Saints' Jerron Cage Looks to Continue Team's Ohio State Success

How undrafted DT Jerron Cage could bolster New Orleans depth and extend Saints success with Ohio State players.

Bob Rose | May 11, 2023

Saints' Jerron Cage Looks to Continue Team's Ohio State Success /

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New Orleans Saints

Since 2002, the New Orleans Saints have drafted 10 players from Ohio State. Five of those have come in the last seven drafts before 2023. The Saints have also brought in several former Buckeyes as veteran free agents in recent years, most notably Ted Ginn, Eli Apple, and Kurt Coleman.

New Orleans did not select any Ohio State players in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they brought in one former Buckeye as an undrafted rookie at a position that was a big need going into the offseason.

DT - Jerron Cage

Ohio State

6'2" 307-Lbs.

A highly recruited prospect out of Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, Cage stayed close to home with his collegiate choice. Playing time was scarce during his first three years on a deep Buckeyes defensive line. Over that span, Cage had just 10 combined tackles (1.5 for loss) and a half sack.

Cage's role increased for the Buckeyes in his final two years. In 2021, he had four tackles among 12 total stops and a sack to go along with a fumble return for a touchdown. Cage wrapped up his Ohio State career in 2022 with 12 total tackles, including three for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Cage made little impact statistically during his Buckeyes career. He must at least be able to control the interior better for a shot in the NFL. Too often, opposing blockers were able to get underneath his pads and gain a leverage advantage to drive him off the ball.

Against the run, Cage must be able to close up gaps better along the interior to seal off running lanes. He offers little value as a pass rusher, but increased power and better leverage could allow him to push a pass pocket backwards.

Cage has a squatty build that should help him in leverage battles with better technique. He plays with good effort on every snap and seemed to stay strong late in games. Despite his height, he has a good wingspan that will help him disengage and develop counter moves against blockers.

A quick step at the snap allows Cage to get a blocker on their heels quickly. He has decent footwork and keeps his upper body moving throughout a play. Cage might not possess any standout moves, especially as a pass rusher, but he does a decent job at tying up blockers to free teammates up to make plays.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Jerron Cage (86) sacks Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Donaven McCulley (0).Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

New Orleans defensive tackles underperformed in 2022, leading to a major makeover at the position this offseason. The Saints added tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders in free agency, then used their first round choice on Clemson DT Bryan Bresee.

Jerron Cage would seem to have an uphill battle to make the team’s active roster. However, tackles Shy Tuttle, Malcolm Roach, and Taylor Stallworth were also undrafted defenders in recent years that were able to make a solid impact for the Saints.

For Cage to have that same kind of outcome, he'll have to show that he can perform well against the run and at least tie up blockers in passing situations. If he can, Cage could become the team’s latest undrafted success and be another addition to the Saints Ohio State pipeline.

DT - Jerron Cage

Ohio State

6'2" 307-Lbs.

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