Despite the loss of one of its top talents in defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, the New Orleans Saints’ defensive line has high hopes going into 2026.
Rookie defensive lineman Christen Miller shared those expectations loud and clear in a recent interview with the Saints preparing for their opening game next Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
“I feel like I’m blending good with the whole (defensive) line,” Miller said. “We’re focused, we’re fun, we’re goofy. We’ve got great chemistry. So, I think when it’s all said and done, we’re going to be the best in the league.”
That’s a high bar for the Saints, but considering the improvements the team has made over the course of the offseason, it’s reasonable to expect a high level of confidence from the rookie and his position group.
Miller was a highly-ranked second-round selection, the team traded to acquire edge defender Tyree Wilson and signed elite run stopper and defensive end Anfernee Jennings as well.
Meanwhile, the unit returns edge rushers Chase Young, Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson, while getting last year’s third-round selection, defensive lineman Vernon Broughton, back on the interior.
This is a group with a lot of promising talent, albeit unsung outside of those that cover or root for the Saints.
New Orleans finished No. 19 in the league in rushing yards allowed last year, but finished No. 2 in EPA per rush allowed and No. 6 in rushing yards per attempt surrendered as well.
As for the pass rush side of the equation, the Saints finished with more than 40 sacks in a single season for the first time since 2020. In the process, their 45 sacks finished No. 10 in the NFL.
Young, the team’s top pass rusher, missed five games to start the season, but still managed 10 sacks on the year. His 17-game average would have had him ending the year with 14 sacks, raising the team’s total to just shy of 50, a mark the team hasn’t reached since 2019.
Cumulatively, all of the areas of a defense most immediately impacted by the defensive line, appear to be on the rise for New Orleans. Miller’s prediction may be farfetched now, but will be worth revisiting if the unit stays healthy and productive this season.
