As the New Orleans Saints prepare to be without starting defensive linemen Bryan Bresee, pending tests for a potential ACL tear, the club will turn its focus to a group populated with young potential and proven, experienced players.
Looking at the team’s options, four players stand in the immediate forefront at the position for its core rotation.
Projected DL Starters:
Among these players, Godchaux and Shepherd have specialized roles as an early-down nose tackle and three-down 3-4 end, respectively. Meanwhile, Miller and Broughton bring versatility up and down the line.
With these four players, the Saints would have enough talent to be able to handle the bulk of their rotation in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s hybrid 3-4 system. However, the team could look to still find another player to add to the mix. One name to watch will be defensive lineman Myles Cole.
At 6-foot-6 and 278 pounds, he has the size to hold up as an end in the system. He entered the NFL as an edge defender, but has since shifted to the interior defensive line in New Orleans, often doing individual drills alongside Godchaux, Shepherd, Broughton and Miller.
The Saints have the bodies to be able to make up for a heavy loss due to Bresee’s injury. However, training camp will provide the necessary look at the talent specifically to determine whether or not New Orleans will have to hit the market to pursue more options.
