Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

It's official. Here's a look at what AI thinks of his Defense and potential success in New Orleans


Here’s a detailed report on Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme, its effectiveness, an analysis of the New Orleans Saints’ current defensive roster and contracts based on available data, and recommendations for draft and free agency targets to optimize the Saints’ defense for success under Staley’s leadership. This analysis reflects information available as of February 21, 2025, and leverages Staley’s past performance and the Saints’ current situation.

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### Brandon Staley’s Defensive Scheme

**Overview:**
Brandon Staley is known for implementing a modern, adaptable defensive scheme rooted in the Vic Fangio system, which he ran as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020. His approach emphasizes flexibility, pre-snap disguise, and leveraging player strengths over rigid adherence to a single front. Key elements include:

- **Base Alignment:** While often labeled a 3-4 defense, Staley’s scheme is more accurately described as a "3-4 light" or hybrid system that frequently operates out of nickel and dime packages (5 or 6 defensive backs). It uses a "gap-and-a-half" technique for defensive linemen, requiring them to control gaps without demanding massive, traditional two-gapping nose tackles.
- **Coverage Philosophy:** Staley favors a two-high safety look pre-snap (Cover 4 or Cover 6 quarters) to limit explosive passing plays, often rotating to single-high (Cover 3) or maintaining split-safety zones post-snap. This approach aims to confuse quarterbacks and force them into methodical, underneath throws.
- **Front Seven:** The scheme relies on versatile edge rushers and athletic linebackers to generate pressure (often without heavy blitzing) and contain the run. Interior linemen are tasked with occupying blockers to free up linebackers.
- **Adaptability:** Staley adjusts his scheme to personnel, as seen with the Rams when he built around Aaron Donald’s disruptive ability and Jalen Ramsey’s coverage dominance.

**Effectiveness:**
- **2020 Rams (Defensive Coordinator):** Staley’s lone year as a DC in the NFL was a resounding success. The Rams led the league in total defense (281.9 yards/game), points allowed (18.5/game), and pass defense (190.7 yards/game), finishing third against the run (91.3 yards/game). This was bolstered by elite talents like Donald and Ramsey, a healthy roster, and a scheme that frustrated opponents with disguise and discipline.
- **2021-2023 Chargers (Head Coach):** As head coach, Staley called the defense, but results were inconsistent:
- **2021:** 23rd in total defense (360.1 yards/game), 29th in points allowed (27.0/game), 30th in rush defense (138.9 yards/game). The scheme struggled with a less talented roster and injuries.
- **2022:** 20th in total defense (340.1 yards/game), 21st in points allowed (22.6/game), 28th in rush defense (145.8 yards/game). Incremental improvement, but run defense remained a glaring weakness.
- **2023 (fired midseason):** 24th in total defense (362.9 yards/game through 14 games), 24th in points allowed (24.6/game), 16th in rush defense (112.7 yards/game). A midseason uptick in run defense showed promise, but pass defense cratered (bottom 3).
- **2024 49ers (Assistant Head Coach):** Staley didn’t call plays, but the 49ers’ defense ranked 7th in total defense (321.8 yards/game) and 11th in points allowed (21.1/game), suggesting his influence in a supporting role remained positive.

**Analysis:** Staley’s scheme thrives with elite talent and depth but struggles when personnel can’t execute its demands—particularly stopping the run with lighter fronts. His Chargers tenure highlighted vulnerabilities against the run and inconsistent pressure without a dominant disruptor like Donald. However, his 2020 Rams success proves the system’s ceiling when paired with the right players.

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### Current Saints Defensive Roster and Contracts

The Saints’ 2024 defense ranked 29th in total yards (379.9/game) and 15th in points allowed (23.6/game), a significant regression from prior years under Dennis Allen. Below is an analysis of key players, their 2025 contract status (per OverTheCap and Spotrac), and fit in Staley’s scheme as of February 21, 2025. Note: The Saints are approximately $54.1 million over the 2025 salary cap, necessitating restructures or cuts.

#### Defensive Line
- **Cameron Jordan (DE):** Age 36, 2025 cap hit $10.8M (final year). A franchise legend with 11 sacks in 2024, but his age and declining athleticism limit his fit as a 3-4 end. Could transition to a rotational role.
- **Carl Granderson (DE):** Age 28, $9.6M cap hit (through 2027). A breakout 2024 (8.5 sacks), Granderson’s speed and length make him an ideal 3-4 OLB/edge rusher in Staley’s system.
- **Bryan Bresee (DT):** Age 23, $2.4M cap hit (through 2026). A 2023 first-rounder, Bresee’s agility (3 sacks in 2024) suits the "gap-and-a-half" DT role, akin to Jalen Carter under Staley/Fangio.
- **Nathan Shepherd (DT):** Age 31, $3.8M cap hit (through 2025). Limited production (1.5 sacks) and poor run defense make him a potential cut candidate ($2.8M savings).
- **Khalen Saunders (DT):** Age 28, $2.7M cap hit (through 2025). A rotational piece with minimal impact (1 sack), also a cut candidate ($1.9M savings).

