaping the benefits of the change through minicamp. Penning should continue to improve and be spoken highly of as he fills into his new role.
Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Olave
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Olave missed some time last year due to injury as well. Chris suffered two concussions, only managing to play in eight games for the black and gold while hauling in just a single touchdown. He eclipsed 1,000+ yards in his first two seasons in the league and will look to get back to that type of production.
The California native has the makings of an elite WR in the NFL. If he can stay healthy in 2025, fans should expect big numbers from the number one target in the Saints offense.
Defensive Player of the Year: Alontae Taylor
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With the departure of Marshon Lattimore via trade during last season, Taylor has big shoes to fill at CB1 for New Orleans. He is more than prepared for the challenge. Alontae has already displayed perennial ball-hawking skills, securing two interceptions in 2023 and recording 16 pass deflections last year, finishing tied for fifth-best in the NFL.
Along with leading the defensive backfield, Taylor is tasked with coaching up and molding second-year CB Kool-Aid McKinstry into a dominant complement across the field. Taylor will be good in this league for a long time, and if coached and managed correctly, could be one half of a top-five DB duo in just a year or two.
Most Valuable Player: Alvin Kamara
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It is hard to pinpoint a player more deserving of this award than RB Alvin Kamara. The All-Pro tailback is arguably New Orleans’ best player. Kamara is so efficient out of the backfield because he is a threat to break one on the ground or beat you after the catch. His elusiveness and shifty plant step are key to his ability to stay on his feet and consistently rank high in yards after contact.
Although he is still searching for his first 1,000-yard season either rushing or receiving, Kamara has 1,100+ all-purpose yards each year since entering the league in 2017. Alvin has never had fewer than six TDs in any single season of his career; that trend should continue in 2025 while the Saints work through him as a focal point in the offense.
What are your thoughts on these 2025 team award predictions? Do you believe anyone else will be in contention by season’s end? Honorable mentions? Let us know in the comments below!