Could the Saints add a defensive playmaker to their young secondary early in the draft?
By BobRose | CSC
The New Orleans Saints finished 29th in pass defense during the 2018 season. That ranking was somewhat weighed down thanks to a horrible start to the year, when the secondary gave up passing yardage and big plays in big chunks. The New Orleans secondary is one of the youngest in the league. Star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, 22 years old, was in his second year of pro action. Ditto for starting free safety Marcus Williams, also 22. His running mate on the back end, strong safety Vonn Bell was 24 during the year and in his 3rd year of NFL action. The Saints added cornerback Eli Apple and his three years of NFL experience at 23-yrs. old, via trade during the season, which helped solidify the defensive coverage over the last half of the year. The group worked through communication issues, which was a problem leading to coverage breakdowns early on, to play well against a couple of the better receiving units in the league. At one point down the stretch, this secondary was instrumental in allowing five of six opponents to less than 210 yards through the air. As well as the secondary played at times, they still struggled to create turnovers or big plays. The Saints intercepted just 12 passes and recovered 12 fumbles in 2018, and although ten pickoffs and six recoveries came from the secondary, the team's coaches would love to see that number increase. Today's draft profile takes a look at a player who could add a playmaking element to this young defense.
Juan Thornhill, S (Virginia)
6'0 205
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