Former No. 2 overall pick has 'exceeded' Saints' expectations

In March, the Saints took a chance edge-rusher Chase Young, signing him to a one-year deal just one day before it was announced he would undergo neck surgery.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list but was cleared for practice on July 22.

Young has been participating in team drills and head coach Dennis Allen has liked what he's seen thus far.

"He's certainly ahead of where we thought he was going to be at this point in time and so, I think the ramp up for him is just every day, you're going to see a little bit more," Allen said , via the team's official website. "I would say he's exceeded my expectations to this point."

Young finally put together his first relatively healthy season in 2023 since his first season in the league in which he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The 25-year-old amassed 15 tackles and five sacks through seven games with the Washington Commanders before being dealt to the San Francisco 49ers, who he then had 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks with en route to Super Bowl LVIII.

New Orleans is hoping Young can have a similar impact for them this season and early signs point toward him doing just that.

"I haven't seen any limitations at all out of him, other than it's really kind of been a while since he's really been playing real football," Allen added. "He's done everything we've asked him to do, the way we've asked him to do it, never has there been any sort of kickback on anything. I've been really pleased with that part of it. And I think as you watch practice, I think you can feel it when he's out there."

As for Young, he's just happy to be back practicing as he enters a crucial season on a one-year, prove-it deal.

"Feels good to get out and practice with the guys," Young said. "I was just doing what I had to do to help speed up my recovery process. What I did, it worked and it was great."