New Orleans Saints: 2009 Secondary Prediction

. His size and great ball skills could help create some interceptions if put in the middle of the field.

Usama Young: Usama Young is entering his third year with the New Orleans Saints but his first at the safety position. Young was amongst the team leaders in interceptions with two and has proved to be a solid tackler recorded 50. Young is a big  defensive back standing at 6'0 and 200 pounds and just like Jenkins could be used as a midfield safety to try to create some turn overs for the Saints.

Jason David: Jason David has proved to be a ball hawk through out his career and has recorded 16 interceptions in five seasons both with the Colts and the Saints. Last year David was constantly burned downfield and giving up a touchdown but he could very well be a solid midfield player. I've always felt if David was used the right way he could be force in the Saints' secondary. It would be better to use David in this manner than to let him roam freely in the middle of the field looking for a pick to add to his resume.

Third and Longs:

Darren Sharper: The active NFL interception leader is great in coverage. He might have lost a step but he is being brought into a system where they want him to be aggressive and get interceptions.

Randall Gay: I would like to see Gay used in a blitz a lot more, but when used in coverage, Randall Gay is solid and could help cut down those conversions on third down.

Malcolm Jenkins: Jenkins could be used to help double cover bigger receivers on those third and longs. He could take Roman Harper out on those passing downs and he won't be used in a blitz.

Tracy Porter: He is my number two corner, so he would be in.

Jabari Greer: He is my number one corner, so he would be able to help keep the faster receivers out of the picture.

Jason David: Jason David could do well against the fourth receiver on the field and would likely not get burnt like he would against number ones or twos.

That is my prediction on third downs. assuming that we would play them with four linemen and Vilma holding down the middle as well. I like the Saints' secondary for the 2009 season and I expect them to do a lot better than in '08. I think if the Saints can turn some of those pass deflections into interceptions the Saints offense will be able to close out a lot more games for us.

Expect the safety play to be a lot better in 2009 due to Darren Sharper. Not just for his play but for what he brings to the table to help develop the younger guys. He gives the safeties something to learn as far as veteran leadership goes. This will help the play of young safety in Roman Harper.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?