Saints Training Camp Preview: Defensive Tackle

With a revamped roster at the position, the defensive interior will be a very interesting watch throughout Saints training camp.

Perhaps the biggest roster revamp the New Orleans Saints took on during the 2023 offseason (outside of quarterback, of course) was the interior defensive line. While they made some big adjustments to other positions like running back and tight end, they were forced to rebuild their defensive tackle group nearly from scratch. 

Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) wams up before the game with Wake Forest at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Saturday, September 24, 2022. Ncaa Football Clemson At Wake Forest

The departures of starting interior defenders David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle to the division rival Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers respectively effectively forced their hand. The issue was then worsened by the exit of rotational defensive tackle Kentavius Street to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

The Saints did not wait long to address the losses adding Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Khalen Saunders from the Kansas City Chiefs and athletic interior rusher Nathan Shepherd from the New York Jets. They would then retained Baton Rouge native Malcom Roach, the interior defender they brought in to the league from Texas as a 2020 undrafted free agent (UDFA).

Along with building up their starting corps, the team has also brought in some rotational players at the position from the XFL and Reserve/Future deals doled out at the end of last season. The Saints were top-5 in the NFL in sacks (48) in 2022 but fell to the No. 24 rushing defense after years of dominance in that category. Training camp will be the proving ground for this unit and whether or not they can improve their standing in the run game, which we recently highlighted as the No. 1 priority for newcomer Saunders.

Heading into training camp, here is a look at the defensive tackle room as it stands:

Saints Training Camp Roster - DT

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson Ncaa Football Syracuse At Clemson; Credit:© Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWOR

• Khalen Saunders

• Nathan Shepherd

• Bryan Bresee*

• Malcolm Roach

• Prince Emili

• Jack Heflin

• Jerron Cage*

(* = Rookie)

Nov 6, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) celebrates after a play against the Tennessee Titans during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Locks

Saunders is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs and brings that winner's mentality to the Big Easy along with him. On the field, the 324 pound interior run-plugger also possesses the footwork and surprisingly agility to impact the passing game. He will be looked at by some as a single-dimensional addition, but will be intent on (and likely successful in) proving otherwise. Off the field, Saunders is a fantastic culture addition to the team. He considers himself a unifier in the locker room and carries the reputation of a fantastic recruiter as well. 

Shepherd is the hyper-athletic pass-rushing type that most immediately replaces Onyemata in that role. The 3-tech was top-10 in Pro Football Focus's pass rush win rate metric at his position in 2022. If the Saints and new defensive line coach Todd Grantham want to put together an attacking defensive interior, Shepherd was an obvious fit and plus addition.

The rookie Bresee fits the mold of an athletic 3-tech pass rusher as well. He was the No. 1 recruit going into his collegiate career with Clemson University and while his college years were slightly derailed by injury and very challenging personal life complications, it was clear to see his potential when he was on the field. The Saints will hope to capitalize on that potential and help Bresee continue to move forward and upward with his life and playing career.

Roach is one of the breakout candidates for this year's Saints roster. He knows the system, has a reliable streak of athleticism while weighing in at nearly 300 pounds. He has shown more than just flashes during his time in New Orleans. Roach is worth keeping an eye on throughout training camp and the Saints look to find their two go-to starters at the position presumably from this top group of four defensive tackles. The former UDFA should be able to do enough to stake his claim at an early and consistent role.

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Malcolm Roach (97) celebrate a stop on fourth down during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Fighting For a Spot

Emili never saw playing time with New Orleans in 2022, but he hung around on the practice squad for the majority of the season. Being brought back at the end of last season on a Reserve/Future deal guaranteed him a spot at this year's camp. Now, he will have the opportunity to prove that he deserves legitimate playing time in the right situations. However, with four starter-quality players ahead of him, the numbers may not be in his favor. Landing on the practice squad again could be his floor though, and that is worth fighting to maintain throughout camp.

Heflin proved to be a quality player while in the XFL. He totaled 18.5 tackles, 3 for a loss as well as a sack with the Houston Roughnecks. Barring injury, he is likely fighting for a practice squad spot much like Emili. 

Don't Forget

Another Ohio State Buckeye continues the Columbus to New Orleans pipeline with Cage. Worth watching throughout camp, the Cincinnati native has an impressive wingspan and an explosive get-off at the snap count. Those are elements of his game that will be hard to miss on Airline Drive as camp kicks off and could be the qualities that allow him to push for one of those practice squad spots as well, if not better. The Saints do often find a way to land an undrafted rookie on or two on the roster. Like Taylor Stallworth, Shy Tuttle and Malcolm Roach before him, Cage has a chance to be the next defensive tackle to make the 53 as a UDFA.