Brandon Staley, throughout his career as a defensive specialist, has consistently maintained elite play from the STAR position. Over the years, he has found success with players such as Derwin James, Jalen Ramsey, and even Alontae Taylor. This position requires a player to be versatile on defense. They must be able to cover, support the run, and blitz when called upon.
Throughout the offseason, the belief outside of the organization was that the New Orleans Saints would prioritize the STAR position
in the draft following Alontae Taylor’s departure to the Titans. However, inside the building, the Saints felt they already had the talent necessary to fill that void.
They may have been right.
The Saints drafted Jonas Sanker in the third round of last year’s NFL Draft with the 93rd overall pick. As a rookie, Sanker started 16 games and finished the season with 80 total tackles, 46 solo tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and seven tackles for loss.
Sanker quickly emerged as a potential steal in the draft. He stepped in for the injured veteran Julian Blackmon early in the season and continued to progress as the year went on. Seeing Sanker play primarily as an off-ball safety gave the impression that the Saints would allow him to continue growing in that role.
However, a move down into the STAR position could allow him to become an actual star within the defense.
During the first day of media availability during OTAs last week, Sanker was the first player to receive reps with the first-team defense at the STAR position. The move may seem surprising considering the success he experienced as an off-ball safety, but during his time at Virginia, Sanker played more than 500 snaps in the slot.
Sanker has already showcased strong ball skills and impressive football instincts, even as a rookie. Of course, there will be a learning curve associated with the position change, but this move could allow Jonas Sanker to continue growing and developing into a key piece of the Saints’ defense in 2026.
