Four Saints Defenders That Could Emerge As Stars in 2018

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The New Orleans Saints have rebuilt a defense over the last two years that had previously ranked near the bottom of the league Womens Austin Carr Jersey , primarily with high draft choices and smart free agent spending. The result has been a faster and more aggressive defensive unit that pressures opposing offenses and creates turnovers. New Orleans ranked around the middle of the league in most defensive categories when it came to yards surrendered, but near the top of the NFL in sacks and interceptions. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore and defensive end Cam Jordan are already among the league's best players at their positions. Today, we have a look at four Saints defenders who look to be difference makers on a still improving unit. Marcus Williams, SPhoto by Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesWilliams is already considered an emerging star in many circles. The 42nd overall pick in the 2017 draft was one of four Saints voted to the NFL's All-Rookie Team, and gave New Orleans a ballhawking presence at safety that they'd lacked since the 2009 championship squad. His 4 interceptions were second on a Saints defense that ranked 3rd in the league in pick-offs. Despite Williams' slight build, he showed himself to be a solid tackler and run defender as well, finishing 3rd on the team in total tackles. One of the team's biggest offseason questions is how Williams will respond to the missed tackle on Minnesota's Stefon Diggs that led to the Vikings last second playoff win over New Orleans in January. It must not be forgotten how well Williams played in that game, and that it was his acrobatic interception that helped fuel a second half Saints comeback. He is an athletic, traditional center field type of safety who reads the opposing quarterback well and makes fast and aggressive breaks on the ball. Williams played at a Pro Bowl level at times last season, and has worked out with extra motivation this offseason, looking to build on the momentum of a successful rookie year. David Onyemata, DTPhoto by Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesOnyemata was arguably the most disruptive New Orleans lineman not named Cam Jordan down the stretch of the 2017 season. Considered a raw project when drafted by the Saints in the 4th round of the 2016 draft from Manitoba, Onyemata worked his way into the defensive line rotation by the end of that season Youth Marcus Williams Jersey , appearing in all 32 games over his two seasons and starting six last year. He had 2 sacks in 2017, but applied consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the defensive interior, while having the athleticism to move outside in some alignments. Onyemata's improvement against the run has him rounding into an every down defender. His rapid progression has Saints coaches hoping that Onyemata next emerges as a Pro Bowl caliber defender. The hope is that he will team with Sheldon Rankins, the 12th overall pick in 2016 and potential star in his own right, to give New Orleans a disruptive and devastating interior combination. Alex Anzalone, LBChuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsLost in the historical success of the Saints 2017 draft class was that neither coaches or fans have yet to see if their athletic 3rd round pick at linebacker belongs in the conversation with that talented group. Anzalone, the second of three Saints 3rd round picks a year ago, and the 76th overall selection, played in just 4 games before a shoulder injury ended his season. He emerged from last preseason as a starter, starting all four contests before his injury. Anzalone has terrific athleticism, the ability to pursue sideline to sideline, rush the passer, or drop effectively into coverage. He has the ability to be an every down player at any of the linebacking spots Womens Sheldon Rankins Jersey , though his best fit looks to be on the weak side. He did look lost in the defense at times last season, particularly in coverage, but was playing better with each week, and was among the Saints top tacklers at the time of his injury. Anzalone's injury past are by far the biggest concern, dating back to his college days at Florida. He was labeled as a 1st round talent, with all star abilities, but now must stay on the field to prove it for a New Orleans defense that has re-built it's linebacking unit over the last two seasons. Trey Hendrickson, DEChuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsHendrickson, like Anzalone, had his rookie season hampered by injury. The third of the Saints 3rd round picks last year, 103rd overall, was drafted out of Florida Atlantic in hopes of providing an edge rushing threat opposite Cameron Jordan. His preseason got off to a slow start because of nagging injuries, but Hendrickson quickly worked his way into the line rotation as the season went along. He sets the edge well against the run Womens Vonn Bell Jersey , has a non-stop motor as a pass rusher, and a long reach to disrupt the opposing quarterback. Hendrickson had 2 sacks and a forced fumble while appearing in 12 games as a rookie. He missed four games down the stretch of the season with an ankle injury, but returned in time for the playoffs and played well. He will be in the mix for playing time this season with last year's starter Alex Okafor, George Johnson, and this year's 14th overall pick Marcus Davenport at defensive end. Trey Hendrickson, Alex Anzalone, David Onyemata, and Marcus Williams help make up a young core of Saints defenders that have already had success early in their careers. Continued improvement of these talented players, among a handful of others, is key if the Saints are to develop into an elite NFL defense.Fan Pulse Week 1: Will the Saints win? Is New Orleans headed in the right direction? Welcome to SB Nation FanPulse, a survey of fans across the NFL powered by SurveyMonkey. Each week, we send 32 polls to 100+ plugged in fans from each team. Saints fans, sign up HERE to join FanPulse.Will the Saints win or lose in Week 1?Since the 2011 season Authentic Alex Okafor Jersey , the Saints have a 7-1 record against the Buccaneers at home. They’ve outscored them 227-124 in that stretch, with a lone loss in 2015. As of Thursday night, Bovada had Sean Payton’s squad as a 10-point favorite. It goes without saying, New Orleans hasn’t won a season opener since the 2013 season (Falcons). In fact, their first three games of the year since 2014 has been quite abysmal, as the Saints are a combined 2-10 in the past four seasons.The Saints did go 7-1 at home last season (8-1 if you count the Wild Card win against the Panthers), and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome should be rocking with excitement to help fuel the black and gold on Sunday.How confident are you in the direction of the Saints?Very confident: 88 percentSomewhat confident: 12 percentMeh: 0 percentNot very confident: 0 percentNot confident at all: 0 percentAfter several killer draft classes and riding the high of last season’s successes, things are definitely looking up for Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton. There’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic, as this team is looking to make the most of what looks to be the final window for Drew Brees to win another Lombardi Trophy. Had this been a poll from last season, there would have likely been some negative opinions.What is the worst NFL rule?There’s not much else to say here. The helmet rule is pretty crazy. To put it into perspective, the NFL Competition Committee met just after two weeks of the preseason to discuss the rule. That in itself tells you how bad this can be for the league. Retired offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz had a different take on it, which is worth taking a look at.
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