Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The defensive side of the ball for the New Orleans Saints is rich with young talent and promising new additions. Some of which fans will get their first glimpse at during Sunday’s preseason kickoff against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Any and all players taking the field are worth the attention, but a few options at each position group stand out among the crowd.
Defensive Line: Chris Rumph II, Fadil Diggs and Jasheen Davis
The three new additions to the edge rusher room have shown a lot of promise throughout camp. Rumph has been a consistent standout, Davis looked to turn a corner around the team’s first scrimmage and Diggs has laced together a few strong practices in a row now.
The position’s top trio of Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan will benefit from talent taking off behind them. All three of these players have a chance to earn that opportunity.
Linebackers: Danny Stutsman
While fellow backers Nephi Sewell, D’Marco Jackson and Jaylan Ford have all shown out throughout camp, the rookie newcomer Stutsman has become the main attraction. With starting linebacker Demario Davis unlikely to see much (if any) playing time, Stutsman may see extended opportunities Sunday.
The Oklahoma Consensus All-American didn’t see much action in Friday’s scrimmage, leaving him with a few reps of potential availability against the Chargers. That is, unless he’s shown enough with his productive camp as is.
Cornerbacks: Rico Payton and Quincy Riley
If the top corners see snaps, they will of course draw a lot of attention. However, the depth behind them is critical. Payton had a strong preseason last year but has missed the last two practices with illness. Tying together a standout showing last preseason with this year would be another great step forward for him if he’s well enough to take the field.
Riley was off to a late start this offseason, but has consistently impressed since making it into the rotation. The rookie ballhawk had two camp interceptions and almost came up with a third. His ability to attack the football and make plays is a factor that should generate some excitement in the exhibition match.
Rookie @QuincyRiley03 comes flying in for the INT 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rk52jwUbFD
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2025
Safeties: Jordan Howden and Jonas Sanker
Yet another rookie makes the list here, but to start with Howden, he’s been impressive. Many started camp a little down on him, but he made numerous plays, snagged an interception in a recent practice and is playing in a role that better supports his talent than his first two years in New Orleans. Now, he gets to display that in live action.
Sanker is a ton of fun to watch on the field. His versatility and comfort in every facet of the defense make him a threat to make a play in every phase of the game. Whether crashing down against the run, dropping back into coverage or prowling the area looking for a chance to make a play, No. 33 will be hard to miss on the field.
