Saints quarterback Drew Brees aired out a deep pass over the middle of the field. His intended receiver during Sunday night’s practice at Tulane — tight end Jared Cook.

But rookie safety Saquan Hampton flew in to grab the underthrown pass, making his second interception in as many days.

Hampton came up with the first Brees pick of camp, and he knew it.

The Rutgers product might not have shown it, but he internally celebrated his interception a future Hall of Fame quarterback during 11-on-11s — despite being in practice.

“I didn't say it out loud, but in my head I'm like, ‘Wow, this is crazy. That's Drew Brees,’” Hampton recalled Monday afternoon.

Some of his friends texted him afterwards, telling him it was a great play and to keep it up.

Saints coach Sean Payton has taken notice, saying Hampton “is one of those players the ball finds.”

Hampton’s interception Saturday was similarly situated — a deep pass down the middle where he jumped in from the right. Differences between the two were that he picked off quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in 7-on-7, who was intending to pass to wideout Austin Carr.

That pick was Hampton’s first of training camp.

“That definitely just got my confidence even higher,” Hampton said of the Bridgewater interception. “Just playing fast and just wanting to continue to make plays. Once you get it you just want to make more and that's what I'm feeling right now.”

Hampton nearly made it three days straight with an interception Monday, but he ended up knocking the ball away instead.

That’s effort is putting his No. 1 goal of sustaining consistency on display.

“When you come out here and you're consistent, they can rely on you in games,” Hampton said.

Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn said he’s always known Hampton has had a knack for getting the ball, whether that be interceptions or pass breakups.

Hampton had three interceptions as a senior at Rutgers last season, ranking eighth in the Big Ten. His 13 passes defended ranked third in the league, too.

“But I didn't realize his hands were that natural as a catcher,” Glenn said. “... When he's around the ball, he tends to come down with it. So that's a good sign for a safety.”

Saints rookie Saquan Hampton leaning on advice from Aaron Glenn, fellow DBs When Hampton was asked about Marshon Lattimore, the rookie didn't know the Pro Bowler was right behind him.

Glenn then compared Hampton’s hands to fellow Saints safety Marcus Williams, saying the 2017 second round NFL draft pick has some of the best hands he’s seen, but Hampton’s “up there pretty high,” too.

Hampton’s doing his best to compete for playing time on defense, but knows his best shot at consistent reps this fall will be on special teams. And he’s embracing that.

“It starts with special teams first being a rookie,” Hampton said. “You want to show your worth and allow them to trust you on special teams and then from there, opportunities will come.”

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The Saints have been high on Hampton’s special teams abilities for a while, especially since he started on the kicking units for his four years at Rutgers.

And Payton is looking forward to seeing what Hampton can do on special teams.

“We feel confident that he is going to be able to come in and help right away,” Payton said of Hampton’s special teams abilities. “... That does not take anything away from him defensively. As you look at a rookie making the roster and what he can do in the first part of the season, that was the early vision.”

Hampton will get a chance to show off his special teams and defensive skills Friday as the Saints hold their first preseason game of the season against Minnesota at 7 p.m.