The New Orleans Saints defensive line room will see the biggest shift after the team hired Brandon Staley to become the unit’s coordinator.
The transition to Staley will feature the Saints playing more three down linemen, or odd fronts, opposed to primarily playing four down linemen, or even fronts, as was the case under Dennis Allen. What does that look like for New Orleans?
Only using players currently under contract, Carl Granderson and Isaiah Foskey would probably be your standup outside linebackers instead of hand-in-the-dirt defensive ends. Bryan Bresee would shift outside to a 4i defensive end spot, likely partnered with Cameron Jordan on the other side.
Putting Jordan in this position may be a benefit to him. He’s always taken great pride in his ability to stop the run, and the expectation for him to rush the passer lessens. At the same time, he bristled at being asked to line up inside more often last year. He may not like it but it could be the best thing for his career.
Adding another defensive end to supplant Bresee on non-passing downs would be a sound move that can be done in the draft or free agency. Bresee made strides as a pass rusher last year, but his run-stopping ability could use some work.
The one thing that is missing is a true nose guard who can swallow up blocks and make things murky in the middle of the offensive line. Guys like John Ridgeway III and Khristian Boyd are listed at over 320 pounds and could man that position, but this is the one spot where the Week 1 starter clearly isn’t on the roster.
Additions for the entire defensive line will be on the way. It’ll be a work in progress, but that’s where the Saints start on their defensive front before free agency or the NFL draft.