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Saints likely will be looking for help at DT this off-season

Posted on 2/21/19 at 12:42 pm
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14108 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 12:42 pm
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The New Orleans Saints benefited from improved defensive line play in 2018 as the team increased its sack total and became one of the best run-stopping units in the NFL.

2018 FINAL ROSTER: Cameron Jordan, Alex Okafor, Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, Tyeler Davison, Taylor Stallworth, Trey Hendrickson

INJURED RESERVE: Sheldon Rankins, Jay Bromley

2019 FREE AGENTS: Alex Okafor, Tyeler Davison, Jay Bromley

With Jordan and Rankins, the Saints formed one of the most-feared left sides of a defensive line in the NFL.

Jordan continued to play like one of the top edge rushers in the league with 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, the latter of which tied for sixth most in the NFL. He also had 49 total tackles, six passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as he earned second-team All-Pro honors.

Next to him, Rankins had the season the Saints envisioned when they drafted him in the first round in 2016 as he set career highs with 40 tackles, 12 for loss and eight sacks. He also had one forced fumble and one pass defensed, and he consistently played like a top-tier interior rusher.

On the right side, the Saints didn’t have quite the same impact up front, but the combination of Okafor and Davenport on the edge and Onyemata and Davison on the interior certainly helped the team finish as the No. 2-ranked run defense.

Okafor had an impressive return from the torn Achilles he suffered in 2017 as he finished with 36 tackles, five for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed. He also blocked a punt as he became an important member of the punt return unit.

Davenport didn’t live up to the sky-high expectations brought on by the Saints trading two first-round picks to draft him 13th overall, but all draft picks should be looked at as long-term moves. The rookie showed promise early in the season, but a toe injury derailed his progress as he finished the season with 22 tackles, six for loss, 4.5 sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble.

Onyemata continued to improve for the third year in a row and was effectively the second starting defensive tackle as he played more snaps than Davison. Onyemata had 35 tackles, four for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. Three of those sacks came in one game against the Cowboys in Week 13.

Davison’s role as the nose tackle was important to the stellar run defense, but his statistics were limited with 23 tackles, two for loss, two sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble.

Stallworth made an impressive impact for an undrafted rookie as he helped stuff the run and showed quickness inside. Like Davison, he didn’t produce many stats with eight tackles, one for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery.

Hendrickson was the odd man out of the rotation for much of the season as he was inactive for 11 games. He still flashed potential in his brief opportunities with eight tackles and four quarterback hits, but he’ll have to improve this offseason to play more in 2019.

Bromley, a veteran who competed for a role in training camp, made four tackles in Week 3 but then didn’t play again until Week 7 when he suffered a torn biceps that ended his season.

LOOKING AHEAD
The Saints have a good core of young talent on their defensive line, but the tackle position could be a gaping hole to begin the year.

Rankins suffered a torn Achilles in the divisional round of the playoffs, so his availability for Week 1 is up in the air. Meanwhile, Onyemata was arrested for marijuana possession in February, which could mean a suspension is on the way.

If neither of them is available, it would make defensive tackle one of the top needs for the Saints to address this offseason.

Re-signing Davison would alleviate some of the concern at the position, but he’s limited as a pass rusher, which is where Rankins thrives.

Bromley should be available to re-sign for a minimum contract, but they might not need him at the nose with Stallworth under contract and Davison potentially returning.

The Saints almost certainly will examine free-agent options in the middle. They could also seek a tackle in the draft, but it will be tough to find a rookie ready to contribute unless they use their second-round pick on the position.

On the edge, the Saints are pretty well set for the future with Jordan still under contract for two more seasons and Davenport still having three or four years left on his contract. Hendrickson is still a question mark, but he could contribute in a pinch.

Okafor became a free agent because of a clause in his contract that voided his deal based on production. He wants to be back, and the Saints could certainly use him. The only question is if another team will offer him significantly more money with the importance of edge rushers.