#### Linebackers
- **Demario Davis (ILB):** Age 36, $8.7M cap hit (final year). Still elite (110 tackles, 6.5 sacks in 2024), Davis fits as the scheme’s cerebral MIKE linebacker but may decline soon.
- **Pete Werner (ILB):** Age 25, $2.2M cap hit (through 2025 rookie deal). Solid tackler (88 tackles), Werner can play inside but lacks the dynamism Staley prefers for coverage.
- **Chase Young (EDGE):** Age 25, $6.8M cap hit (voids after 2024, UFA). A midseason trade acquisition (3.5 sacks), Young’s athleticism suits a 3-4 OLB role, but re-signing is a cap challenge.

#### Secondary
- **Tyrann Mathieu (S):** Age 32, $10.8M cap hit (final year). A versatile playmaker (3 INTs, 88 tackles), Mathieu thrives in Staley’s two-high safety looks.
- **Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB):** Age 22, $1.9M cap hit (through 2027). A 2024 second-rounder, his press-man skills (46 tackles, 1 INT) align with Staley’s preference for sticky corners.
- **Alontae Taylor (CB):** Age 26, $1.6M cap hit (through 2025). Versatile (slot/outside, 4 sacks), Taylor fits as a nickel CB in Staley’s sub-packages.
- **Paulson Adebo (CB):** Age 25, UFA in 2025. A breakout 2024 (4 INTs) before injury, Adebo’s a priority re-signing for boundary coverage.
- **Marshon Lattimore (CB):** Traded to Washington mid-2024, no longer with the team.

**Contract Challenges:**
- Over $54M over the cap, with aging stars (Jordan, Davis, Mathieu) carrying high hits.
- Key UFAs (Young, Adebo) require decisions, likely necessitating cuts (Shepherd, Saunders) and restructures (Jordan, Davis).

**Roster Fit:**
- Strengths: Granderson, Bresee, Davis, Mathieu, and young secondary talent (McKinstry, Taylor) align with Staley’s needs for versatility and coverage.
- Weaknesses: Lack of a dominant interior disruptor, aging veterans, and thin linebacker depth hinder run defense and pressure generation.

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### Draft and Free Agency Recommendations

To maximize Staley’s scheme, the Saints need:
1. A dominant interior DL to anchor the line (like Aaron Donald).
2. Athletic edge rushers for a 3-4 OLB role.
3. A rangy linebacker to pair with Davis.
4. Depth to manage cap constraints and aging stars.

#### Draft Targets (2025 NFL Draft)
- **Mason Graham (DT, Michigan):** A projected top-15 pick, Graham’s explosiveness (6’3”, 320 lbs, 4 sacks in 2024) mirrors Donald’s impact. If the Saints tank (projected top-10 pick), he’s a cornerstone for Staley’s front.
- **Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State):** A top-20 talent (6’3”, 250 lbs, 10 sacks), Carter’s speed and power make him a perfect 3-4 OLB to complement Granderson.
- **Jalon Walker (LB/EDGE, Georgia):** A mid-first-rounder (6’2”, 245 lbs, 6.5 sacks), Walker’s versatility allows him to play OLB or ILB, adding dynamism.
- **Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky):** A second-round option (6’6”, 345 lbs, 4 sacks), Walker’s size and agility bolster run defense as a Bresee running mate.

#### Free Agency Targets (2025)
- **Milton Williams (DT, Eagles):** Age 25, $1.2M cap hit in 2024 (UFA). A Fangio-system alum (5 sacks in 2024), Williams fits Staley’s gap-and-a-half role at a reasonable cost (~$8M/year).
- **Josh Sweat (EDGE, Eagles):** Age 27, $9.1M cap hit in 2024 (UFA). A proven pass rusher (6 sacks), Sweat’s familiarity with Staley-adjacent schemes makes him a Chase Young alternative (~$12M/year).
- **Paulson Adebo (CB, Saints):** Re-signing Adebo (~$10M/year) ensures continuity in the secondary, critical for Staley’s zone-heavy looks.
- **Dre Greenlaw (LB, 49ers):** Age 27, $8.2M cap hit in 2024 (UFA). If healthy post-2024 Achilles injury, Greenlaw’s range (112 tackles in 2023) upgrades the ILB corps (~$7M/year).

#### Proposed Plan:
- **Cuts:** Shepherd ($2.8M saved), Saunders ($1.9M saved).
- **Restructure:** Jordan, Davis, Mathieu to lower 2025 cap hits.
- **Draft:** Graham (Round 1) for DT dominance, Carter (trade up or Round 2) for OLB.
- **Free Agency:** Re-sign Adebo, add Williams (DT) and Greenlaw (LB) on mid-tier deals.

