Four undrafted defensive linemen headed into the New Orleans Saints’ preseason finale convinced they were fighting for their professional lives.
A glance at the numbers suggested one likely would make the final roster, maybe two if the chips fell just right.
By the time Saturday’s whirlwind of cuts ended, though, Bobby Richardson, Tavaris Barnes, Ashaad Mabry and Kaleb Eulls were all still standing as the preseason comes to a close and the season opener next Sunday at Arizona starts to come into focus.
A youth movement is underway in New Orleans.
Eight of the Saints’ nine draft picks made the final 53.