The New Orleans Saints completed their final full practice before heading to Los Angeles. Sunday's practice at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center was also the last one open to New Orleans fans during Training Camp 2018 presented by Verizon. The team was able to practice entirely outside before rain descended upon the area. The Saints wore helmets, shells, and shorts. Here are some observations:
Second-year cornerback Marshon Lattimore shined Sunday. Lattimore put in, perhaps, his best practice this month. He was flying all over the field and came away with two interceptions. One in particular was on a deep pass down the left sideline while covering Ted Ginn Jr. The other came near the end of practice in the two-minute drill.
I think that wide receiver Cameron Meredith needs to have a big week. After a shaky performance in last Friday's game vs. Arizona, Meredith could make a big statement at a key stretch in camp and show that he is fully ready to go. Meredith has been limited this summer after knee surgery. Meredith looked strong Sunday, especially in one-on-one battles with the defensive backs. He also made a nice catch on the one play he was targeted on in full team periods. Let's see if Meredith can keep it going when the Saints practice with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday and Thursday.
First round pick Marcus Davenport continues to ramp up his activity. Davenport participated in some drills Sunday. He did not work during the one-on-one battles with the offensive lineman and he did not work in full team periods. Davenport did spend a good portion of practice on the side working on his conditioning. Defensive back P.J. Williams was also working off to the side in the injury rehab program. Wide receiver Keith Kirkwood, tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, and cornerback Arthur Maulet were not on the field with the team.
We got some good insight from All-Pro defensive end Cameron Jordan. Jordan spoke of two teammates in particular who are making big steps in their second seasons. Jordan has been impressed so far with Trey Hendrickson's ability to see the game better with a greater awareness of the things not just in front of him. Jordan also highlighted the continued growth of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk. Ramczyk is giving Jordan a greater variety of looks in their on-field matchups. "He can now play more chess with me on the field," Jordan said.