By Roy Anderson | WhoDatDish
The interior of the Saints defensive line was a strength in 2018 until Sheldon Rankins was injured. Acquiring depth for the 2019 Season is an offseason priority.
One of the strengths of the resurgent New Orleans Saints defense in 2018 was in the interior of the defensive line. That was reflected in the Saints having the league’s number two run defense. Third-year man Sheldon Rankins was the heart of that unit until he went down with a torn Achilles in the NFC Playoffs Divisional Round. An offseason priority for the Saints in 2019 will be in handling some issues on the defensive interior regarding depth and a possible fill in for Rankins as he recovers.
Prior to Sheldon Rankins’ injury, he was having a career year at defensive tackle. With 40 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble, the former first round draft pick out of Louisville is finally starting to live up the pre-draft hype. Brought in to be a disruptive presence on the inside, Rankins took a huge leap from a slump-like 2017. That is until he was lost in the first quarter of that first playoff game against the Eagles.
A tear to the Achilles tendon is major. Especially when you’re talking about an athlete the size of Rankins. Full recovery following the surgery to repair the tendon will take at least six to eight months. That’s already getting into training camp and preseason. It can also take up to a year which would mean a lost season. ...
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The interior of the Saints defensive line was a strength in 2018 until Sheldon Rankins was injured. Acquiring depth for the 2019 Season is an offseason priority.
One of the strengths of the resurgent New Orleans Saints defense in 2018 was in the interior of the defensive line. That was reflected in the Saints having the league’s number two run defense. Third-year man Sheldon Rankins was the heart of that unit until he went down with a torn Achilles in the NFC Playoffs Divisional Round. An offseason priority for the Saints in 2019 will be in handling some issues on the defensive interior regarding depth and a possible fill in for Rankins as he recovers.
Prior to Sheldon Rankins’ injury, he was having a career year at defensive tackle. With 40 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble, the former first round draft pick out of Louisville is finally starting to live up the pre-draft hype. Brought in to be a disruptive presence on the inside, Rankins took a huge leap from a slump-like 2017. That is until he was lost in the first quarter of that first playoff game against the Eagles.
A tear to the Achilles tendon is major. Especially when you’re talking about an athlete the size of Rankins. Full recovery following the surgery to repair the tendon will take at least six to eight months. That’s already getting into training camp and preseason. It can also take up to a year which would mean a lost season. ...
Full Story - WhoDatDish