If Okafor leaves, the Saints surely will look for another veteran to play on the edge. They could also seek a developmental player in the draft.

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
The Saints could have their entire rotation back in 2019 if they re-sign Okafor and Davison. Neither of those moves are guaranteed considering Okafor could be coveted by other teams and Davison has had limited production in his four years, but both players want to return.

Bromley wasn’t a key piece for the Saints as he only played when Davison and Stallworth dealt with injuries. They might be able to wait until training camp to sign him back if they don’t like their other options.

One potential issue that could arise is Jordan seeking a new contract. He hasn’t said anything, so this is merely conjecture, but he’s currently the 11th-highest paid defensive end in terms of average annual value. It would stand to reason that, at 29, he could try to maximize his value while he’s playing at peak form after having double-digit sacks two years in a row.
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14108 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 1:19 pm to
Walter Football's Top 24 F.A. TE's

1 - Grady Jarrett, DT, Falcons. Age: 26.
Grady Jarrett is one of the top 4-3 defensive tackles in the NFL. He's absolutely dominant in the interior, both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. He's turns just 26 in April, so he could continue to improve his game. He's set to earn a huge contract soon.

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Vikings. Age: 28.
Sheldon Richardson is an extremely talented defensive lineman, playing very strongly in the pass rush and run defense. He can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4, so he should garner tons of interest if he gets to the open market.

3 - Michael Pierce (RFA), NT, Ravens. Age: 26.
Michael Pierce is an elite run-stuffer. He doesn't generate much of a pass rush, but he's not completely lost in that regard. He's also young, as he won't turn 27 until around Thanksgiving.

4 - David Irving, DT, Cowboys. Age: 26.
David Irving was dominant down the stretch in 2016, and he proved that wasn't a fluke the year after. He was limited to just eight games because of a concussion and a suspension, but he was terrific in those eight contests, registering seven sacks, which is a high number for a player at his position in a full 16-game slate. Irving barely played in 2018 because of injury. However, he's just 26 in August, so he should continue to improve his game.

5 - Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Packers. Age: 29.
From 2012 to 2015, Muhammad Wilkerson was considered a top-five 3-4 defensive end. It could've even been argued that he was the second-best player at his position in the entire league, behind only J.J. Watt. Wilkerson was rewarded with a 5-year, $87 million deal in the summer of 2016. Wilkerson mailed it in after that, then was cut. Wilkerson joined the Packers and played very well for three games before suffering a season-ending injury. Wilkerson isn't 30 yet, so he could continue to play on a high level for a team that has a strong locker room.

6 - Christian Covington, DE/DT, Texans. Age: 25.
Christian Covington is one of the top run-stuffing defensive linemen in the NFL. His pass-rushing skills need work, but he won't turn 26 until October, so he has plenty of time to develop moves to get to the quarterback.

7 - Darius Philon, DT, Chargers. Age: 25.
Darius Philon, a former sixth-round pick, has developed into a solid starter. He stuffed the run very well last year and also notched four sacks. He's only 25, so he should continue to improve.

8 - Mike Pennel, NT, Jets. Age: 28.
Mike Pennel didn't register a single sack in 2018, but he was a stout run stopper. The Jets let him go because he doesn't fit the new 4-3 defense.

9 - Margus Hunt, DE/DT, Colts. Age: 32.
Margus Hunt is a late bloomer, but he's been excellent for the Colts. He's just a pedestrian pass rusher, but he has elite run-stopping skills. Unfortunately for Hunt, he turns 32 this summer.

10 - Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Jets. Age: 28.
Henry Anderson has always been a stout run defender, and he flashed some pass-rushing prowess this past season, racking up seven sacks. This was probably a fluke, but any pass rush Anderson generates is a bonus.

11 - Brent Urban, DE/DT, Ravens. Age: 28.
Brent Urban is a stellar run defender as a rotational defensive lineman, but he offers very little as a pass rusher.

