Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

(Triplett)

A position-by-position look at where the New Orleans Saints stand heading into the 2014 offseason – ranked from 1-12 in order of the team’s need for upgrades or replacements.

Current depth chart:

Cameron Jordan. Age 24, signed through 2014, with team option for 2015. 2014 salary and bonuses: $1.43 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $2.46 million.

Junior Galette. Age 25, signed through 2015. 2014 salary and bonuses: $2 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $2.9 million.

Will Smith. Age 32, signed through 2014. 2014 salary and bonuses: $11.55 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $13.9 million.

Victor Butler. Age 26, signed through 2014. 2014 salary and bonuses: $1.5 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $1.875 million.

Keyunta Dawson. Age 28, unrestricted free agent.

Rufus Johnson. Age 23, scheduled to become restricted free agent after three accrued seasons.

Kyle Knox. Age 24, scheduled to become restricted free agent after three accrued seasons.

Analysis:

As I explained earlier on this list, since the Saints run a hybrid between a 3-4 and 4-3 defense, I decided to break up their front seven into three categories: Interior defensive linemen, edge rushers and linebackers.

I probably could have ranked the edge rushers even lower on the Saints’ list of needs, since this position was arguably the strength of the defense in 2013 with Jordan and Galette both having breakout years, each with 12-plus sacks. Plus, the depth could improve even more this year if Butler comes back strong from a torn ACL. Of everyone on this list, I actually thought Butler would be the guy who had the breakout year in 2013 after the Saints signed him as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys.

But the reason I still ranked this position so high is because you can never have enough explosive pass-rushers in the NFL, and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is creative and versatile enough to rotate a lot of guys into the mix. It’s not a “must-fill” position, but the Saints could certainly pounce on a dynamic, young athlete early in the draft if they have a high grade on him.

The biggest question mark in this group is Smith. Obviously he won’t be back at his current monster salary. But I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he agrees to a significant pay cut to stay in New Orleans like he did last year. He’d probably have to agree to play for close to the veteran minimum since he’s 32 years old and coming off of a torn ACL. But the Saints value Smith as a veteran leader who has always been solid as both a pass-rusher and run defender. He could still be a good fit as part of the front-seven rotation if he comes back strong from the injury.

Johnson (a sixth-round draft pick last year) and Knox were both added to the active roster late in the season, mostly to help on special teams. But it’s possible both of them could work their way up in the rotation with an impressive offseason.

Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Could well see them contracts meaning a OLB is our first pick this year.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

The thing i find most impressive is Cam had 12.5 sacks from the DE position in a 3-4 or 4-2-5 defense

he was likely seeing double teams all game and still managed that kind of sack total

Guess it shows what happens when you build a D that all your players were drafted already playing it

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Quick question. Are they saying Jordon is a DE or OLB? I thought he would be playing the front line.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Come on Dee Ford! I want to have our own Aldon Smith/Ahmad Brooks type of duo. Maybe we have something already in Rufus Johnson or Victor Butler but we don't really know yet. Either way, you can never have enough pass rushers.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Victor Butler will be a bad man, I'm hoping Rufus is going to be a bad, bad man.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Here's my concern... Butler's only signed through next season. Say he has a great season, then he becomes a free agent and we're forced to either break the bank for yet another player to keep him or we let him walk in free agency. I'd rather just draft a young pass rusher that we can pay very little for and not have to worry about what becomes of Butler.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

He is a Ryan guy, he might be good but if he isn't we will address it next year but there is a guy in Buffalo, Aurthor Moats, that is a FA this year and could be ready to make a statement I would at least bring in some competition in , and Rufus might come into his own. If I were to get a lb, I'm more concerned at the ILB.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

I did not really know anything about Arthur Moats but you inspired me to look him up and do a little research. I like what I've read... He has great speed and experience playing OLB and ILB. I know Rob Ryan loves that kind of versatility. No-one is really talking about Moats so I think we could easily sign him for a reasonable amount. I'm on board!

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Buffalo might not have an O, but their D is pretty solid. I"ve watched this guy since he came into the league and wanted the Saints to draft him then. He is more solid than flash and should come at a decent price. The thing that bothers me is he is entrenched in the Buffalo community(which isn't a bad thing) and may take less money to stay in Buffalo. He is poised to have a break-out year which I believe he will.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

right now we are loaded with edge rushers. problem is they stay on the field for to many plays. the idea works great if a team is playing catch up ball. but in a close game we need to address areas on the defense

DL needs depth

OLB needs to be stout against the run and solid in pass coverage.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Tis better to have balled and lost than never to have balled at all.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Thats why I want a DT in the 1st. Look at the depth we would have then and with Bunkleys contract up next year the DT line would remain stout. In my mind it's like why not take a pick this year to prevent next years needs.Jordan will command money next season if he keeps playing well. As far as OLB, we should bring in good comp. for them all it's the ILB's I'm having serios douts about. As well as Lofton and Hawthorn played this year, Seattle ate Hawthorn up and made him look like they knew when to let him go and Lofton can't cover anyone. I personally would like to see 2 nasty thumpers in the middle that would make the quick slant recievers and rb.'s pay a toll when they entered their territory and inflict pain when they did.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Knox is an edge rusher?
He weighs 200 pounds. I thought we signed him for ST, and maybe a move to DB

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

I really haven't look at this guy at all, I believe they let Q go when this guy come, not quite sure though?? Anybody??!!

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

it is a good year for NT depth in the draft.

i was staying away from ILB and the wants needed in that are but i agree with you ther. run is solid but the rest of the play is lacking

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Edge rushers are at a premium in the NFL.If a elite rusher is there when we pick we will pick them. The most valued positions are IMHO QB,PASS RUSHER ,and LT ,CB.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

I always think that it is that picking a DT is a good idea .God didn't make many 300# men that can move.When you can pick one get them A good rotation is important in a 34 D. These guys take a pounding and keeping them fresh is vital.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

I'm driving the bus on the Dee Ford bandwagon.

Re: Ranking Saints needs: No. 7 Edge rusher
 

Kony Ealy would be my choice.
Can rush from out wide or through the middle.