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The New Orleans Saints defense stunk last season. This is common knowledge and doesn’t need elaboration. This season hopes to be different with the hiring of Rob Ryan and his Gregg Williams-like aggressive philosophy. The defense won’t be fixed in one season and will still have many holes, but there is one position that should be more than solid going into the season—cornerback.

Despite the deficiencies and question marks on other parts of the defense, the cornerback position is good enough as it stands right now, and I would go as far as to say that it is above average (can’t say any defensive position group is good or great on the worst defense ever).

The cornerbacks feature Jabari Greer, who has been one of the most stable and effective pieces since his signing in 2009. Since 2009, he has had only 8 interceptions; however Greer has never been a high interception guy, even since his days in Buffalo. This is probably due to the fact that he is one of least targeted players on the Saints defense. Even though his interception totals are down, his passes defended have always been there, recording at least 12 defenses in 4 of his last 5 seasons. Greer remains one of the most underrated players in the league, but the Saints know his value and will need it going forward.

Playing opposite Greer will be newly signed free agent, and New Orleans native Keenan Lewis. If the acquisition of Darrelle Revis by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a splash, then the Lewis signing was more of a ripple. Though unheralded, Lewis will still prove to be an effective piece. Last season, Lewis’ first full season as a starter, he was the 2nd most targeted cornerback in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. This was more a byproduct of playing next to great players like Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, and Ike Taylor rather than his own inexperience or perceived deficiencies. Though highly targeted by opposing quarterbacks, he was 4th in the AFC in yards allowed and 7th in touchdowns allowed; and what might be even more impressive is that he never gave up 100 yards to an opposing receiver. Lewis, like Greer, doesn’t have huge interception totals, but has a high number of passes defended.

Though people may not know it yet, Lewis will prove to be a solid corner who is prepared to take that next step to be great. He, along with Greer, will be able to hold down the outside very well. The presence of these two pillars should have a residual effect on the often scrutinized Patrick Robinson who will move to the third cornerback position. Expect Robinson to put together a solid season as he will be matched up on smaller, quicker slot receivers rather than taller, more physical receivers. In addition, it should help the much maligned pass rush by giving them more time to get to the quarterback. If the Saints end up seeing a great improvement, it won’t come as a surprise if Lewis and Greer are at the center of it.

New Orleans Saints: Greer, Lewis to provide solid cornerback play

dizzle88

Cant wait to see this guy play

I like the fact we now have a big, fast and physical CB

ChrisXVI

Don't count out Corey White... Coming from a small school and switching from safety to CB, now that he has a year in the pro's under his belt and an actual head coach he could prove to be our future CB we pair with Lewis. White is 6' 1" with 4.4 speed... Bigger and just as fast as Keenan Lewis.

AllSaints

Yes I think Robinson is going to be the odd man out if he doesn't do something this season....

|Mitch|

I thought it was the total opposite? I thought RR was favoring Robinson rather than Greer as the other starting corner?

FinSaint

That was my understanding as well, but who knows?!

halloween 65

I think all of our corners will be good to above average this season, to seal the deal would be a FS for over the top, my pick would be for Quadus. I feel he would put the secondary over the top.

hagan714

Starters
Jabari Greer Keenan Lewis

nickle and dime guys
Patrick Robinson Corey White

rest is wide open.

Veteran experience has the edge
Chris Carr

Rookies/second year players
Ryan Steed
Korey Lindsey
Rod Sweeting
Dion Turner
A.J. Davis

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out depth wise but i am not expecting the starting 4 to change this year. Robinson is signed through the 2014 season and has a modest cap hit 2.2 and 2.3 million in the next two years with no major bonuses coming to him in either year. I would say he is a safe bet to be a Saint the next two years baring trades.

Add to that people were believing he was the player to take Grieer spot after the 2012 season with his improved play during the season.

After the 2012 collapse the every one raised serious doubts about him as well as the entire defensive unit. I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of the DC.

Now if there are any doubts in the saints eyes about him after this year and the lack of development in the depth look for the saint to entertaining draft a CB in 2014. which is a solid year for CB.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

SmashMouth

Lewis may turn out to be our best CB. Greer is on the downside and a bit more injury prone. It's time to groom a replacement. And I am not sure we have one on the roster.

Rugby Saint II

Veteran experience has the edge
Chris Carr

Rookies/second year players
Ryan Steed
Korey Lindsey
Rod Sweeting
Dion Turner
A.J. Davis

Any of these guys could be the next gem we uncover.
We still don't know how White is going to play this year, but this being his second year he might just make the jump. Is he better at man coverage or zone. Although, at training camp there is almost always one player that comes out of nowhere. We could use a corner to step up.
Unfortunately, we get injured at the corner back position on a seemingly regular basis.