12 - Corey Liuget, DT, Chargers. Age: 29.
Corey Liuget is still an effective player when he's able to play. Unfortunately for Liuget, he hasn't been very reliable. Liuget is constantly injured and thus has missed 14 games over the past two seasons. He's still young enough to have a bounce-back year or two, but should be signed to a short-term "prove it" deal.

13 - Steve McLendon, NT, Jets. Age: 33.
Steve McLendon is a stout run defender, but at 33, he could be due for regression soon.

14 - Brandon Mebane, DT, Chargers. Age: 34.
Brandon Mebane tore his biceps in November, and Ian Rapoport reported that he would be done for the year. This turned out to be fake news, as Mebane missed just a few games. Mebane is excellent at stuffing the run, but his age (34) is becoming a concern.

15 - Roy Robertson-Harris (RFA), DE/DT, Bears. Age: 26.
Roy Robertson-Harris has plenty of potential. As a rotational player, he stuffed the run well and collected three sacks. There's a chance a team signs him to a decently sized contract a year from now.

16 - Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Allen Bailey has been a decent starting defensive end for the Chiefs over the years. He has no weaknesses, but isn't great at anything either.

17 - Tyeler Davison, DT, Saints. Age: 26.
Tyeler Davison is a solid run-plugger, but doesn't offer much as far as pass-rushing ability is concerned.

18 - Bennie Logan, NT, Titans. Age: 29.
Curiously, Bennie Logan was seldom used in Tennessee. He has played very well in the past, particularly as a run plugger, but he played just a dozen snaps or so per week for the Titans. Perhaps he'll be used more on another team next year.

19 - Domata Peko, NT, Broncos. Age: 34.
Domata Peko looked worn down in Cincinnati, but he has been a new player in Denver. He clogs the run well, but he'll turn 35 around Thanksgiving.

20 - Zach Kerr, NT, Broncos. Age: 29.
Zach Kerr is a monstrous, 335-pound run-stuffer, but he offers nothing as far as the pass rush is concerned.

21 - Rodney Gunter, DE/DT, Cardinals. Age: 27.
Rodney Gunter is a solid run defender who can get to the quarterback on occasion. He can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4.

22 - Olsen Pierre, DE/DT, Cardinals. Age: 27.
Olsen Pierre logged 5.5 sacks in 2017, but has barely played in 2018 because he's not a good fit for the 4-3. Pierre should be a solid contributor in another 3-4 next year.

23 - Dominique Easley, DT, Rams. Age: 27.
Dominique Easley has been miscast in the Rams' 3-4 defense. He's a 4-3 three-technique defensive tackle, and he could perform in that role elsewhere. Of course, he'd have to stay healthy, which is something he hasn't been able to do throughout his career.

24 - Haloti Ngata, NT, Eagles. Age: 35.
Haloti Ngata missed some time with a calf injury last year, but stuffed the run well whenever he was on the field.


Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14108 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 1:24 pm to
Considering the high amount of run stuffing DT's available in free agency...we should be able to bring Davison back at at a reasonable price.

As far as Rankins replacement...it probably won't be cheap. I like David Irving & Darius Philon. Both can get to the QB.

They don't list Gerald McCoy. I don't think Tampa has released him though.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166297 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 1:26 pm to
should be a lot of options. hope we choose wisely.
Posted by Midget Death Squad
Meme Magic
Member since Oct 2008
24573 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 2:01 pm to
quote:

5 - Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Packers. Age: 29.
From 2012 to 2015, Muhammad Wilkerson was considered a top-five 3-4 defensive end. It could've even been argued that he was the second-best player at his position in the entire league, behind only J.J. Watt. Wilkerson was rewarded with a 5-year, $87 million deal in the summer of 2016. Wilkerson mailed it in after that, then was cut. Wilkerson joined the Packers and played very well for three games before suffering a season-ending injury. Wilkerson isn't 30 yet, so he could continue to play on a high level for a team that has a strong locker room.




