New Orleans Saints' Offseason State of the Union

The NFL slides into a largely uneventful lull in the early days of July, and this marks a great time for an in-depth look at the New Orleans Saints and their 2015 offseason.

New Orleans, which completed OTAs and minicamp in June, is looking to bounce back into playoff contention after a disappointing 7-9 campaign in 2014. The Saints were tabbed as an early favorite to contend for the Super Bowl before last season began, but a multitude of shortcomings, particularly on defense, plagued them throughout the year.

In an effort to revitalize his squad, general manager Mickey Loomis shook up the Saints roster in a major way this offseason. New Orleans pulled off numerous trades and signed some high-profile free agents while ushering in a sizable shot of youth in the form of nine draft picks.

As a result of these changes, the Saints should field a deeper, tougher and more athletic squad this coming season.

In the following slideshow, we’ll provide an in-depth look at where the Saints stand in numerous areas as they inch closer to training camp and the 2015 preseason.

Pass Offense

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Since the arrival of coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees in 2006, New Orleans has buttered its bread with a high-flying aerial attack. The Saints have posted prolific passing numbers throughout the Payton-Brees era, and they have the pieces in place to continue this tradition once again in 2015.

Quarterback

It all starts at the quarterback position, and the Saints have one of the all-time greats in Brees.

The future Hall of Famer once again posted prolific numbers last season (4,952 passing yards and 33 touchdowns), but he experienced some down moments as well, tossing costly interceptions at crucial moments.

A stingier defense should help out with this issue in 2015, however. If the Saints can step up their play and make some defensive stops, Brees won’t feel the pressure to produce touchdowns at a breakneck pace like he did a season ago.

This offseason, the Saints opted to look toward the future at the quarterback position, as they selected former Colorado State signal-caller Garrett Grayson in Round 3 of the draft. He compares favorably to Brees from a physical standpoint, but he’ll have to sit and observe the eight-time Pro Bowler for at least a couple of seasons.

Pass Protection

The Saints will face some talented edge-rushers over the course of the 2015 season, but they're capable of providing Brees with the protection he needs.

The projected starter at left tackle is third-year man Terron Armstead, who occupied the spot last season. On the right side, 31-year-old Zach Strief turned in a fine overall performance in 2014, but his time as a starter may be winding down.

At some point in the near future, No. 13 overall draft pick Andrus Peat will likely take over at one of New Orleans’ two tackle spots. The athletic 6’7,” 313-pounder has long arms and quick feet, and although he could play on the left side, there’s a strong likelihood he’ll end up on the right.

Either way, New Orleans appears to have three capable pass-protectors on the edges this season, as the 36-year-old Brees looks to carve up opposing secondaries yet again.

On the interior, meanwhile, the Saints will look to guards Jahri Evans and Tim Lelito, along with center Max Unger, to hold down the fort. 

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Granted, things won’t be the same in the passing game without All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham, whom the team traded to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Brees and the Saints offense were putting up eye-popping numbers before Graham ever set foot in New Orleans, however, and there’s no reason to think they can’t be successful without him.

After all, Marques Colston is still on board as the team’s senior leader at the wide receiver spot, and the 6’4”, 225-pounder should once again be a favored red-zone target.

2014 first-round draft pick Brandin Cooks is another key offensive weapon. Despite the fact that his season was cut short by an injury, the explosive wideout proved his worth during his rookie year, hauling in 53 receptions for 550 yards and three touchdowns. Capable of doing damage from the outside as well as from the slot, Cooks will play a major role in the offense this season.

In three- and four-receiver sets, Nick Toon and Joe Morgan will get their opportunities, at least in the early part of the season. The 6’4” Toon came on strong in the latter stages of 2014 as a reliable possession receiver, and he’ll be looking to carry that momentum into training camp.

The speedy Morgan, meanwhile, provides the offense with a complementary deep threat who can stretch the field.

These two veterans are likely to see the field often in the early portion of the season, but they’ll have to produce if they’re to fend off a pair of rising young wideouts.

After joining the Saints as undrafted free-agent rookies in 2014, Brandon Coleman and Seantavius Jones both spent last season on the practice squad. By all accounts, they’ve each made major strides this offseason and should push for significant playing time in 2015.

As for Graham’s replacement, New Orleans will utilize the two-headed monster of Josh Hill and Benjamin Watson. The latter is an 11–year veteran who can contribute as both a blocker and a possession receiver, while Hill is a former undrafted free agent who can use his athleticism to work the seams.

Running Back

Under Payton, the New Orleans passing game has always involved the running backs, and 2015 looks to be no different. With the acquisition of C.J. Spiller this offseason, the Saints gained a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field.

