Martez Wilson's transition from linebacker to defensive end will be one of the bigger stories heading into camp.
The New Orleans Saints are a day closer to training camp, and position battles across the roster will be settled during the next month for the upcoming season. Saints 247 continues its 2012 Training Camp preview with a look at the New Orleans defensive line.
The Saints’ defensive line was arguably the biggest disappointment from a year ago. Big free agent acquisitions Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rogers were brought in to anchor the middle of the line; the duo turned out to be wildly inconsistent at stopping the run. In 2011, New Orleans ranked 12th against the run overall, but allowed around 5 yards per rush attempt. Granted, the Saints defense only saw an average of 21.9 rushing attempts per game – with the offense putting up historic numbers, teams abandoned the run very early on.
New defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo relies on the defensive front as a means of creating a pass rush; this greatly differs from Gregg Williams’ philosophy of blitz-created pressure. In order for the defense to be effective this season, all members of the line will need to be able to both establish a line of scrimmage and apply quarterback pressure.
Sure Things:
Sedrick Ellis
Brodrick Bunkley
Will Smith
Cameron Jordan
This will most likely be the starting four for the Saints’ 4-3 defensive scheme. Smith will miss the first four games of the season, as he serves a suspension for participation in the bounty program. He is the best player on the defensive line, even though his production has been inconsistent over the past few seasons.
Sedrick Ellis and newcomer Brodrick Bunkley will anchor the middle of the line. Ellis has also been an inconsistent player on the defensive front, and will look to get back on track with a new coordinator this season. He has the ability to rush the passer from the middle, and his presence will be needed even more during Smith’s absence. Bunkley is new to the team this season, signing as a free agent. He also has pass rushing talent, but, like Ellis, lacks overall consistency. Spagnuolo and the rest of the Saints’ defensive coaches will work hard this camp in making both Ellis and Buckley reach more of their full potential.
Cameron Jordan, one of the Saints’ two first rounder picks from a year ago, will look to improve upon his rookie season. More experience in the pro game will only help Jordan, as he becomes a full time starter this year.
Remi Ayodele
Turk McBride
Martez Wilson
The next wave of “sure thing” defensive linemen will provide depth to the line, allowing situational rotations throughout games, something Spags values greatly. During his time as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, Spagnuolo relied on a deep rotation of players all along the line, allowing for his pass rushers to remain fresh late in games. That philosophy will certainly carry over to New Orleans.
Remi Ayodele and Turk McBride are veterans of the team, and valued members of the defensive line. Their veteran presence, leadership, and versatility will be huge for the Saints, especially when Smith is sidelined.
Martez Wilson will be playing a different position from a year ago. Making the switch from linebacker, Wilson will see time at defensive end this season. His 6’4” frame is perfect for a defensive end, but he might need to add a few pounds to make the full positional adjustment. His speed is his biggest attribute, and that will carry a ton of value for a coaching staff seeking both depth and pass rushing. He won’t be an every down type of player, and will probably be used solely in passing situations.
On the Bubble:
Junior Galette
Akiem Hicks
Junior Galette has been a member of the Saints for three years now. He emerged in training camp his rookie season, and showed flashes of brilliance as a situational pass rusher. Galette has had good in game moments, but nothing really too consistent to make him a front line rotation player. He will probably make the team because of his veteran stature; you know exactly what you’re getting with Galette. However, one of the four players listed below could give him a run for his money with an impressive camp and preseason.
Akiem Hicks was the Saints’ first draft pick this year; the defensive tackle from Regina was selected in the third round. Hicks will most likely make the team, given his assessed potential from coaches and the front office. His massive 6’5”, 324 pound frame makes him an instant candidate for a rotational player during running and goal-line situations.
Maybe Next Year:
Swanson Miller
Braylon Broughton
Tyrunn Walker
Tom Johnson
These four young players could impress at training camp and make the roster as a dark horse, but that is statistically unlikely. Out of the four, Miller is the “veteran” of the group with a year of NFL experience under his belt; the rest are undrafted rookies. Surprises, however, do happen in training camp – the aforementioned Galette is a prime example. If one of these players has an impressive camp and catches the eye of the coaching staff, one of the more interesting position battles on the Saints‘ roster could unfold.
Later today: Linebackers
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