New Orleans Saints: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 10: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against Kurt Coleman #20 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. Kurt Coleman, FS (from Carolina Panthers)

It proved to be an unusual 2017 for free safety Kurt Coleman. A one-time seventh-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles, he had racked up 11 of his 21 career interceptions in his first two seasons with the Carolina Panthers from 2015-16. However, the 244th overall selection back in 2010 by the Birds couldn’t come up with a pick this past season. The former Ohio State University alum played and started in 12 games, totaling 76 tackles, one fumble recovery in three passes defensed.

The offseason, the Panthers opted to part ways with a number of veterans. Along with Coleman, the team released defensive end Charles Johnson and running back Jonathan Stewart. And the defending NFC South champions would waste little time adding the eight-year pro to a new-look secondary. The New Orleans Saints opted not to bring back one-time first-round draft choice Kenny Vaccaro and lost reserve safety Rafael Bush in free agency to the Buffalo Bills.

All told, Sean Payton’s club did make strides on defense this past year. But the Saints still has some work to do in terms of stopping the pass. Coleman will be playing for his fourth NFL franchise (Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Panthers) and brings plenty of veteran savvy to the Crescent City. And if he can regain his opportunistic touch, coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit could take a few more steps forward.

Next: No. 2

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