Smith stands out on New Orleans’ lower-tier defense

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, September 06, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New Orleans Saints
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The 2006 Saints' defense will be the focus in this piece.

Additions: DT Hollis Thomas (trade with Eagles); DE Michael Haynes (free agency); LB Scott Fujita (free agency); LB Mark Simoneau (trade with Eagles); S Bryan Scott (trade with Falcons); S Omar Stoutmire (free agency); S Roman Harper (second-round pick); LB Danny Clark (free agency); DE Rob Ninkovich (fifth-round pick).

Subtractions: LB Sedrick Hodge (signed with Dolphins); DE Darren Howard (signed with Eagles); DT Jonathan Sullivan (traded to Patriots); LB Courtney Watson (traded to Bills).

Biggest strength: The starting defensive ends. Will Smith on the right and Charles Grant on the left makes for one heck of a tandem at the DE position, even with the loss of former starter Darren Howard. Unfortunately for the Saints, Grant struggled mightily last year, seeing his sack total decrease from 10 ½ in 2004 to 2 ½. However, the fifth-year man did manage to rack up 62 total tackles, meaning he was a big-time influence against the run game.

Smith, entering his third NFL season, seems to continue getting better. The '04 first-round pick out of Ohio State bettered his sack number to 8 ½ from 7 ½ as a rookie. Assuming that trend continues, the 6-foot-3, 282-pounder should loom around the double-digit mark this season, possibly even surpassing it. After initial struggles getting acclimated to the Saints, Smith has become one of the best young pass rushers in football. It's certainly hard to believe.

The unit's best player: Will Smith. Obviously, there's no further reason to elaborate on how good Smith is. On a defense not exactly jam-packed with top-flight talent, the 25-year-old is a major bright spot.

Where the main concern lies: The linebacking corps. As of right now, the Saints aren't even completely sure as to who will be starting at the weakside 'backer spot. The strong side and middle aren't exactly held down by stalwarts, with Scott Fujita and little-known second-year man Albert Fincher scheduled to start.

New Orleans' recent signing of ex-Raider MLB Danny Clark could end up paying enormous dividends for the group. For reasons unbeknownst to most, the team-oriented Clark was cut by Oakland this week, even though he's been key to its defense the last two years.

Breakout player: Roman Harper. The rookie from Alabama, who was taken in Round Two of April's draft, turned plenty of heads during the summer with his excellent play at the strong safety position. Already, the 6-1, 200-pounder has secured a starting role and could have a big season for the Saints' defense.

Harper isn't a known entity for the average to above-average football follower, but he ought to be very soon. Look for the athletic 23-year-old to have a standout season in New Orleans' decent secondary.

Final outlook: Despite a few talented players, the Saints' defense probably isn't going to even be average this year. The unit's linebackers are far too weak and the defensive backfield isn't exactly higher echelon. For bright spots, look to Smith, Grant, Clark, Harper and, perhaps, second-year free safety Josh Bullocks.

--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions each day: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

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