The New Orleans Saints are taking some major risks with their current roster around quarterback Derek Carr, as many of the players expected to fill important roles on this team are also entering make-or-break seasons that will determine their professional future.
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The Saints are hoping that former first-round pick Trevor Penning could be a better right tackle than he was a left tackle, as the injury to veteran Ryan Ramczyk has created an opening for the former Northern Iowa bust to possibly resurrect his career.
On the defensive line, both first-round project Payton Turner and former No. 2 pick Chase Young will make up key parts of the pass rush rotation. If they can get pressure without forcing the defense to send additional rushers, this unit could go from good to great overnight.
FanSided.com's list of 30 players who will avoid bust status by breaking out in the 2024 season had a distinct Cajun theme this season. Turner, Penning, and Young all ended up on this list, as they could be in a position to remind the league of their quality on Dennis Allen's revamped squad.
Chase Young, Trevor Penning named on FanSided.com's breakout list
Penning is on his last legs in the pros, as the former first-round pick was benched last year following some horrendous play. While he struggled at right tackle in the preseason, New Orleans is banking on his physical gifts being enough to turn him into a starter worth leaning on.
The oft-injured Turner was viewed as an overdrafted player when the Saints selected him in 2021, and he has proven that line of thinking to be true so far. With just 15 games, 29 tackles, and three sacks to his name in three seasons, things are looking fairly glum for the former Houston star. A turnaround under Allen in year four would have an immense impact on this defense.
A former Defensive Rookie of the Year, Young has been fairly productive when healthy, if a bit disappointing for someone billed as a no-doubt star coming out of college. Young can defend the run, but he'll need to flash more of his still promising pass rush upside
The Saints could be in for some seismic franchise changes if these three players don't break out, as a rebuild could be on the horizon. If this trio performs, and Carr plays well, this eminently winnable division could come home to New Orleans.
