By Ross Jackson
The addition of defensive tackle Davon Godchaux was a must for the New Orleans Saints this offseason. The 330-pound defensive tackle is a tried and true run-stopper that can play all along a defensive line, exactly the type of player the Saints desperately needed in last year’s defensive effort.
The Plaquamine, La. native knew that once he had the chance to end up back in Louisiana, his role was solidified. From a 0-tech nose tackle to a 5-tech end lined up over opposing offensive tackles, Godchaux has the ability to be an impact player in the run game, where the Saints’ defense finished No. 31 against last year.
New Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley knew it too. In fact, as Godchaux recounted in his exclusive interview with Matt Moscona on 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge’s After Further Review, he’s known it for some time.
During the interview, Godchaux recalled a recent conversation in Staley’s office in which the defensive coordinator told him about a conversation he had with now-Saints head coach Kellen Moore as they traveled to take on the Patriots in 2023.
Per Godchaux, Staley said to Moore “If we think we’re going to run the ball on these guys, we’re joking ourselves. As a matter of fact, if we think we’re going to run the ball with 92 in the middle, we’re kidding ourselves.” Godchaux, of course, was No. 92.
The defensive tackle was told by his agent that the Saints were among the most aggressive teams working to land him off the trade market this offseason. With Staley’s recollection of Godchaux’s talent as a previous opponent, there’s no question as to why.
Godchaux discussed his hobbies such as his self-described “addiction” to pickleball and his love for fashion. He actually learned about the trade on his way back from Paris, where he was taking in runway shows and other fashion-related events. He was apparently so excited about the move that he wanted to announce it himself, but unfortunately the insider newsbreakers beat him to it during his flight back to the states.
The big tackle also had some strong takeaways about Moore, laying out what he does well from a leadership perspective.
“What makes a great coach in general is a great leader,” Godchaux said. “A great leader of men. You’ve got all these guys coming from different backgrounds, some of them single-parent households, things like that. Some guys (have) both parents together. Guys have their different personalities. But when you have a coach that can bring guys together, that compete at a high level, that compete as one because everyone’s goal is to win a Super Bowl – nobody’s got to talk about it – but when you’ve got a coach that can do that, that’s a great leader in my opinion.”
He also went on to compliment Moore’s offensive prowess, highlighting that everywhere he’s called offenses, they’ve been explosive.
Godchaux should have a strong impact on the team’s defense. But it’s clear that his leadership will leave thumbprints all over the team. He’s familiar with Staley, respects Moore, and is excited to finish up his trifecta of Louisiana football. He was a Plaquemine High School player, and LSU Tiger, and now is ready to embark on his next journey as a New Orleans Saint. An opportunity he clearly doesn’t take for granted.
