Interior defensive line isn’t a position that gets a ton of love unless a team has a superstar player at defensive tackle on the roster. But for the New Orleans Saints, the position is treated as the lifeblood of the defensive trenches.
Coming out of the 2025 season, the Saints’ defensive tackle room is one with something to prove. While the overall run defense statistics and pass rush production don’t jump off the page, a deeper dive into the nuances reveals a promising unit.
In 2026, the interior of the Saints’ defensive line has a chance to take that understated success and turn it into undeniable production. Another year in the team’s new defensive system and some new faces can help to propel this unit from being a quiet complement to a rousing success.
The Names
- Bryan Bresee
- Davon Godchaux
- Nathan Shepherd
- John Ridgeway III
- Kristian Boyd
- Vernon Broughton
- Myles Cole
- Christen Miller
- Keeshawn Silver
- Zxavian Harris
- Jay’Viar Suggs
Top Storyline
How Miller and Bresee fit and work together is going to be a key story to watch over the course of training camp. Miller said during his introductory press conference after being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft that he and Bresee will be “like a movie” together on the interior. The ideal situation in that case is to be a horror movie for the opposing offense.
From Miller’s run-stopping build and prowess being complemented by Bresee’s growth in defending the run to Miller’s underrated pass rush acumen finding further development next to Bresee’s disruptive pace, the pair have the potential to be a promising tandem for years to come.
Most Intriguing Battle: Door’s Wide Open
Alongside Bresee and Miller, just about any duo or trio could join the roster. With Godchaux, Shepherd, Ridgeway and Broughton all having the most direct paths due to previous experience and draft status, Boyd, Cole and the undrafted trio of Silver, Suggs and Harris will all compete for a shot at cracking the roster or making the practice squad.
One player in particular, Harris, could be a very intriguing option. At 6-foot-7, the big-bodied defender notched six blocked kicks (field goals and extra points) during his collegiate days. That kind of impact on special teams could give him the fast track to competing for a roster spot when few expect it. He’ll have to keep his off-field issues to a minimum, but if he can, he could quickly separate himself with unteachable traits.
