New Orleans Saints: Ranking the team’s top 2018 offseason additions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 24: Demario Davis #56 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

1. Demario Davis, ILB (from New York Jets)

Remember just how far the New Orleans Saints’ defense game this past season? After being manhandled by the Minnesota Vikings on a Monday night in Week 1, that loss was followed by a 16-point home setback to the New England Patriots. All told, the club gave up a combined 65 points in dropping their first two contests.

But things suddenly got a lot better thanks to a 34-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. It was the start of a defensive resurgence that literally came out of the blue. The Saints wound finish 17th in the league in total yards per game — up from 27th one year earlier.

Things were better, but there’s still work to be done. Yes, we saw that defense bend and break on occasion and there’s still a few spots that need some fortifying. Hence the addition of underrated inside linebacker Demario Davis — late of the New York Jets.

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The 2012 third-round draft choice returned to the Green and White a season ago after a one-year stint with the Cleveland Browns. Davis led the Jets in tackles (135) and sacks (5) while totaling a fumble recovery and three passes defensed. He is an excellent addition to coordinator Dennis Allen’s improving defensive unit and should help the club improve its play against the run.

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