3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs

AsylumGuido · 05-17-2022, 09:04 AM

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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05-17-2022, 09:04 AM	#1
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 24,542	3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs 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 ... SAFETY COMMUNICATION Read the rest here ... Rugby Saint II likes this.
	“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill