# Doug Joubert: Joubert projects the Saints' 53-man roster ahead of the cutdown deadline, naming every player they expect to make the team by position group, plus several players they expect to receive PUP/IR designations, and predicting Torricelli Simpkins will later be moved to the practice squad. **Claimed:** Aug 24, 2026 **Pundit:** Doug Joubert — https://missedtakes.co/pundits/doug-joubert **Outlet:** Sports Illustrated — https://missedtakes.co/outlets/sports-illustrated **How it reached us:** published in writing **Original:** https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/onsi/on-si-saints-projected-53-man-roster-01m0sszfh1jk 58 checkable claims — 58 roster spot calls — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing call. It names 59 players and teams, each linked to their own record. 46 of 58 have settled so far, averaging 100 out of 100, against 84.8 for a naive guess at the same calls. > Here is the On SI Saints prognostication for who makes the cutdown and who doesn't *(their words, quoted for attribution)* ## The claims - **Charlie Smyth to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Charlie Smyth, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Audric Estimé to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Audric Estimé, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jaylan Ford to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jaylan Ford, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Easton Kilty to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Easton Kilty, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Will Sherman to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Will Sherman, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Justin Reid to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Justin Reid, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jayden Price to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jayden Price, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Kaden Elliss to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Kaden Elliss, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Kelvin Banks Jr. to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Kelvin Banks Jr., New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Julian Blackmon to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Julian Blackmon, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **David Edwards to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: David Edwards, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Kendre Miller to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Chris Olave to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Zach Wood to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Zach Wood, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Oscar Delp to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Oscar Delp, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Anfernee Jennings to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Anfernee Jennings, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Martin Emerson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Martin Emerson, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Christen Miller to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Christen Miller, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Cesar Ruiz to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jonas Sanker to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jonas Sanker, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Juwan Johnson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Barion Brown to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Barion Brown, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Quincy Riley to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Quincy Riley, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Noah Fant to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Noah Fant, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Kool-Aid McKinstry to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Kool-Aid McKinstry, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Michael Reid to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Michael Reid, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Vernon Broughton to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Vernon Broughton, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Devaughn Vele to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Taliese Fuaga to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Isaiah Stalbird to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Isaiah Stalbird, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Carl Granderson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Carl Granderson, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Tyree Wilson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tyree Wilson, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Nathan Shepherd to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Nathan Shepherd, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Bryce Lance to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Bryce Lance, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Asim Richards to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Alvin Kamara to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Davon Godchaux to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Davon Godchaux, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Cameron Jordan to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Chase Young to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Chase Young, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Ryan Wright to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Ryan Wright, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Erik McCoy to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Erik McCoy, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Tyler Shough to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Zach Wilson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Zach Wilson, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Travis Etienne to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Travis Etienne, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Danny Stutsman to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Danny Stutsman, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Pete Werner to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Pete Werner, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Isaac Yiadom to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Isaac Yiadom, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Devin Neal — “PUP/IR designation, out for first four games”** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Trey Palmer to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Trey Palmer, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Tanner Brown to be cut** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tanner Brown, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Elliott Davison to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Elliott Davison, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **T.J. Hall to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: T.J. Hall, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Moliki Matavao — “PUP/IR designation, out for first four games”** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Moliki Matavao, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Xavier Truss to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Xavier Truss, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Chris Rumph II — “PUP/IR designation, out for first four games”** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Chris Rumph II, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Jordyn Tyson — “PUP/IR designation, out for first four games”** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Torricelli Simpkins III to land on the practice squad** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Torricelli Simpkins III, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet - **Bub Means to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Bub Means, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: not settled yet ## Who this take is about - Charlie Smyth — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/charlie-smyth - New Orleans Saints — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/saints - Audric Estimé — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/audric-estime - Jaylan Ford — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jaylan-ford - Easton Kilty — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/easton-kilty - Will Sherman — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/will-sherman - Justin Reid — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/justin-reid - Jayden Price — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jayden-price - Kaden Elliss — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kaden-elliss - Kelvin Banks Jr. — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kelvin-banks-jr - Julian Blackmon — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/julian-blackmon - David