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Will last year's first round rookie blossom into a star to give the Saints a dominant edge tandem?
By Bob Rose | Canal Street Chronicles
Following a third consecutive 7-9 finish to their season in 2016, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton wanted a change. His defense had finished at the bottom of the league for the third straight season, and fourth time in the last five years. Payton already had a close relationship with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and liked the direction that Allen had in place. He also felt confident in his young secondary coach, Aaron Glenn, who had been hired prior to the 2016 season. Payton would make a move with two defensive position coaches, in the process moving on from two of his close friends, replacing defensive line coach Bill Johnson and linebacker coach Joe Vitt. Payton would replace Johnson with longtime college assistant Ryan Nielson for the defensive line, and the upgrade in results was almost immediate. Defensive end Cam Jordan was among the league leaders in sacks (13) and batted passes (11) in 2017 on his way to his first All-Pro honor. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins began to play up to his 1st round expectations from being the 12th overall pick the year before, and the defensive line as a whole had played better collectively. Last season Jordan was again among the NFL's best, but the entire defensive line turned out to be one of the league's most talented units. Today's training camp preview looks at a spot that may have some questionable depth, but has as good a starting duo as there is in the league. ...
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