By Ross Jackson
INDIANAPOLIS – As the NFL Scouting Combine workouts get under way on Thursday, the New Orleans Saints will be watching intently as they gather more information about upcoming prospects. The defensive line is certain to be a primary focus for the Saints this offseason and several players that are set to participate in drills and workouts Thursday afternoon fit the bill of what the Saints are trying to find.
In the past, the prototypes for New Orleans defensive linemen were set. The typical big-bodied build was a constant. This season, with new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in the mix, things are sure to change up.
Look for the Saints to keep their eyes on nose tackle types and speed rusher profiles this year. Here are some of the players, among several others, that are potential matches for the team’s hunt to expand prototypes to fit new roles in the trenches.
Defensive tackles:
- 6-foot-3
- 331 pounds
- Career stats: 6.5 sacks, 69 total tackles (12 for a loss)
- 170 a-gap snaps in 2024
- 6-foot-4
- 305 pounds
- Career stats: 9 sacks, 127 total tackles (23 for a loss)
- 545 b-gap snaps in 2024
- 6-foot-2
- 312 pounds
- Career stats: 0 sacks, 57 tackles (3 for a loss)
- 283 a-gap snaps in 2024
- 6-foot-6
- 332 pounds
- Career stats: 7 sacks, 141 total tackles (18 for a loss)
- 146 a-gap snaps in 2024
- 6-foot-7
- 331 pounds
- Career stats: 10 sacks, 132 total tackles (23 for a loss)
- 143 a-gap snaps in 2024
Defensive ends:
- 6-foot-3
- 251 pounds
- Career stats: 22.5 sacks (led FBS in 2024 with 17), 33 tackles for a loss, 53 hurries
- 20.2% pass rush win rate in 2024 (8 of 148)
- Per PFF, among EDGE with at least 250 pass rushing snaps in 2024
Update: Feb. 27, 1:25 P.M. ET – Mike Green will not participate in drills at the Combine.
Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
- 6-foot-2
- 257 pounds
- Career stats: 30 sacks (16.5 in 2024), 47 tackles for a loss, 76 hurries
- 18.2 pass rush win rate in 2024 (13 of 148)
- 6-foot-5
- 245 pounds
- Career stats: 19.5 sacks, 30 tackles for a loss, 75 hurries
- 23.0 pass rush win rate in 2024 (2 of 148)
- 6-foot-5
- 267 pounds
- Career stats: 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, 61 hurries
- 12.4% pass rush win rate in 2024 (T-59 of 148)
- 6-foot-4
- 264 pounds
- Career stats: 25.5 sacks, 40 tackles for a loss, 81 hurries
- 22.8% pass rush win rate in 2024 (3 of 148)
- 6-foot-4
- 244 pounds
- Career stats: 25.5 sacks, 40 tackles for a loss, 81 hurries
- 22.8% pass rush win rate in 2024 (3 of 148)
- 6-foot-5
- 280 pounds
- Career stats: 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, 56 hurries
- 15.0% pass rush win rate in 2024 (T-30 of 148)