Spiller hauled in 158 receptions and scored six receiving touchdowns during his five years with the Buffalo Bills. He should make for quite the explosive threat on screens and swing passes in New Orleans.

The pass offense has no shortage of weapons, and with Brees performing at a high level under center, the New Orleans air attack should once again be tough to slow down in 2015.

Rush Offense

Don Wright/Associated Press

It’s no secret that Payton prefers to put the ball in the air, but the coming season could be a banner year for his offense on the ground. At times, the head man demonstrated a genuine commitment to establishing a strong ground game last season, but the Saints could truly excel in this area in 2015.

Running Back

Running back Mark Ingram emerged as the primary between-the-tackles ball-carrier in 2014, finishing the year just 36 yards shy of the 1,000-yard rushing mark. After inking a four-year deal this offseason, the Pro Bowler will carry the load as the bell cow of New Orleans’ downhill rushing attack.

Spiller will also receive a share of the carries, as will versatile third-year back Khiry Robinson, who's averaged 4.5 yards per carry during his time in New Orleans. In addition, the Saints have four–year veteran Tim Hightower and rookie Marcus Murphy on hand to provide depth.

Offensive Line

In order to run the football effectively, New Orleans will need steady execution from its offensive line.

Right guard Jahri Evans had some difficulties, at times, in pass protection last season, but the six-time Pro Bowler proved he can still get it done as a road-grader.

At left guard, Ben Grubbs was traded away this offseason, but former backup Tim Lelito should fill the spot adequately. If not, the Saints also have third-year man Senio Kelemete, as well as 30-year-old Mike McGlynn, to turn to. 

The aforementioned Armstead, Strief and Peat will give New Orleans three capable run-blockers at the tackle position.

The key offseason addition to the Saints running game, however, is new starting center Max Unger. New Orleans acquired the former Seattle Seahawk in the Jimmy Graham trade, and the former All-Pro should immediately upgrade the ground attack.

Unger is one of the top run-blocking centers in the game, and he provides the New Orleans offense with an accomplished pivot who can anchor the offensive line for the next several seasons.

Fullback

The Saints run the ball out of the “I” formation frequently, and they have a nice competition brewing for the role of starting fullback.

Erik Lorig was a major free-agent acquisition of the 2014 offseason, but a lingering injury sidelined him for much of the first half of the season. The 6’4” former tight end gives New Orleans an additional weapon in the short passing game, but he’ll have to beat out a formidable challenger in order to secure the starting role this season.

That challenge comes in the form of Austin Johnson. On the verge of his second NFL season, he proved to be a tenacious blocker in Lorig’s absence last year, and as of now, he’s in the running to win the job.

All things considered, New Orleans has the pieces in place to run the football effectively in 2015. Combined with their potent passing attack, the Saints' emerging ground game should help form one of the league's top offenses.

Rush Defense

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Running the football and stopping the run are perhaps the most important components of success in the playoffs.

New Orleans appears to have the pieces needed to field a strong ground game, but its run defense will need to make major improvements from last season. The Saints finished the year with the league’s No. 29–ranked rushing defense, as ball-carriers knifed through coordinator Rob Ryan’s front seven every week.

Defensive Line

If the Saints are to slow down opposing running games in 2015, they’ll need to do a better job of establishing control at the point of attack.

Nose guard Brodrick Bunkley has enjoyed his moments, but his minutes could slightly diminish with nose guard/defensive tackle Kevin Williams now in town. The 12–year veteran should contribute at multiple positions along the line, but at 34 years old, his snaps will likely be held to minimum.  

The Saints alternate between odd and even fronts along the defensive line. When they go with three down linemen, third-year man John Jenkins, with his 360-pound frame, provides the best run-stuffing option in the defensive middle.

Jenkins experienced his share of struggles in his second year last season, but he performed better as a rookie when his weight was down a bit. If he can shed a few pounds heading into the season, he has a better chance of seeing the field more often as a true 0-technique nose.

Elsewhere along the front seven, the Saints boast some capable players, and Akiem Hicks is one of the group’s more talented members. The athletic 325-pounder can play end in a 3-4 and operate as a tackle in a four-man front. He’s eyeing a potentially big year after a disappointing 2014 season, as is fellow end Cam Jordan.

Linebacker

At the second level, New Orleans is ushering in a new era at the “Mike” linebacker position after cutting three-year starter Curtis Lofton this offseason.

Veteran David Hawthorne could begin the season as Lofton's replacement, but it’s probably just a matter of time before first-round pick Stephone Anthony takes over.

