Power Rankings: Top 5 Post-Draft Defenses

Dec 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) reacts during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints 11-5
Last Season’s Rankings: #4 Overall Defense (305.7 total yards per game allowed) #2 Passing Defense (194.1 passing yards per game allowed) #19 Rushing Offense (111.6 rushing yards per game allowed)

This team did rank 4th overall last season and did lose safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Roman in the off-season, but they are still as loaded as ever. Reason why I have the Saints over here at number five is primarily because their secondary is not as strong as I would have liked it. Don’t get me wrong, it is very, very strong. The lineup of newest addition Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro should seal the top of the defense, however I am not yet so convinced about the corner situation that has been developing. Champ Bailey has been nagged by injuries in the closing seasons of his hall-of-fame career and still has a little bit left in the tank (but not much). Jabari Greer (the Saints leading pass defender last season) is an unrestricted free agent and still looking for a team to sign him. It still makes me wonder where the Saints priorities are at this moment with Greer still on free agency despite his 12 passes defended last season. I do cut the Saints some slack though, they did draft Jean-Baptiste out of the University of Nebraska to help out at the CB position. It still remains to be seen where he will end up at the NFL level, but I hope he is due for great things.

Regardless though, the Saints definitely earn this number five ranking because of their run defense with the help of studs Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette who combined last season for 87 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and an insane 24.5 sacks. With 49 sacks, New Orleans actually ranked fourth last season in the NFL in sacks.  The additions of two OLBs in the draft give the Saints needed help at the outside line backer position. I expect that 19th ranked rushing defense to definitely improve as the off-season drags on here in 2014. Don’t expect it right away, but down the stretch you will see improvement in this Saints’ defense. I guarantee it.