New Orleans Saints rookie that no one is talking about deserves to make the 53-man roster to open 2024 season

The depth in the New Orleans Saints secondary is yet to be determined. One young player has made a clear case for himself, though. He needs to be on the 53-man roster to begin the 2024 regular season.

Saints' rookie CB Rico Payton impressing during preseason

Payton has been targeted often, but teams are not finding success against the rookie cornerback. He's flashed in both preseason games, and he's shown legitimate growth since the start of training camp.

The rookie CB was a UDFA signing for New Orleans after graduating from Pittsburg State University. He's making them look quite smart so far this preseason.

Payton entered the draft as a 24-year-old redshirt senior. Being an older prospect while also playing at a Division II school made Payton’s chances of being drafted slim. Luckily, many teams were after his signature in undrafted free agency, and in the end, the Saints were the winners. -- Canal Street Chronicles

According to Pro Football Focus, Payton leads all cornerbacks this preseason in targets (13). He has allowed just 3 receptions for 31 yards.

He's also forced 5 incompletions and broken up 4 passes while facing the second-highest average depth of target (15.2) among corners with 50+ cover snaps. Quarterbacks are testing Payton down the field, and he's shutting that down consistently so far.

His dynamic coverage ability was on full display against the San Francisco 49ers. Payton played in two-thirds of the Saints' defensive snaps in Week 2 of the preseason. They clearly wanted an extended look at the young DB.

Payton deserves the next roster spot nod at CB behind the locks on New Orleans' defense. We will see how he fares in the Saints' final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.

Keep an eye out for Payton's name during the roster cutdown that looms around the NFL. He's proven himself as a notable depth piecer for the black and gold.

Related: New Orleans Saints breakout rookie dealing with an injury he sustained before game vs. 49ers even began