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Mississippi defensive tackle JJ Pegues (89) sacks Tulane quarterback Kai Horton (12) at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, La., Saturday, September 9, 2023. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save By trading for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux this offseason, the New Orleans Saints made clear that they were undergoing a schematic shift under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Godchaux, a big-bodied run stuffer, historically has been a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. And that’s the type of player that the Saints haven’t had in many years, as former coach Dennis Allen deployed a 4-3 scheme. The Saints’ makeover at the position may not be completely over, either.
New Orleans allowed the second-most rushing yards in 2024, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the team devoted more resources aimed at plugging one of the team’s biggest holes last season. This year’s NFL draft is stacked with defensive tackles. Could the Saints add another to a group that includes Godchaux, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, John Ridgeway and Khristian Boyd? Let’s take a look at the options: Mason Graham, Michigan An absolute force on the line, Graham’s addition would seem to instantly upgrade New Orleans’ run defense.
He can quickly beat blocks, and his speed allows him to create havoc on the inside. There are concerns about his pass-rushing ability — 31⁄2 sacks last year — and his lack of size (296 pounds at the combine), but those could be areas that develop over time. He already weighed 10 pounds heavier at his pro day.
Graham could very well be gone by the time the Saints pick at No. 9, but if he’s there, his talent might be too much to pass up. Of the teams in front of the Saints, the Jacksonville Jaguars (at No.
5) and Las Vegas Raiders (at No. 6) could be the most likely candidates for Graham. Kenneth Grant, Michigan If he was overlooked because of Graham’s presence on Michigan’s defensive line, he shouldn’t have been.
Grant, at 6-foot-4 and 331 pounds, eats up space and was also disruptive against the run. ESPN ranks Grant as the fourth-best defensive tackle in this year’s class, which could make him an option on Day 2 for the Saints. “He’s a people mover,” The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said.
“Talking to the folks where he has been doing a lot of his training, at 340 pounds he should not be able to move around like that. You're hoping and dreaming on this Dexter Lawrence-type ascension for him once he gets to the NFL. Hasn't put it all together, but it's all in there.
” T.J. Sanders, South Carolina The Saints love athleticism, and Sanders has it in spades.
The 6-foot-4, 297-pound lineman recorded a 9.28 Relative Athletic Score thanks in part to an impressive 311⁄2-inch vertical jump and a sub-5 (4.99 seconds) 40-yard dash.
He also specializes as a run defender. He started nine games last year with 50 tackles and four sacks. The NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein called Sanders a “powerful road block with heavy hands and a strong core.
” Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee The Saints reportedly met with Norman-Lott in Knoxville, and he would present a different type of interior lineman on this list. Undersized at 6-foot-2, 291 pounds, the 23-year-old makes up for it with a knack as a pass rusher — he had 91⁄2 sacks over the last two seasons. He also was part of Tennessee’s rotation, appearing in 13 games as a reserve.
He played two seasons for the Vols after three years at Arizona State. With the Saints holding nine picks in the draft, Norman-Lott could be a Day 3 option. J.
J. Pegues, Ole Miss You’ll find teammate Walter Nolen ranked higher on media draft boards — and he’s also a noteworthy prospect after a 61⁄2-sack season with 14 tackles for loss — but let’s focus on Pegues for a second. The 6-2, 309-pounder has the kind of versatility that might make the Saints’ Saunders — who always clamors to get reps on offense — jealous.
At Ole Miss, Pegues was used as a wildcat quarterback, running back and tight end. His selection could give coach Kellen Moore a fun weapon to go along with what Pegues can do on the defensive line. Make no mistake, Pegues will make his money because of what he can do in the trenches.
ESPN praised Pegues as a "a disruptive interior run defender, with the quick first step and active hands to get into the backfield.” He can play multiple spots on the line as well. He was named third-team All-SEC last year.
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