Which Saints defenders will excel under Spagnuolo
 

The only thing that has brought more excitement about Steve Spagnuolo becoming the New Orleans Saints new defensive coordinator, is the thought of what evolution his defensive scheme will bring to some key players.

Much like starting a new chapter in a gripping novel, so is the outlook for the Saints defense unit under Steve Spagnuolo. Fans are already in anticipation of not only the NFL Draft or free agency, but training camp as well.

The anticipation that is starting to build because of the somewhat fresh take Spaguolo will have on the defense. Although Spagnuolo uses a 4-3 scheme like the Saints used the past three seasons, his approach will be different.


Which New Orleans Saints defensive players will excel under Spagnuolo?

I'm hoping Spags can harness Junior's pass rushing skills and turn him into a consistent double digit sack artist.

Osi Umenyiora

All of our starting defensive line.

Martez Wilson will excel, spagNOLA is going to see this guy and think we need to get him on the field starting right away!
Also I think people like Patrick Robinson and Jo-lonn Dunbar could excel.
All the analysts say our defense got better when Vilma returned but I personally think he's lost a step and Jo-lonn (considering he was a backup and all the calls go from coach to him) played extremely well, maybe JV has to fight for his spot this year?

Vilma is still much more savvy than Dunbar, although his physical skills have eroded. Don't think Dunbar is yet ready to take over the defensive play calls that Vilma makes.

Wilson, Gallette, Dunbar, Shanle, Robinson, Greer, Patrick, Romeus, Bussey, Quaddus, Johnson and possibly King should benifit the most, Harper and Jenkins, Porter hopefully. We still have to get at least 1 more thumper lb. and 2 bull DT's to push the middle. I think Ellis, Vilma, and Smith are out this year, to much money for their lack of production. I would love to have Smith as a back-up but I would love Avril from the Lions more. There is a DT out there I like but will be to high priced. Things will get good when this new DC bring in some players to install his new D, he!! for all I know they could all stay or all go, I can say this, they each will have to fight hard for a job with this man!!

The first two guys who come to mind for me are Cam Jordan and Junior Galette. I'm hoping Cam can become Justin Tuck 2.0 and Galette can be a double digit sack guy. I also think Martez will get on the field and be very productive and Greer will still be our best CB.

The defenders that will benefit the most are all secondary players. The line should be better and not leave the secondary left hanging out to dry.

True, the back 7, even if it remains 100% vintact, should benefit the most.

Everyone along the D-line should either be excited about the change or put their house on the market.

The only thing I am concerned about is something that Spags said in a recent article, that's circulating the saints forums, where he stated that it's not the scheme it's the players. What I hope that means is that he will be able to inspire out current roster but with the salary cap there won't be a lot shopping for defensive players. So for folks thinking that his defensive scheme will improve our defense I don't think that will be the case. Spags has to really put our current roster into a new mindset that really brings out their potential. Otherwise we are looking at a pretty similar season with the same output from our defense.

True, but I view the entire defensive roster as having underachieved this past season. 99% of the time that points to coaching.

I can't think of a single player that played better this year than last.

Maybe Galette? But he was a project with immense talent expected to develop regardless.

Maybe Dunbar? He flashed just as much last season.

Well, good luck selling their houses.

I am still of the "wait and see" mentality. When we find out who his assistant coaches will be, then we can probably get a better idea of what players may benefit. I think a lot of the problem with Williams scheme was technique. Some times the smallest of things make the biggest difference.
The biggest thing I think is that the technique of tackling has to be either taught or reinforced. That will benefit everyone on defense.

I think everyone will improve if the coaching is improved. Little things like ability to tackle, intercept a friggin pass, and takaways. Being in position in the backfield. Closing the gaps for cutback runs. DISCILPLINE in tecnique first then smashmouth thug football.