Might be the best strike gold player here. He most likely will be forced to take a discount contract due to the negatives, and this team is that strong locker room that they specify. Plus we rotate our DL consistently so that if he doesn't pan out we still have players to get it done.
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14108 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 2:03 pm to
The thing about Wilkerson is that he's never played in a 4-3.
Posted by Fat Bastard
coach, investor, gambler
Member since Mar 2009
72671 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 2:36 pm to
quote:

The thing about Wilkerson is that he's never played in a 4-3.




didn't we try that shite before and fail with aubrayo franklin and somebody else?
Posted by Billy Mays
Member since Jan 2009
25281 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 2:59 pm to
Sounds like one of the three Chargers one the list would be the best fit for what we need and how much we have available to spend.
Posted by NamariTiger
Flower Mound, Texas
Member since Jun 2014
17746 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 3:04 pm to
Eff Wilkerson, he had his chance. He chose Green Bay. If we can get a huge space eater , Onyemata May take another step forward and become a beast.
This post was edited on 2/21/19 at 3:06 pm
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14108 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 3:05 pm to
Charger fans think Mebane is done. They think his age caught up with him.
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
30026 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 3:05 pm to
quote:

6 - Christian Covington, DE/DT, Texans. Age: 25.
Christian Covington is one of the top run-stuffing defensive linemen in the NFL. His pass-rushing skills need work, but he won't turn 26 until October, so he has plenty of time to develop moves to get to the quarterback.

7 - Darius Philon, DT, Chargers. Age: 25.
Darius Philon, a former sixth-round pick, has developed into a solid starter. He stuffed the run very well last year and also notched four sacks. He's only 25, so he should continue to improve.


i think they should really put very serious effort into signing both of these guys
Posted by lsutiger2010
Member since Aug 2008
14790 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 4:51 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/19/21 at 2:32 pm
Posted by t00f
Not where you think I am
Member since Jul 2016
89955 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 4:59 pm to
quote:

As far as Rankins replacement..


he won't be ready for preseason?
Posted by GMoney2600
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
14108 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 5:02 pm to
I'd say it's highly likely that he won't. He tore his achilles in the 2nd round of the play-offs. Takes a while to recover from that.

There would be a chance if he tore it during the beginning or middle of the season.
This post was edited on 2/21/19 at 5:06 pm
Posted by t00f
Not where you think I am
Member since Jul 2016
89955 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 5:32 pm to
Ok I see where you are going with that now. I was under the impression that this procedure had a quicker turn around now.
Posted by GynoSandberg
Member since Jan 2006
72018 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 6:13 pm to
Philon came out too early and is young. He’s getting a lot of hype as a huge under the radar guy who can still breakout
Posted by Hamma1122
Member since Sep 2016
19823 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 6:16 pm to
DRAFT
Posted by BayouRat15
DAUPHIN ISLAND,AL
Member since Jan 2004
10182 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 8:55 pm to
Gerald McCoy

Do it
Do it
Posted by LSU_30A
Member since Jan 2019
2921 posts
Posted on 2/21/19 at 10:52 pm to
Rankins could be back week one. Okafor started week one on 9 months recovery and that’s where Rankins will be also. I would focus on bringing Okafor back first and foremost. Give him 2 years $10 million and I bet he gladly comes back. He and Onyemata can play Rankins DT spot while he’s recovering and Davenport will start at DE. I’d like Davison back but I’m not paying much over the minumim for him as Taylor Stallworth looked like the better player last year. I bet he is the starting NT next year even if Davison comes back. Our line is deep and versatile we will be fine until Rankins is 100%. The key is Okafor. If they are going to spend money on defense I hope it’s for Tyrann Mathieu. We lack that natural playmaker in the secondary and signing him would allow Dennis Allen to play more 3 safety sets like he planned to do with the Kurt Coleman signing.
Posted by Highland n Stadium
Loranger
Member since Sep 2016
678 posts
Posted on 2/22/19 at 8:18 pm to
Bring Benny Logan home. He can’t be worse than Davidson.
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