By Bob Rose | SI
Over the last three seasons, the New Orleans Saints have rebuilt their linebacking corps from a glaring team weakness into a much more athletic unit. They signed A.J. Klein as a free agent away from division rival Carolina in 2017, then added Alex Anzalone in the 3rd round of that year’s draft. In 2018, they signed Demario Davis, who has had two All-Pro caliber seasons and evolved into one of the league’s best defensive players. Last season, they brought in Kiko Alonso in an early season trade with the Miami Dolphins after adding promising Kaden Elliss in the seventh round of the draft.
Despite improvements at the position, the linebacker spot is considered a need for the Saints as this month’s NFL draft approaches. Davis is a key to the success of the defense, but the Saints lost Klein in free agency, Elliss is unproven, and versatile backup Craig Robertson is best as a spot-starter when necessary. Anzalone has been terrific when he’s been able to stay in the lineup, but has missed 29 of 53 games in his three years because of shoulder injuries. Alonso has injury concerns of his own, after tearing his ACL for the third time in last year’s playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Full Story - SI
Over the last three seasons, the New Orleans Saints have rebuilt their linebacking corps from a glaring team weakness into a much more athletic unit. They signed A.J. Klein as a free agent away from division rival Carolina in 2017, then added Alex Anzalone in the 3rd round of that year’s draft. In 2018, they signed Demario Davis, who has had two All-Pro caliber seasons and evolved into one of the league’s best defensive players. Last season, they brought in Kiko Alonso in an early season trade with the Miami Dolphins after adding promising Kaden Elliss in the seventh round of the draft.
Despite improvements at the position, the linebacker spot is considered a need for the Saints as this month’s NFL draft approaches. Davis is a key to the success of the defense, but the Saints lost Klein in free agency, Elliss is unproven, and versatile backup Craig Robertson is best as a spot-starter when necessary. Anzalone has been terrific when he’s been able to stay in the lineup, but has missed 29 of 53 games in his three years because of shoulder injuries. Alonso has injury concerns of his own, after tearing his ACL for the third time in last year’s playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Full Story - SI
