Saints coach Kellen Moore discusses leadership, roster changes at OTAs

METAIRIE, La. (WVUE) - Saints coach Kellen Moore said the team is looking for players to step into leadership roles during organized team activities, as several veteran team captains are no longer with the organization.

Moore said leadership does not have to come from just a few players.

“At the end of the day, leadership doesn’t have to be just three or four guys or whatever it may be,” Moore said Thursday. “There’s a bunch of guys that can lead in every possible capacity.”

Moore said the team is providing different platforms and opportunities for players to take leadership roles, including leading team meetings, phase two practices and breakdowns.

“You can’t ask someone to just become a leader like DeMario and his style,” Moore said. “You got to let, let’s use Caden as an example. Obviously, he’s played in this league. Pete Warner’s played in this league for a number of years. Those are two really talented linebackers. They’re not going to lead the same way that DeMario led. And so allow them the space to present that in their way.”

Travis Etienne acclimating to team

Moore said running back Travis Etienne has done an excellent job during OTAs and has been at the facility each day working.

“Travis has done an awesome job. He’s been here, I mean, each and every day working his tail off,” Moore said. “Obviously, he’s got an acclimation period coming into a new organization. And so that’s a part of this. But he’s done an excellent job.”

Jordyn Tyson participation limited

Moore said the team will control reps for several players, including wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, as they prepare for training camp.

“We’ll still control his volume for a number of these guys,” Moore said. “Again, the end goal is we’ve got to have an awesome training camp. We’ve got to be set up for that standpoint.”

Tyson did some field work Thursday but will not participate in 7-on-7 drills, Moore said.

Speed added to offense

Moore said the speed added to the receiver room, running backs and tight ends will help threaten defenses in multiple ways.

“Speed’s a weapon. And speed allows you to threaten the defense in multiple ways,” Moore said. “I think just the size and the speed combination of some of our skill positions, obviously, is really valuable.”

Moore said receivers also need size to block in the run game.

“Receivers have to block in this league for you to run the football really, really well,” Moore said. “I think you watch when we line up. There’s some size there that I think is going to be beneficial for us in the run game.”

Julian Blackwood praised for leadership

Moore praised safety Julian Blackwood as a big-time leader with high football IQ.

“Julian is a big-time leader. Super smart,” Moore said. “When you put him and Justin Reed back there, and you got Jonas back there with those guys, that’s really high football IQ. And those guys can work hand-in-hand together really, really well.”

Tyler Shough’s progress

Moore said quarterback Tyler Shough has made progress and has a great opportunity to continue building with the starting group over a full off-season.

“When you have a full off-season with your core group, your starting group, all the communication, all the continuity that that creates is really powerful,” Moore said.

Moore said Shough has done an excellent job with his leadership role during the off-season.

Martin Emerson at outside corner

Moore said Martin Emerson will work mostly at outside corner during OTAs. Emerson has played primarily outside corner during his NFL career.

“He’s impressive, you know, looking at him. Size, strength. He’s got some speed. He can play on the red line,” Moore said.

Jackson Sirmon signed

Moore said the team signed linebacker Jackson Sirmon after a workout. Sirmon spent parts of the last two seasons with the Jets.

“He’s been with the Jets for a couple of years on their practice squad, participating with them, been up a few times,” Moore said. “He’s got great exposure in this league.”

Sirmon is the son of Saints linebacker and coach Peter Sirmon. The two worked together at Cal, Moore said.

Joint practices planned

Moore said the Saints will hold joint practices with Jacksonville in Metairie during training camp. The team will also hold joint practices with Dallas and the Los Angeles Rams in California before the preseason game against the Rams.

“These joint practices, I believe in them,” Moore said. “It gives you a chance to get really good work with particularly your starters and your number ones.”

The Saints will hold the primary focus of training camp in Metairie, similar to last year, Moore said.

Pelicans hire

Moore said he was fired up about the Pelicans hiring Jamahl Mosley. Mosley was in Dallas when Moore was there and has been with the Magic the last few years.

“I didn’t know him personally in any way. Obviously, follow him,” Moore said. “I think it’s awesome for us. I’m fired up for him.”

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