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The New Orleans Saints had the NFL’s second-ranked run defense in 2018, and their top defensive free agent of 2019 could help the group be even better next season.

Malcom Brown will be the Saints’ top nose tackle in 2019, and the team thinks the former Patriots first-round pick will be an upgrade over Tyeler Davison, who had the starting role the past three-plus years.



And while the Saints think Brown’s run-stuffing ability is his best trait, they also think there’s a chance he’ll be able to help more as a pass-rusher than his career sack numbers indicate.

“I think that’s something we’re going to continue to look at with Malcom,” Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said of Brown’s pass-rush ability. “He wasn’t really asked to do that a whole lot in New England. I think there’s a little bit of ability in that area that he can help us.”

Brown said he primarily played on first and second downs in New England, which is typical for a nose tackle. However, with the Saints having early-season questions about their defensive tackle depth, Brown might have to play more on passing downs.

Sheldon Rankins will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in January, and David Onyemata is still awaiting word from the NFL about potential punishment for a marijuana-related citation he received in January. Last year, Rankins and Onyemata were the Saints’ top two interior players, showing ability to stop the run and pass, but to start 2019, Brown and fellow free-agent acquisition Mario Edwards Jr. could play frequently.

Statistically, Brown had a down year in 2018 with 39 tackles, zero tackles for loss, zero sacks and one quarterback hit. In his first three seasons, Brown averaged 2.8 sacks, 4.7 tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.

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saintsfan1976

A move back to his natural position will help!

K Major

Brown is only 25 years of age & spent the last 3+ years playing (starter) for a World Championship organization. Hell yeah, glad to have him.

Stout, versatile and fills a hole + we also have Stallworth.

Definitive upgrade at NT with Super Bowl experience.

K Major

Right after the signing, I remember listening to Streif interviewing (WWL) Malcolm's former team mate Rob N & he basically said that in his opinion, MB has been playing "out of position" at the NT position in the Pats 3-4.

He went on to say that with his good hand usage and above avg footwork, he'll "fit" (4-3 3 tech) in nicely allowing him to penetrate & make more of an impact in the Saints defensive scheme. I guess this kind of explains why Brown & the Pats (we have a good relationship with Pats staff) decided to move in different directions this off season.

Sometimes it's all about a players "fit".

Can't wait for training camp.

foreverfan

You mean you "Can't wait for the season."

Beastmode

33 teams and 14 have never won it. NBA has created a culture of cry baby players. Hard to believe those 14 teams have a fan base at all. Why not put all the best players on the same team and be done with it. Make them the team the other teams will face in the championship game every year.

Rugby Saint II

What can Brown do for us? We won't know until the season kicks off. Nonetheless, I can't wait to see him at training camp where I can see him with my own eyes. We are getting closer and I'm getting excited! Who Dat baby!

The Dude

Hopefully he will get to Matt Ryan when Ryan is trying to suppress the expression of his bowels. #AtlantaCocksucker

The Dude

Training camp is the start of the season in my book. Can’t believe it’s next month.

homerj07

Everyone needs to stay healthy and smart.