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### Conclusion

Staley’s scheme can elevate the Saints’ defense if paired with the right personnel. His 2020 Rams success shows a high ceiling, but his Chargers tenure warns of pitfalls without talent. The current roster has promising pieces (Granderson, Bresee, Davis, Mathieu, McKinstry), but cap issues and aging stars demand strategic moves. Targeting a disruptive DT (Graham or Williams), a dynamic edge (Carter or Sweat), and a rangy LB (Walker or Greenlaw), while retaining Adebo, positions the Saints for a top-15 defense in 2025—crucial for Kellen Moore’s first year. Success hinges on cap management and hitting on these additions.

:bng:

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

So 3-4 defense perhaps ?

Some guys will be gone.

Change is good.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

It’s been a minute since we had a 3-4. Exciting times!!

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Theres only so much he can do with the players we have. True, we don't have the personnel yet to run his 3-4, but it can be said we don't have the personnel to run a 4-3 either.

I'm convinced talent weighs much more heavily on results than coaching.

As the old saying says...
25% X's and O's
75% Billy's and Joe's

The good news is I hear this draft is loaded with DL and Edge rushers (OLB's) so we should be able to get some young talent at positions of need that fit a 3-4 and a 3-3-5

2025 is shaping up nicely, or at least its not as bad as many think.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Generally speaking, in a 3-4 you need a bulky tackle on the defensive line, which Bresee is not.

But this guy is.

DT Kenneth Grant Michigan

https://youtu.be/GcbQL6f5sqw?si=Fy_KsYs1VEwuNpjB

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Breese would slide over to DE in a 3-4, although his run defense at DT wasn't all that great either.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Great hire. IMHO , we don’t have to worry about losing him in a year or two to a HC gig.

IMO same with Nussmeier as OC. Should have stability for a long while as long as they succeed.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I think he'd be better at 3-4 DE than he is at his current role. I'm thinking it would be him and Cam Jordan for now. Granderson can drop a little weight and come off the EDGE. Foskey might benefit as well. I'm excited to see how it all plays out.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I like the staff we’re putting together. We can only hope management starts making the right personnel decisions.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Hopefully he's one of those that's a better DC than he was a head coach.

Chris Rosvoglou mentioned it earlier and I agree, it'll be interesting to see if that number 1 Rams D was an anomaly because of players like Aaron Donald.
He had a great D that year but I've heard Chargers fans saying he was awful for 3 straight years, including the game where the Raiders scored 63 points on them.

Hoping he can build a successful D here and I do like that Kellen is bringing in fresh faces. Can't fault the guy so far, he's definitely trying to build this team how he wants it.

The draft should be interesting.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

DA needed top tier talent to make his system work, When Payton gave him high draft selections he took advantage and we had a damn good defense.

I'm willing to be patient while I watch him build the kind of defense that got him a head coaching job.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I'd love to see a 3-4, 3-4 odd and 3-3-5 packages. I've been sick of the obligatory 4-3 for so long, it's time.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Reactions from the local media...

https://www.youtube.com/live/euSwwry...wdB1qOY5nh0VMA

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I'm excited. We're going to see a brand new product on both sides of the field. Can't wait.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

If we go a 3-4 defense I think the strong argument to relegate Bryan Bresee to second string becomes impossible to argue against. Bresee finished the 2024 season ranked 218th of 219 defensive interior linemen with a run defense grade of 28. If you put him on an island at nose tackle, every team will just run up the middle for 5-10ypc against us all day long. Even at second string the thought of Bresee in the game on a running down is scary. Maybe second string DE.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I think we also ran a lot of4-2-5.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Yup. Over 80% of the time just based upon positional snap counts.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Staley better upgrade the 1tech & SOLB.

The upcoming draft becomes paramount.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I'm reading a lot about Staley's 3-4 defense and hearing he doesn't use a 1-tech, he uses a 3-tech DL.

I'm no expert but I think its referred to as a gap and a half DT.

I still would like a big run stuffing DT to add to the mix tho.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Change for the sake of change is almost never good. If it's driven with purpose and intent, THEN it CAN be good. Especially if what is there is unworkable. From the looks on paper, we're talking about a wholesale removal of most key postions and hoping that we can pick up usable parts to fix the holes.

I'm a wait and see kind of guy at this point with VERY low expectations.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

3-4 won't be an overnight thing.

I'm thinking he's taking the same approach as Kellen - tailor to your strengths - players.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

I'm of the opinion that we have just as many holes in a 4-3 as we do in a 3-4, or close to it. Most of our front 7 is replaceable with value free agents and draft picks. We're loaded with JAGs (just a guy).

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Former Saints linebacker on converting from a 4-3 base to Brandon Staley's 3-4 scheme
Nothing new under the sun, I suppose. I'm just adding to the fray.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/oth...28757b8e&ei=37
edit: The article states that Foskey could thrive at OLB if it "clicks" for him. Granderson may be the other OLB.

Re: Saints Hire Brandon Staley as DC
 

Is Carl Granderson A Fit For Brandon Staley's New-Look Saints Defense?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl...dd1609e&ei=111