New Orleans Saints: 3 predictions for the 2017 season
2. The Saints make big plays on defense
As we all know, the Saints’ offense is hot and their defense is lukewarm. This season, I look for that to change. With a lot of key players added in the draft, players coming back from injury and a lot of potential, the Saints will be waving goodbye to jokes about their defense.
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This isn’t really set in stone, but Marshon Lattimore is going to make plays this year. He’s coming off a great season with Ohio State and he’s poised to break out. Lattimore isn’t the only impressive name in their draft class either. Safety Marcus Williams was a turnover machine in college, something hopefully translating to the NFL. Then defensive end Trey Hendrickson, feeling the team’s need for a pass rusher.
Sheldon Rankins is coming off an injury and is a huge piece of their defensive puzzle. He missed some of the last season but is ready to shine. He made plays in the few games he played last season so be on the lookout. Rankins isn’t the only one whose going to have a breakout year, though.
I look for Von Bell to continue his level of production into his sophomore season and the always consistent Cameron Jordan to play at an elite level. Dennis Allen is going to have hands full, but he has the tools now to whip the team into shape.