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New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said he looked forward to bringing quarterback pressure back to the Saints during a brief interview with WWL-AM Thursday afternoon leading up to the first round of the NFL draft.

Ryan only spoke for about three minutes in the radio interview, the first time he's spoken to the media since being hired three months ago. Ryan's most significant comments concerned the current linebacking corps as the team transitions to a 3-4 defensive scheme.

"I think we do have some excellent linebackers," Ryan said. "I think Curtis Lofton is going to be a Pro Bowler in any system. That's well-documented. I think if we get Jonathan Vilma getting back to being Jonathan Vilma, which I'm excited and encouraged about it. He's the talk of the weight room and the offseason. He's one of the best leaders in team sports. I'm so excited about getting here with him.

"Our outside backers are a bunch of guys that no one knows about. But if you watch the tape, you realize we've got some really good prospects. Junior Galette is going to be strong there. Victor Butler, the only thing that can keep him off the quarterback was me, so we'll get him on the quarterback. He's an outstanding rusher. Not too many people know about him. We're real encouraged about Martez Wilson as well and Will Smith."

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says he wants to bring QB pressure back | NOLA.com

Seer1

Who doesn't? Any hints as to what position we're going to draft?

Rugby Saint II

He's encouraged with Will Smith......that's a bad sign. I hope he can do better in the draft.

lee909

Will Smith as a OLB is scary.

hagan714

does nothing to generate turnovers if the secondary can not catch.

SmashMouth

Yeah... I guess he let it slip Smith is playing LB now?

dizzle88

I hope we can get a second round pick through trade and land jamie collins for our OLB spot, that would be insane!