Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
After a pitiful 2024 season defending the run, the New Orleans Saints made some important offseason investments along their defensive interior. Perhaps the most important being the trade acquisition of veteran defensive tackle and former LSU Tiger Davon Godchaux.
With his addition, New Orleans revamped its interior defense to fit the vision and scheme of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. The former Los Angeles Chargers head coach has implemented an odd-front, but still multiple, system that benefits from big, disruptive bodies on the inside.
The Saints flipped its personnel to match the new approach.
Active Roster
Practice Squad
New Orleans is also carrying defensive tackle John Ridgeway III, another nose tackle option, on Injured Reserve. He will be eligible to start his return to the field after Week Four.
Godchaux Is The Heart Of The Line
Turning the Saints’ No. 31 run defense from last year is going to be a challenge, but doing so will start at the nose tackle position. Godchaux has been a revelation for the line throughout training camp. His large frame and disruptive play style make him a menace in the run, but he has already begun to show value in the pass rush game, as well.
Godchaux commands a lot of attention on the inside. Forcing centers back can send quarterbacks scrambling into edge rushers or speeding up their clocks. Eating up blocks can leave skilled pass rushers like Bresee one-on-one with an outmatched guard. There are more than a few ways the new addition can be impactful.
If the effects remain consistent, Godchaux can quickly turn into one of the most important offseason additions for 2025.
