Position changes are not out of the ordinary in the NFL, and especially not when it comes to the New Orleans Saints . Milder moves like Zack Baun moving from on-ball to off-ball linebacker coming out of college are one thing. But the Saints have never been afraid to try players out at new spots, no matter how drastically different. The easiest example, of course, is offensive weapon Taysom Hill who has gone from quarterback to special teamer to H-back and beyond. It looks like Destrehan-native Kirk Merritt may be next up for a big shift.
In a one-on-one conversation with Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas, he noted that Merritt has spent his entire offseason with him in the running backs room. Merritt was a wide receiver last year who saw some early action in the backfield during training camp before eventually returning to wideout. This offseason, the approach looks to be a bit more permanent.
"Kirk, he's learning the position." Thomas said. "As far as stance, start, all the little things that people think, 'Hey, just put so-and-so in there.' It's not that easy. There's an art and a craft in the job description that's required."
Versatility is not new to the second-year Saints skill player. He has also shown that he can contribute on special teams as a returner. In last year's preseason matchup with the Green Bay Packer Merritt put up a huge return of 59 yards. If he find success in the transition to running back, it more than certainly increases his chances of making the roster or at least returning to the practice squad.
Thomas said that the team will be expanding its third-down package over the next week. That could mean an opportunity for backs to separate themselves a bit among the group as pass-catchers. As a career wideout, that could be a big opportunity to further establish himself and the impact he can have as a Saint.
He is currently still listed as a wide receiver on the team's official website and roster. We will see if that eventually changes as he offseason marches on.
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