New Orleans Saints 2009 Starting Secondary Prediction

Let me start by saying, "WHO DAT?!" There are a lot of new faces joining the New Orleans Saints, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. This article is going to be on who I project to be the starters on the Saints defensive side of the ball; remember, this is only a prediction.

In 2009, the Saints have added three players through free agency and the NFL Draft. I expect all three of these players to make instant contribution on the defensive side of the ball. The Saints secondary was the weakest link of the 2007-2008 season.

The Saints used the offseason too address the secondary. They have brought in leadership, experience, and much-needed new talent to a secondary that was ranked one of the worst in the NFL. So these are my predictions on who will start opening day in the 2009 secondary for the Saints and why.

Free Safety: Darren Sharper

The veteran coming from Minnesota is known for being a ball-hawk, and although he only had one interception last season, he is an instant upgrade. Sharper will bring much-needed leadership to a young secondary. Sharper will have to be on point to cover the NFC South's top tight ends in Kellen Winslow and Tony Gonzalez.

Strong Safety: Roman Harper

Roman Harper is probably one of the hardest hitters we have on the team. He is great at the line of scrimmage and can help stop the run. He is a solid tackler who could use help in coverage. Harper has shown some flashes when blitzed, so he will be very effective in Gregg Williams' aggressive defense.

Strong Side Corner Back: Malcom Jenkins

The rookie corner back will most likely be starting day one. Malcolm, coming out of Ohio State, was drafted with the 14th overall pick to help solidify the New Orleans Saints' secondary. Jenkins did not allow a touchdown in his senior year , and has pretty good ball skills. Jenkins has the potential to lock down any team's best receiver.

Weak Side Corner Back: Jabari Greer

Greer was a solid No. 2 corner back in Buffalo. He is coming off of another season ended by injuries. Jabari Greer has speed and has the ability to take it to the house every time he picks the ball off. Greer had two pick-six in 10 games in 2008. Greer is my starter.

Nickel Back: Tracy Porter

Tracy Porter showed flashes in 2008 before getting injured against Minnesota, and his presence was missed at the end of that game. Whichever player plays the nickel back for the Saints will get a lot of playing time with that explosive offense. Porter could very well be competing with Greer for the No. 2 spot. Porter had one interception in his rookie campaign and could rotate in and out with the No. 1 and 2 corners.

Dime: Randall Gay

Randall Gay was a very consistent corner back last year but had no interceptions. He could compete with Porter for the nickel back, but I do not see him at the No. 1 or 2 corner back position.

This is my prediction for the starting defensive backfield for the '09 New Orleans Saints. We have a very talented group and great depth. We could very well rotate players in; mainly the current team leader in interceptions, Jason David. This is only the first of three parts of my 2009 predictions for the Saints defense.