NFL New Orleans Saints

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For The New Orleans Saints In 2015

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For The New Orleans Saints In 2015

Brandin Cooks New Orleans Saints
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The Saints had a rather rough season, finishing 7-9 and missing the playoffs for only the second time in six years. On the bright side, there are some rookies who stepped up and showed a lot of potential in their first NFL season. Here are five young guys that I expect to shine bright in 2015.

5. Stanley Jean-Baptiste

Stanley Jean-Baptiste New Orleans Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

5, Stanley Jean-Baptiste

Stanley Jean-Baptiste New Orleans Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The second-round draft pick out of Nebraska didn't make much of an impact in his rookie year as the coaches are taking their time with him. I expect 2015 to be a different story. After taking notes from the sidelines for a year, he will be ready to contribute in a big way in 2015.

4. Brian Dixon

Brian Dixon New Orleans Saints
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4. Brian Dixon

Brian Dixon New Orleans Saints
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Dixon played a big role in this secondary, seeing action in all 16 games of the season. He is also establishing himself as a solid special teams player, showing that he is a versatile and vital component of this team. Expect him to continue to improve and be incorporated into the secondary even more in 2015.

3. Jalen Saunders

Jalen Saunders New Orleans Saints
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3. Jalen Saunders

Jalen Saunders New Orleans Saints
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Saunders has played a big role in the returning game this year after being picked up from the Jets in the middle of the season. In one of his two kickoff returns this year, he returned the ball for 99 yards to the one-yard line, just missing the TD. I believe he will become a consistent, reliable returner for the Saints in 2015.

2. Pierre Warren

Pierre Warren New Orleans Saints
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2. Pierre Warren

Pierre Warren New Orleans Saints
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This undrafted rookie came up big for the Saints in 2014, landing himself in the starting free safety position by the end of the season. In the six games he started, he racked up 30 total tackles and two interceptions, showing that he could have a very bright future in New Orleans at the safety position.

1. Brandin Cooks

Brandin Cooks New Orleans Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brandin Cooks

Brandin Cooks New Orleans Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The first-round pick had a stellar start to the season. He led the Saints in receiving yards and was becoming Drew Brees' go-go guy. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a thumb injury. I expect Cooks to have a breakout year in 2015 once he's healthy.

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