How did the Saints pass rushers and run defenders stack up in 2024?
The New Orleans Saints defense ranked 30th in the NFL last season in yards allowed and 19th in scoring. The defensive line only had three players get more than 5 sacks, and none who got over 7.5, which is why the position group is seen by many as the Saints biggest need going into the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Saints had very little turn over on the defensive line this offseason, as Chase Young was re-signed to a three-year contract, and Cam Jordan announced that he is coming back for another year. On top of these moves, defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders both survived being cap casualties and remain under contract for one more year. The most notable departure was former first round pick Payton Turner, who signed with Dallas Cowboys after four injury riddled seasons in New Orleans.
Bryan Bresee led the team with 7.5 sacks, nearly doubling his output in his rookie season. His development was a bright spot for the Saints in 2024, and if he can take another step forward in 2025, he may rise to become a Pro Bowl caliber player who can anchor the middle of the Saints defensive line for the foreseeable future.
Carl Granderson followed up his 8.5 sack season in 2023 with just 5.5 in 2024, but did lead the team in TFLs with 9, and led all defensive linemen with 61 total tackles. Granderson is still a solid piece who is relatively young, and I expect his sack numbers to improve this year.
Yet another 4th down stop thanks to Bryan Bresee
FOX pic.twitter.com/iXztItFeyo
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 22, 2024
During the offseason, the Saints traded for DT Davon Godchaux from the New England Patriots. Godchaux has not missed a game over the last four years and is a very capable run defender who should fit nicely into the Saints rotation. In the draft, the Saints have many options if they elect to go defensive line early. The high-end guys like Abdul Carter and Mason Graham will probably be out of reach at #9, but the Saints could look to take a player like edge rushers Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams out of Georgia at 9, or trade back for a player like Walter Nolan. Walker and Williams both have tremendous upside given their athleticism, while Nolan is probably the product with the higher floor but lower ceiling. In the later rounds, don’t be surprised if they chose a player such as Oregon’s Jordan Burch or Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart on day 2.
Do you think the Saints should take a defensive lineman with their first pick in the draft or do you think they should try and find a sleeper in the later rounds?
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