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Ten Senior Bowl defensive prospects Saints should watch

Jan 26, 2026 | 2:57 PM
Derrick Moore

Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

By Ross Jackson

Senior Bowl week is here and the New Orleans Saints will be in attendance along with the rest of the NFL to see some of the future talents of the league. While in Mobile, Ala. the Saints should be keenly focused on some of the defensive talent, many of whom check the boxes that they love in a prospect. Many have seen over 40 games of action, served as team captains and are not showing their competitive nature by taking their talents to one of the premiere collegiate all-star games.

We shared 10 offensive prospects to watch recently. This time, we’re looking at 10 prospects to know on defense that will be ready to put their talents on display this week. 

Western Kentucky EDGE Nadame Tucker (National Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-3
  • Weight: 240 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 55
    • Tackles for a Loss: 21.5 (led FBS/D-1)
    • Sacks: 14.5 (T-No. 1 in FBS/D-1)
    • Pass Rush Win Rate: 28.4%
    • PFF Run Defense Grade: 72.6

Career:

  • Games: 26
  • Team Captain?: No

Why Saints should be interested:

If the Saints want a more all-around presence to develop opposite edge rusher Chase Young, Tucker, who tied for the nation’s lead in sacks with expected top-5 pick Miami defensive end Rueban Bain Jr., has great speed-to-power conversion and can also win with either. He’s a highly productive edge rusher that will need some patience at the next level because of the boost in competition level. But if a team hits with him, they’ll be a very happy one.

Current draft projection: Day Three

Missouri EDGE Zion Young (American Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-5
  • Weight: 262 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 42
    • Tackles for a Loss: 16.5
    • Sacks: 6.5
    • Pass Rush Win Rate: 17.2
    • PFF Run Defense Grade: 86.8

Career:

  • Games: 50
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

Young is a bit more of the edge defender mold because he grades out as a stronger run defender than pass rusher. His size splits the Saints’ big-bodied defensive end prototype and the typical speed rusher prototype almost directly down the middle. 

Current draft projection: Day Two, though a recent DWI charge could knock him into Day Three.

Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore (American Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-3
  • Weight: 260 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 30
    • Tackles for a Loss: 10.5
    • Sacks: 10
    • Pass Rush Win Rate: 19.8
    • PFF Run Defense Grade: 76.3

Career:

  • Games: 53
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

Moore’s game brings a lot of versatility to the table. He has found success both against the run and in generating pressure. He may be the most comfortable edge rusher in Mobile, Ala. when it comes to being asked to drop back into coverage thanks to his athleticism and speed. That could make him an enticing option for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

Current draft projection: Day Two

Texas Tech EDGE Romello Height (National Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-3
  • Weight: 240 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 38
    • Tackles for a Loss: 11.5
    • Sacks: 10
    • Pass Rush Win Rate: 21.8
    • PFF Run Defense Grade: 65.6

Career:

  • Games: 50
  • Team Captain?: One game

Why Saints should be interested:

Another enticing option for Staley will be Height. Reminiscent of the Saints’ roll of the dice with now-Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Height is a collegiate pass rusher with a linebacker build. It’s likely that he’ll be asked to drop into coverage and show what he can do in that area of his game while at the Senior Bowl. Should he pass that text, the Saints could find his skill set hard to pass up. However, this time they’ll have the defensive system to support his versatility.

Current draft projection: Day Two

San Diego State CB Chris Johnson (National Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot
  • Weight: 195 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 38
    • Interceptions: 4 (two touchdowns)
    • Passer Rating Allowed: 16.1
    • Completion Percentage Allowed: 41.9%
    • Passes Defensed: 9

Career:

  • Games: 47
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

Likely to be one of the first cornerbacks off the board in April, Johnson is an impressive boundary defender. This selection would make a lot of sense if New Orleans would like to move 2025 draft pick and cornerback Quincy Riley into the slot, should slot corner Alontae Taylor depart in free agency.

Current draft projection: Day Two, could earn his way up to the first round.

South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore (American Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-1
  • Weight: 211 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 54
    • Interceptions: 2
    • Passer Rating Allowed: 68.1
    • Completion Percentage Allowed: 52.3%
    • Passes Defensed: 10

Career:

  • Games: 36
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

Instead of moving an incumbent player into Taylor’s role if he signs away, New Orleans could get familiar with an immediate plug-and-play option at the position. Kilgore played more than 300 snaps in the slot each of the last three years with 497 most recently. He’d be an investment hard to pass up on with his size and physical ability. Both would be very beneficial additions to the Saints’ nickel role.

Current draft projection: Late Day Two, early Day Three

USC CB Kamari Ramsey (American Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot
  • Weight: 205 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 27
    • Interceptions: 0
    • Passer Rating Allowed: 96.2
    • Completion Percentage Allowed: 61.3%
    • Passes Defensed: 2

Career:

  • Games: 35
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

Similarly, a USC Trojan could provide New Orleans with an option in the slot while providing depth at safety. Ramsey has more than 100 slot snaps in the last few years and primarily played there due to USC’s injured defense in 2025. Ramsey will be one to watch for New Orleans at the Senior Bowl as he’ll likely be asked to show a bit more of what he can do on the inside aside from his acumen at safety.

Current draft projection: Day Two

Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez (National Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-1
  • Weight: 235 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 128
    • Tackles for a Loss: 11
    • Sacks: 1
    • Coverage Stops: 27 (No. 2 at position)
    • Run Stops: 43 (T-No. 7 at position)

Career:

  • Games: 56
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

He might be undersized, but Rodriguez is a smart, secure tackling machine. He checks the Saints’ boxes being a Senior Bowl participant, appointed a team captain, carrying high-level production and has a lot of playing experience at the collegiate level. His 13 career forced fumbles put him in rare air as a takeaway contributor and playmaker in the second level.

Current draft projection: Early Day Three

Alabama DT Tim Keenan III (American Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-2
  • Weight: 320 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 16
    • Tackles for a Loss: 3
    • Sacks: 2
    • Pass Rush Win Rate: 2.7
    • PFF Run Defense Grade: 73.7

Career:

  • Games: 41
  • Team Captain?: Yes

Why Saints should be interested:

Keenan is a bona fide nose tackle, but has a lot of athleticism to boot. His ability to murky the waters in the middle of the opposing offense’s attack stands out as a worthwhile addition to the New Orleans defense, which made strides in defending the run in 2025. Keenan is a natural leader as well, vocally and with his contributions on the field.

Current draft projection: Day Three

SMU DT Jeffrey M’Ba (National Team)

Listed measurements:

  • Height: 6-foot-6
  • Weight: 312 pounds

2025 stats:

    • Combined Tackles: 42
    • Tackles for a Loss: 7.5
    • Sacks: 5
    • Pressures: 20
    • PFF Run Defense Grade: 70.2

Career:

  • Games: 45
  • Team Captain?: Two games

Why Saints should be interested:

A Libreville, Gabon native, M’Ba moved to the United States from France. His 6-foot-6 stature is sure to draw eyes all week long in Mobile, Ala. He’s athletic and lengthy with real pass rushing acumen. Whether or not he could be an asset in odd fronts will be one of the big questions he’ll have to answer while at the Senior Bowl. If he does well there, it could make him a target to remember for New Orleans.

Current draft projection: Day Three

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