The Saints seem to have found a running mate for Chase Young in Carl Granderson. Right now, those two are the best pass-rushing combination in the NFL. The priority for this team should be to address the defense at every level. With that in mind, here are some important players to watch.
Will Echoles remains my favorite player for this team right now. The interior defensive lineman is arguably the best player at his position in this draft class. Right now, Echoles has 22 tackles, five TFLs, and 2.5
sacks. With the surprising lack of availability from Christen Miller, DT remains a major position of need. Echoles and the Rebels will be on the road against Oklahoma at 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network.
It goes without saying that if the run defense is not living up to expectations, then the linebackers need to be better. Well, Georgia continues to be Linebacker U, and one of the best linebackers in this class is Chris Cole. Cole is a dynamic, do-it-all linebacker for the Bulldogs. So far this season, Cole has recorded 58 tackles, 11 TFLs, five sacks, three passes defended, three fumble recoveries, and two defensive TDs. Cole is a semifinalist for both the Butkus and Lombardi Awards. Cole and the Bulldogs will be hosting Missouri at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
When talking about the run game, being able to run the ball consistently is something that can always help a marginal defense by keeping it off the field. The Saints brought back Audric Estime, and he seems to be the missing piece of the rushing offense. However, adding another running back needs to be considered, especially one who has a higher floor and ceiling than what is currently in the running back room.
A player to watch should be Florida running back Jaden Baugh. Baugh currently has 860 yards on 160 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry while playing in the SEC on an offense that cannot throw a forward pass with confidence. He has forced 48 missed tackles and has a breakaway percentage of 44.1%. He also has 14 TDs, which leads the SEC. Baugh will be in Lexington to take on Kentucky at 5:15 p.m. on ESPN.
Finally, the Saints need better play at safety. There’s no other way to describe it. A name to watch is Amare Ferrell. Ferrell is a three-year starter at safety for Indiana, and he is a consistent ball hawk. He has 11 career interceptions, including three so far this season. He’s also a solid tackler. If the Saints are getting better pressure up front, the best complement would be a safety over the top who can force incompletions or come away with interceptions. Ferrell and the Hoosiers will be hosting the USC Trojans at 2:30 p.m. on CBS.
Who are some players you are excited to watch this weekend? What are some names you think should be on Who Dat Nation’s radar?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
