During his media availability after Monday’s training camp, New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker was asked about watching players like Jalen Ramsey play in the slot. It was a great question because Ramsey played the position while Brandon Staley was his defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams.
Sanker went on to explain that Ramsey wasn’t the only player he has studied because Ramsey possesses such a unique skill set that you can’t, and really shouldn’t, try to play exactly like him. Instead,
Sanker said he has leaned on the resources available to him within the building. Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, and Terrell Burgess have all played in the slot as well. Burgess, specifically, played the position under Staley, making him a valuable resource.
You can already see the growth Sanker is making early in camp. The extra work and veteran leadership appear to be paying off, as he has consistently been making plays throughout camp.
Sanker also praised Blackmon, mentioning how he has been able to make plays for the defense as well.
Sanker was also asked if his experience playing safety has helped him now that he’s lining up closer to the line of scrimmage. He said that his background at safety has definitely benefited him. At safety, you’re taught to be patient because if you make a mistake, the other safety has to clean it up and make you right. Now that he’s playing closer to the line, he understands exactly what the safeties behind him are seeing because he has played that position himself. That experience allows him to fit his assignments properly and avoid putting the safety in a position where they have to compensate for his mistakes.
Sanker appears to have a firm grasp on the star position and is showing early signs of success.
