Saints Defense Looks to Flex Muscle and Depth Against Chiefs

A strong Saints defense still has some questions to answer as they enter their preseason opener against the Chiefs.

The New Orleans Saints host the Kansas City Chiefs this afternoon in the preseason opener for both teams. While the win/loss results don't matter in the preseason, games are still important to coaches and players. 

For the coaches, it's an important evaluation tool for roster decisions. It's also a time to begin implementing game plans against other teams in live action. For the players, it's obviously an opportunity for continued employment. 

Over the last few seasons, the Saints have had one of the league's best defenses. However, it's a unit that saw the addition of some new faces and has some questions to address as they enter the regular season. 

New Orleans coach Dennis Allen announced that we'll see several starters for at least a few series against Kansas City. Most will be watching the new-look Saints offense, but there are some defensive positions to pay close attention to. 

Here are the defensive positions to watch closest when the Saints take on the Chiefs. 

LINEBACKER 

New Orleans Saints linebacker Nick Anderson (40) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans addressed perhaps their biggest remaining need late this week when they signed LB Jaylon Smith. Since he didn't practice until Friday, there's a good chance we don't see Smith against the Chiefs. However, he's expected to provide much-needed linebacker depth and could take the Number 3 spot vacated with the free-agent departure of Kaden Elliss. 

Depth was a concern because New Orleans had no experience behind starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner. Zack Baun has been a poor fit in this defense since being a 2020 third-round choice, especially in pass coverage. D'Marco Jackson, a fifth-round pick in 2022, has had some nice moments. However, he missed all of his rookie year with an injury. Andrew Dowell had a strong start to camp, but was lost for the year with a knee injury. 

Will Jaylon Smith's addition be enough?

This game could start to provide an answer to that question. Jackson should start for Davis, who is dealing with a minor injury, and get a head start on Smith for the Number 3 job. Baun could also strengthen his candidacy with a strong performance. 

As the game progresses, keep a watchful eye on undrafted rookies Anfernee Orji and Nick Anderson, two promising players. Nephi Sewell, Ty Summers, and Ryan Connelly may also throw their name in the mix with good outings. 

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

This was the biggest weakness on an otherwise stellar defense last season, leading to a complete makeover at the position. Free-agent signings Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders preceded the team using their first-round choice on Clemson DT Bryan Bresee. 

With training camps not having as much contact as in the past, this will be the first good look at the new additions here. All Three players figure to be major contributors to the defense in 2023.

Returning DT Malcolm Roach has had a quietly solid start to camp. He'll look to hold off undrafted rookie Jerron Cage and other additions Prince Emili and Jack Heflin. Ends Payton Turner and Tanoh Kpassagnon might also see some inside reps.

The Saints ranked a lowly 24th against the run in 2022 and have gotten little from their interior pass rush the last two years. Bresee, Shepherd, and Saunders are a trio that bears a close watch in hopes that they can reverse this. 

SAFETY 

New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) looks on during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Like at wide receiver and linebacker, the Saints have good starters at safety. Also like those positions, there are plenty of names but little experience to fill out the depth chart. Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye both look to be far better in their second years with the team. However, the depth behind them could be a major concern. 

Rookie fifth-round pick Jordan Howden has had a terrific start to camp. He's already taken reps with the first team and will get looks as the nickle safety against Kansas City. Veteran Lonnie Johnson will also see those chances. Both look to replace the roles previously filled by Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and P.J. Williams. 

Former first-round pick Johnathan Abram looks to rejuvenate his career in New Orleans. Smoke Monday turned heads as an undrafted rookie in camp last season before being lost for the year. He's had another strong start to camp and will appear in his first NFL game. 

Ugo Amadi was thought to be a special teamer, but has had some nice plays in coverage. He faces the monumental challenge of trying to supplant incumbent J.T. Gray. Undrafted rookies Anthony Johnson and Adrian Frye may also get some looks at safety in their uphill climb to make the active roster.

Expect a wide-open safety competition to be fiercely fought throughout the rest of camp. The Saints have some young and promising talent here, but keep a close eye at how they perform in game action.