New Orleans Saints 2009 Starting Defensive Line Prediction

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Will Smith is one of the most dominant players we have on defense. Many people want to criticize Smith for the season he had last year after receiving a new, expensive contract.  Will Smith played through a injury last year, which shows his toughness. In 2009, Will Smith recorded 61 tackles and three sacks. Smith is very well a dominating defensive end in this league and I expect him to deliver in 2009. Smith's best season came in 2006, when he recorded 49 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 2006 in only 14 games.

Paul Spicer will be lining up behind Smith to let him rest. Spicer is a veteran coming out of Jacksonville, coming along with defensive coordinator Greg Williams. Spicer brings great depth to the defensive line and can line up at any position on the defensive line. Spicer recorded 3.5 sacks and 34 tackles in 2008. His best season came in 2005, where he recorded 7.5 sacks and 37 tackles.

In 2009, defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant are facing possible four-game suspensions, so the depth the Saints have added will help the Saints a lot if the suspension goes through. Overall, we have three defensive ends who have recorded 10 sacks or more in their careers, so they have the potential. The defensive tackle position with Sedrick Ellis will be a big question but we have plenty of depth. Expect a lot more pressure on the quarterback from the front four.

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