Day 3 of Saints training camp meant that the players were in pads for the first time so the work on the field looked and sounded a lot more like football. After missing yesterday’s practice, linebacker AJ Klein was back on the field. Meanwhile, running back Javorious Allen and wide receiver Michael Thomas were absent a 3rd straight day.

Fleur-Di-Lis D edges out offense

Rookie Kaden Ellis set the tone for the first day in pads as the linebacker recorded the very first interception of camp. Taysom Hill’s pass was tipped by another rookie CJ Gardner-Johnson and Ellis snagged it out the air. Eli Apple had a chance to get the first pick of camp after he cut in front of Ted Ginn Jr on a pass from Drew Brees. The ball hit Apple in the chest and he could not hang on.

The Saints added a big body in tight end Jared Cook who made an impressive grab by jumping in the air between two defenders. QB Drew Brees showed a ton of trust in Cook already on the play. But, safety Vonn Bell had an impressive break up on a slant route vs. Cook. Bell showed great improvement in pass coverage last season. He almost had an INT today after linebacker Craig Robertson broke up a throw. David Onyemata with the run stuff. Defense getting the better of the offense today pic.twitter.com/2tLIPno7CA — Kristian Garic (@KristianGaric) — Kristian Garic (@KristianGaric) July 28, 2019 The Butler did it…again

Emmanuel Butler could be that next great undrafted pick up by the Saints. He has look very comfortable for the get-go in the offense and uses his 6ft3, 217 pound frame to win against defense backs. Butler said after practice that he has tried to model himself after former Black & Gold great Marques Colston since a scout made the comparison to him during a conversation.

“He’s somebody we’ve noticed,” said head coach Sean Payton. “Advancing in what we’re doing, understanding the system and terminology, minimizing the mistakes. That is half of it.” Saints WR Emmaunel Butler has been enjoying the media hype around him to start camp...but isnt thinking about that on the field pic.twitter.com/WvKaZP9xX4 — Steve Geller (@SteveGellerWWL) — Steve Geller (@SteveGellerWWL) July 28, 2019 Erik looks like the real McCoy at center

The drill the media gets most excited about when the pads come on is getting to watch the one-on-one battles in the trenches between the offensive and defensive lines. Rookie center Erik McCoy looked solid as he aims to become the starter week one. The 6ft4, 303 pounder showed his physically in the run game as well as pass protection and didn’t have any fumbled snaps. He also does a really nice job of getting into position, and able to consistently keep the proper pad level.