NFL.com writer looking directly at Saints' rookie class vs. 49ers

The New Orleans Saints are preparing for their second preseason game versus the San Francisco 49ers. You can point to individual players or units who left much to be desired in the preseason opener versus the Arizona Cardinals, and look for them to elevate their game this weekend.

NFL.com lead draft writer Eric Edholm wrote about what he wants to see from every team in their second preseason game. Edholm looked directly at the Saints rookie class. Taliese Fuaga, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Spencer Rattler all were players who had good performances vs. the Cardinals. So while they aren’t looking to rebound, Edholm still wants them to take another step up and carry the momentum from week to week.

Edholm recapped their preseason thus far as, “nice debuts for three Saints rookies, and they’ll have the chance to raise the bar against the reigning NFC champion Niners.”

This is particularly important for Rattler. Of the triumvirate, he has the most at stake during the preseason. Rattler is battling with Jake Haener for determining who will be Derek Carr’s primary backup.

Rattler and Haener are both putting up solid showings in practice and the first preseason game. Rattler could get the second-team reps this weekend as the Saints continue to evaluate the battle, but we’ll have to wait for kickoff to know for sure.