AsylumGuido

3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs

New Orleans is expected to have an elite defense in 2022. Here are some areas of vulnerability facing one of the NFL's top units.

BOB ROSE 2 HOURS AGO

Throughout most of coach Sean Payton's 16-year tenure with the franchise, the New Orleans Saints were known for elite offensive production. Over the last four seasons, that narrative has changed to people who follow the team.

New Orleans has owned one of the league's top run defenses since 2018. For the last two years, they've ranked near the top of the NFL in several defensive categories.

The Saints defense reached dominant levels through most of the 2021 season. They carried an offense that slipped to the bottom of the league because of injuries and ineffective depth. They nearly carried team into the playoffs, despite a five-game losing streak at mid-season.

New Orleans suffered a few key personnel losses on the defensive side this offseason. Ball-hawking S Marcus Williams left in free agency, signing a lucrative deal with the Ravens. Veteran S Malcolm Jenkins retired, robbing the team of valuable leadership. Athletic LB Kwon Alexander remains unsigned, though a return remains possible.

The Saints moved swiftly to cover these losses, and are expected to again have one of the league's top defenses. However, here are three areas of concern for one of the NFL's best units as they head towards three OTA sessions in the coming weeks.

LINEBACKER DEPTH

The Saints have an outstanding duo of linebackers in All-Pro Demario Davis and second-year potential star Pete Werner. Davis is one of the league's best players at any position and is a ferocious playmaker in several capacities. Werner flashed the abilities of a potential Pro Bowler as a rookie and is outstanding against the run and in open space.

Without Alexander, who had his best season in 2021, there is little proven depth. Kaden Elliss is a solid run defender and can be an effective blitzer, but is a liability in coverage. Zack Baun, a third-round choice in 2020, is one of the team’s better special teams players. However, Baun simply hasn't been a fit for the Saints defensive scheme.

Rookie D'Marco Jackson, a fifth-round pick, has terrific open field skills. His combination of instincts and athleticism could make him an instant contributor. Andrew Dowell and undrafted rookie Nephi Sewell will also battle for roster spots.

New Orleans typically plays a defensive alignment with two linebackers and an extra safety. Davis and Werner can stay on the field in every situation and excel in the open field. There is a significant drop off after those two. Jackson has that kind of ability, but has yet to prove it as a Day 3 rookie draft pick.

Re-signing Alexander would give New Orleans a third starting quality linebacker. He has outstanding chemistry with Davis and is a perfect fit for the Saints scheme.

If he’s not brought back, New Orleans needs to keep their fingers crossed for good health from Davis and Werner and a rapid development from Jackson for a situational role.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

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SAFETY COMMUNICATION

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“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

AsylumGuido

Communication in the defensive backfield has been mentioned here in the forum as a concern. I feel that with a full off-season and the fact that the new additions (Maye and Mathieu) are both smart veterans they will be on the same page by the time the season gets underway.

Rugby Saint II

We're not turning over too many positions with rookies. These are seasoned vets who should be able to handle their assignment.

K Major

LB position ... we could definitely use more depth there. There is Demario, Pete & but not a whole lot of guys behind em that can cover. Zach Baun apparently isn't that dude.

Re-signing Kwon would make sense.

AsylumGuido

Do you think a post week one signing/re-signing would be a possibility? That way he wouldn't be guaranteed the full year, but only game by game. I think he may be at that point of his career. He knows the defense so he could step in weeks when needed based upon the opposing offense or injury concerns.

K Major

Quite possible, however I wonder if drafting the kid from Appalachian St was for depth if Pete assumes Kwon's role?

Something about KA though ... he has that swagger, plays fast & the defense fed off of that.

CheramieIII

They will sign another veteran linebacker if not Kwon! I think they’ve filled the holes and upgraded at safety! Geaux Saints!!!

Rugby Saint II

Man, I really feel like we need another RB! I don't understand why we don't trade Baun to a team that suits his skills. I know he's good at special teams but so are most of our draft picks. I believe he is eating up a roster spot.

saintsfan1976

There will be communication issues in the secondary to start the season.

Period.

Pete

What's up with Kwon?
Wanting too much?