Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

A look at the New Orleans Saints' projected defensive depth chart as it stands today:

DE1 –- Cameron Jordan, Tyrunn Walker

DE2 –- Akiem Hicks, Glenn Foster

NT –- Brodrick Bunkley, John Jenkins

OLB1 –- Junior Galette, Keyunta Dawson, Kyle Knox

OLB2 –- Parys Haralson, Victor Butler, Rufus Johnson

SILB –- Curtis Lofton, Ramon Humber

WILB –- David Hawthorne, Kevin Reddick

CB1 –- Keenan Lewis, Rod Sweeting, A.J. Davis, Trevin Wade

CB2 –- Corey White, Patrick Robinson, Terrence Frederick, Derrius Brooks

SS –- Kenny Vaccaro, Rafael Bush

FS –- Jairus Byrd

Thoughts: There aren't too many glaring holes here. I keep ranking cornerback as the Saints' top defensive need because they could use a more proven starter opposite Keenan Lewis. But they obviously have plenty of depth at the position.

Conversely, the Saints don't have much depth at safety. But if they sign a veteran corner such as Champ Bailey, they could use him as a pseudo-safety in nickel and dime packages. They could potentially do the same thing with White, who played safety in college.

The one position I really think the Saints need to address at some point in the draft is linebacker. They could use young backups who can play special teams right away and eventually push to replace veterans such as Hawthorne and Haralson.

And as coach Sean Payton said last week, teams are always on the lookout for more pass-rushing help -- though they should be improved in that area with Victor Butler returning from injury and Rufus Johnson having another year to develop.

Analyzing the New Orleans Saints' depth chart: Defense - ESPN

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

would White really be in front of a healthy Robinson?

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

DT, ILB, and CB. Another DT could give us the best front line in the NFL, ILB to shore up that position and a CB. I went with CB because of Robinson getting hurt last season , while White filled in admirably he is a great #3 but if Ryan wants to run a 3 S set I wouldn't be surprized to see a S drafter over a CB.

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

On Defense I would look at:
1.) CB
2.) NT/DT
3.)LB

The reason I say NT/DT is because with a young rotational player we can cut ties with Bunkley and save that money going forward.

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

Champ Bailey as a bridge for whoever we draft. I would love to see CJ Mosley @#27 of the first rd. WR and CB positions all among the deepest in this draft.I could see OL, DT ,LB ,CB WR ,DE as possibilities. The Saints are nothing if not unorthodox in the way they value certain positions.I think that we may have the possibility of trading down into the top of the second rd.

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

sorry i have to chuckle. healthy Robinson? thats the question for a player that has there own initialed tub in the locker room

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

we can survive with this unit as is and just go for depth upgrades or we can look at impact player at CB DT LB in any order BPA even if it turns out to be another safety.

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

Id have to agree again. If calvin pryor is on the board, do u take him? Or haha? Thats tough to pass... All i know is someone will more than likely end up being on the board we didnt think would be. It happens nearly every year, a team will reach and throw off draft boards. Bruce irvin for example, even tho i was a fan of his... I and nearly everyone had him or thought he should have gone in the 2-3 Round range. Im hoping for CJ Mosley or Darqueze Dennard to fall but of course that "seems" highly unlikely. We shall see, CB or ILB/OLB imo is the pick in the 1st Rd and snaggin a wr in the 2nd

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

Speedy OLB please

Re: Analyzing Saints depth chart: Defense
 

And preferably one who can cover in the flat.