New Orleans offered a mix of strides and stumbles in its first preseason test, leaning on a handful of standouts to set early fantasy expectations. Tyler Shough flashed arm talent with a 54-yard hookup to Mason Tipton, while Shough also produced solid yardage (165) and a TD in his day’s work. Kevin Austin Jr. seized a roster moment, snagging four targets for 42 yards and displaying obvious chemistry with Shough. On defense, Jaylan Ford piled up five tackles and three assists, backed by Fadil Diggs’ four tackles and a sack, signaling potential IDP upside if the Saints lean on this unit. The Saints’ backfield, however, offered caution: Cam Akers managed only nine yards on four carries as Rattler’s legs kept drives alive but his passing was uneven, culminating in seven completions on 11 attempts for 53 yards, three sacks, and a fumble before he left the field. Dillon Radunz’s shaky protection underlined the continued OL questions heading into Week 1, a reminder that pass protection and QB timing will drive early-season fantasy value. In sum, Shough’s ceiling is worth monitoring as a late-round QB option, Austin Jr. looks like a real on-roster candidate with big-play potential, and Ford and Diggs gave Saints fans hope for defensive contributions—while the rest of the performance will fuel late-cut battles and depth-chart debates.

In just 53 days, the New Orleans Saints will kick off their 2025 season against the Arizona Cardinals. Currently wearing No. 53 is second-year linebacker Jaylan Ford, who aims to elevate his game following a quiet rookie year. The history of this jersey number is rich, predominantly worn by linebackers, including Saints legends like Vaughan Johnson and Zack Baun. Johnson was key in forming the famed Dome Patrol defense, and his contributions still resonate in the franchise's lore.

Ford, an All-American at Texas, hopes to thrive under the new defensive system led by coordinator Brandon Staley, leveraging his agility and pass coverage skills. The legacy of No. 53 emphasizes the importance of linebacker performance for the Saints, as history has shown that key defensive plays fundamentally shape the team's success.

As the countdown to the New Orleans Saints' 2025 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals continues, all eyes are on second-year linebacker Jaylan Ford. Selected in the 2024 Draft, Ford is poised to make a significant impact on the Saints' defense this upcoming season. With new head coach Kellen Moore at the helm, the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 record last year. Ford's development and performance will play a crucial role in New Orleans' quest to return to playoff contention.

Last season, Ford displayed flashes of potential, earning respect within the locker room and from the coaching staff. His combination of speed, instincts, and physicality make him a candidate for a breakout year. With the Saints looking to revamp their defensive scheme, Ford's ability to adapt and produce will be vital for the team's success in the upcoming season. As training camp approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts should keep a close eye on Ford's progress, as he could emerge as a hidden gem.