Edwards — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/david-edwards - Kendre Miller — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kendre-miller - Chris Olave — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/chris-olave - Zach Wood — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/zach-wood - Oscar Delp — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/oscar-delp - Anfernee Jennings — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/anfernee-jennings - Martin Emerson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/martin-emerson - Christen Miller — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/christen-miller - Cesar Ruiz — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/cesar-ruiz - Jonas Sanker — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jonas-sanker - Juwan Johnson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/juwan-johnson - Barion Brown — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/barion-brown - Quincy Riley — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/quincy-riley - Noah Fant — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/noah-fant - Kool-Aid McKinstry — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kool-aid-mckinstry - Michael Reid — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/michael-reid - Vernon Broughton — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/vernon-broughton - Devaughn Vele — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/devaughn-vele - Taliese Fuaga — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/taliese-fuaga - Isaiah Stalbird — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/isaiah-stalbird - Carl Granderson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/carl-granderson - Tyree Wilson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tyree-wilson - Nathan Shepherd — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/nathan-shepherd - Bryce Lance — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/bryce-lance - Asim Richards — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/asim-richards - Alvin Kamara — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/alvin-kamara - Davon Godchaux — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/davon-godchaux - Cameron Jordan — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/cameron-jordan - Chase Young — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/chase-young - Ryan Wright — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/ryan-wright - Erik McCoy — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/erik-mccoy - Tyler Shough — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tyler-shough - Zach Wilson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/zach-wilson - Travis Etienne — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/travis-etienne - Danny Stutsman — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/danny-stutsman - Pete Werner — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/pete-werner - Isaac Yiadom — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/isaac-yiadom - Devin Neal — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/devin-neal - Trey Palmer — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/trey-palmer - Tanner Brown — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tanner-brown - Elliott Davison — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/elliott-davison - T.J. Hall — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/t-j-hall - Moliki Matavao — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/moliki-matavao - Xavier Truss — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/xavier-truss - Chris Rumph II — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/chris-rumph-ii - Jordyn Tyson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jordyn-tyson - Torricelli Simpkins III — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/torricelli-simpkins-iii - Bub Means — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/bub-means ## What others said about the same people - Ross Jackson on Zamir White: Ross Jackson gives their final preseason 53-man roster projection for the New Orleans Saints, naming who makes the initial roster at every position group, who starts on injured reserve or the practice squad, and who the five starting offensive linemen and kicker will be. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/b43691e9-1673-4236-ba12-7d60ad3b95f5 (scored 0) - Ross Jackson on Charlie Smyth: Ross Jackson lays out their early defensive 53-man roster projection for the 2026 Saints, naming five edge rushers, four interior defensive linemen, five cornerbacks, five linebackers and five safeties, plus their kicker, punter and long snapper, and sends Mike Heldman, Chris Rumph and Jackson Sirmon to the practice squad. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/43240125-25d4-4060-bbc1-fa62fe5cd6d9 (scored 100) - Ross Jackson on Jordyn Tyson: Ross Jackson projects the New Orleans Saints' offensive 53-man roster: three quarterbacks with Tyler Shough starting and Spencer Rattler as the backup, four running backs including Alvin Kamara, six wide receivers with Jalen Polk making it, three tight ends, ten offensive linemen with a set starting five, and Charlie Smith at kicker. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/5f4d7215-b47b-478d-8a8e-3199f34273ef (scored 100) - Pete Prisco on New Orleans Saints: Prisco gives score predictions for every Week 9 NFL game, picking the Bengals to rout the Falcons in Madrid, the Cowboys to rebound at Indianapolis, and the Jaguars to win in Baltimore without Lamar Jackson. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/dc43909b-bc7f-47aa-b208-5cf7c95844bc (scored 95.24) - Grant Chachere on New Orleans Saints: Chachere picks the Saints to beat the Browns 24-10, arguing Cleveland's switch to Shedeur Sanders with Deshaun Watson out tilts the game toward New Orleans. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/2c694760-ef96-4645-9ef4-c00bae62de32 (scored 69.05) - Chris Simms on New Orleans Saints: Simms gave a predicted final score for every Week 9 game, picking the Bengals, Chiefs, Broncos, Lions, Giants, Rams, Cowboys, Saints, 49ers, Patriots, Seahawks, Texans, Bears and Bills, and also said they wouldn't be shocked to see Jacksonville reach the AFC Championship Game. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/17eb747a-90b1-472f-bb6d-e71c0c69133a (scored 92.86) ## More roster spot calls The same kind of call, about other players and teams. - Zack Kelberman on Sean Fresch Jr.: Kelberman expects Sean Fresch Jr. to clear waivers and return to the Broncos' practice squad, sees Riley Moss back from concussion for the Week 11 game at Las Vegas, and projects newly acquired Daiyan Henley to begin as the third inside linebacker behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad before likely moving into a starting role. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/978f775c-5611-4514-ad2f-b35a6eac0402 (scored 0) - Zack Kelberman on Sean Fresch Jr.: Kelberman writes that Riley Moss may sit out the preseason finale against Minnesota but should be available for the Week 1 opener at Kansas City; they also suggest undrafted corners Sean Fresch Jr. and Brent Austin are being evaluated for practice squad spots. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/3c8c47b8-6041-4282-8d21-d21741d8f11b (scored 0) - Parker Hurley on Khalid Kareem: Hurley predicts the 49ers will release Khalil Kareem when Nate Hobbs is activated and cut Brandin Cooks when C.J. West returns, while arguing Sebastian Valdez won't be the one let go and no cornerback will be cut. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/5a729417-69ee-493a-9bec-d905fd1a7082 (scored 0) - Jason Harmon on Max Brosmer: Harmon expects the Vikings' quarterback room to stay intact while Kyler Murray is hurt, and predicts Max Brosmer will be released and re-signed to the practice squad since Minnesota won't carry four QBs. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/fa393501-3f38-481e-8e75-48125587e911 (scored 0) - Chad Jensen on Jordan Turner: Jensen predicts Daiyan Henley's arrival will cut into Justin Strnad's snaps while Alex Singleton keeps playing virtually every down, and that Denver will return to a three-linebacker rotation after the Week 10 bye. They also expect one of Jordan Turner or Karene Reid — most likely Turner — to be waived to clear a roster spot. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/a84d2c6e-5554-46aa-95b1-620858d31e0f (scored 0) - Charean Williams on Odell Beckham Jr.: Williams writes that after releasing Odell Beckham Jr. to open a roster spot for Kirk Cousins, the Vikings will bring them back on the practice squad. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/d4fd8cfb-3c75-4209-9e1a-d60e821f315b (scored 0) --- Accuracy is 0-100 against what actually happened. The naive guess is what a strategy requiring no knowledge would have scored on the same call — the difference is the skill, and it is what the MissedTakes Score averages. Full method: https://missedtakes.co/methodology We summarize what a pundit said and quote a short span for attribution; we never republish their article. If this is wrong, tell us: https://missedtakes.co/corrections?pundit=doug-joubert