Every year during training camp, New Orleans Saints fans eagerly await the emergence of players crucial to the team's success. Whether it's a high draft pick, a player building on last season's triumphs, or a developing talent, these individuals become the focal points of anticipation. Yet, amidst the expected standouts, there are always those surprising players—be it an undrafted hopeful or someone with a point to prove—who capture the attention of teammates and coaches alike. This year, two names are doing just that: undrafted rookie wide receiver Mason Tipton and free agent defensive end Chase Young.
Mason Tipton, the 5-foot-11, 187-pound receiver out of Yale, has been the talk of the camp. Clocking in at a blistering 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash on his pro day, Tipton's speed and agility have not gone unnoticed. Head coach Dennis Allen, known for his discerning eye, has been effusive in his praise for Tipton. "He's got really explosive speed down the field. I think as we go throughout training camp, we'll have to see what are all those things that he can do. I think he's proven that he can run deep, and now we'll have to see how he executes on some of the underneath stuff and if we can get the ball in his hands quickly, can he get some run after the catch, those types of things," Allen remarked.
Allen even likened Tipton to Chris Harris, an undrafted rookie in 2011 with the Denver Broncos when Allen was their defensive coordinator. Harris, who went on to become a standout player, earned his spot by consistently making plays and impressing coaches. "Every day he showed up out there, he worked his tail off, competed at the highest level, and every day he did something to catch your eye," Allen recalled. "Next thing you know, you were two or three weeks into training camp, and he's done something to deserve an opportunity to get more opportunities. I like some of the things I'm seeing out of Tipton."
With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed likely occupying the top two receiver spots, Tipton is in the thick of the battle for the third-string position. His confidence is palpable, bolstered by his Ivy League background. "Nothing I didn't know already," Tipton told the media. "I work hard – I tell myself I work the hardest. Any moments out here are something that I already believed I could do. When I'm prepared, I trust myself."
On the other side of the ball, Chase Young, the former second overall pick in the 2020 draft, is another player drawing significant attention. Signed to a one-year deal despite the knowledge that he would need neck surgery, Young is a gamble that the Saints hope will pay off. The 6'5", 265-pound defensive end played in 16 games last season, recording 7.5 sacks. His career has been marred by injuries, but his potential has never been in question.
Young's participation in training camp has been nothing short of impressive. He made a memorable impression when he bull-rushed past an offensive lineman, getting alarmingly close to the quarterback—a move that had Dennis Allen a bit nervous but also excited. Allen praised the team's medical staff, Young's dedication, and even jokingly credited Young's parents for his rapid recovery. Chase Young's physicality and speed are a sight to behold. If he can stay healthy, he's could set himself up for a big payday.
In a camp full of expectations and emerging talents, Mason Tipton and Chase Young have risen as standout stories. Tipton, with his blistering speed and self-assured demeanor, is proving that he belongs among the Saints' receiver corps. Meanwhile, Young, with his raw power and resilience, is showcasing why he was once a top draft pick. As the camp progresses, these two players are not just turning heads—they are redefining what it means to seize an opportunity in the NFL.
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