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jeanpierre

BY NICK UNDERHILL | nunderhill@theadvocate.com Mar 1, 2019 - 11:31 am

INDIANAPOLIS — Defensive tackle could quickly become a top need for the Saints.

While Sheldon Rankins is recovering well from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season prematurely, he is not expected to return as quickly as Alex Okafor did from a similar injury last season, according to a source.

Rankins' injury is higher up his leg, which means it will take him longer to recover than someone who suffers a lower tear, such as Okafor. The defensive tackle suffered his injury during the playoffs, and it could take him as long as 10 months to recover. It is possible, and possibly likely, that Rankins will start the season on the physically unable to perform list.

Sean Payton mentioned that with Rankins' injury, the team might look to address that spot this offseason. He also said interior offensive line and tight end are areas the team will keep an eye on.

The defensive tackle finished last season with eight sacks, the best season of his career. New Orleans is expected to pick up his option for the 2020 season before the May deadline.

With Rankins expected to miss some time to start the year, New Orleans might look to add another defensive tackle to help with depth to start the season. David Onyemata could face disciplinary action from the league after being charged with possession of marijuana, which could further thin the depth.

Defensive tackle Tyeler Davison is also a free agent. The Saints have expressed interest in bringing him back, but he could find a healthy market if he’s allowed to reach free agency.

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

CHA_CHING

Losing him was a major blow in the playoffs.

We had zero sacks in the playoffs and struggled to get pressure. I hope he can bounce back and have a long career after this injury. He was having a great season and was part of the reason our front 4 was doing so well. They really lost something when he went down.

ChrisXVI

Really upsetting. We can’t count on him to contribute much next season. Let’s see what kind of magic we can make happen.

jeanpierre

Well, this is the second serious injury (Injured Reserve) in three seasons - this is a worrisome trend...

K Major

DT has become a HUGE need in Free Agency.

At least in my mind it is.

halloween 65

I like the draft for looking at adding DT. Not the deepest draft for them but how they rotate them there are a few that could do the job that I like for cheap.

jeanpierre

Don't know about that as this is a pretty deep draft for DE and DTs...

Rugby Saint II

That's the word on the street.

Thirty3

Get well soon Rankins!