The former Clemson Tiger possesses impressive speed and athleticism, and he packs quite the punch when he lowers his shoulder on a ball-carrier. The Saints could eventually play Hawthorne and Anthony next to each other, with Anthony manning the Mike spot.

Safety

Box safety Kenny Vaccaro will also be looking to bounce back after a disappointing second-year campaign last season. The former first-round pick has the ability to make a major impact as a run-defending safety, and his playmaking abilities are undeniable.

Second-year man Vinnie Sunseri and 2014 veteran acquisition Jamarca Sanford are also capable of contributing in run support from the strong safety spot. 

Pass Defense

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback

While the run defense should be improved, few, if any, areas on the squad saw more offseason changes than the secondary.

To begin with, the team signed veteran free-agent cornerback Brandon Browner, who’s expected to start opposite the always reliable Keenan Lewis on the outside.

In addition to Browner, New Orleans brought in a host of other corners, and as a result, there should be some fierce competition for roster spots in the coming months.

Perhaps the most promising of the new acquisitions, thus far, has been Delvin Breaux. The former CFL star suffered a major neck injury in high school and never played a down of college football. After a year in the Arena League, he made a name for himself with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and the Saints picked him up this offseason.

According to Larry Holder of NOLA.com, Breaux ascended to the starting nickel position in minicamp.

Other new additions at the corner position include former New York Jets first-round pick Kyle Wilson, as well as 2015 Saints draft picks P.J. Williams and Damian Swann.

The Saints also have a trio of young corners who return from last season in Brian Dixon, Terrence Frederick and Stanley Jean-Baptiste.

Safety

While this sizable collection of cover men affords them the chance to finally build some depth at corner, the Saints are also counting on free safety Jairus Byrd to play a major role in their revamped pass defense.

After a five-year stint with the Bills, Byrd signed with New Orleans as a free agent in 2014. In Buffalo, he snagged 22 interceptions and forced 11 fumbles while being named to three Pro Bowls.

His debut season in New Orleans was cut short by an injury after just four games last year, but Byrd will look to bounce back and perform at a high level this coming season.

Rafael Bush, meanwhile, gives the Saints a solid backup at free safety. He can also play nickel, dime or strong safety in a pinch, and his presence provides the team with quality depth.

Linebacker

In 2014, the New Orleans linebackers were picked on in coverage almost as much as the corners. After some offseason changes, however, this situation should be somewhat remedied in 2015.

In addition to releasing Lofton, the Saints acquired accomplished coverage ‘backer Dannell Ellerbe in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.

First-round pick Anthony also has decent cover skills, and with his speed, he should steadily improve, over time, as a pass defender.

Pass-Rusher 

Good coverage skills are always nice, but there’s no bigger help to a secondary than a formidable pass rush.

Despite having two proven pass-rushers in Junior Galette and Cam Jordan, New Orleans failed to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks in 2014. After combining for 24.5 sacks the previous season, the Galette-Jordan duo totaled just 17.5 last year. The Saints received little-to-no production from their other pass-rushers, which prompted the front office to address the issue in the draft.

In Round 2, New Orleans selected Washington’s pass-rush extraordinaire, Hau’oli Kikaha. The former Husky standout was college football’s top sack man over the past two seasons. In 2013 and 2014, he rang up a combined 32 sacks, including 19 last year.

Later on in the draft, the Saints brought in another sack artist when they chose Chattanooga’s Davis Tull. The 240-pound, fifth-round pick comes from a small school, but he certainly held his own against his peers, from an athletic standpoint, at this year’s combine.

As Galette and Jordan look to regain their 2013 form, Kikaha, in particular, should provide a significant boost to the pass rush this season. The Saints are also looking for contributions from outside linebackers Anthony Spencer and Parys Haralson, as well as from Hicks.

Special Teams

Bill Haber/Associated Press

The Saints will have a new place-kicker in 2015 after releasing veteran Shayne Graham this offseason.

Dustin Hopkins and Zach Hocker will vie for the job, and although both are talented young kickers with strong legs, neither has experience at the NFL level.

Thomas Morstead will be back to handle the punting and kickoff duties in 2015. The 29-year-old has been a steady performer for New Orleans in both areas, and he’s established himself as one of the top punters in the league.

In the return game, there could be some competition this preseason, although Spiller has to be considered the front-runner for both kickoff and punt return duties.

He averaged 12.1 yards per punt return as a Bill while averaging 24.4 yards per kick return with two touchdowns. It will be a major surprise if he doesn't earn both jobs in New Orleans.

Wideout Jalen Saunders is another explosive player who can return kicks and punts, as is rookie running back Marcus Murphy. 

Coaching

Bill Haber/Associated Press

In addition to the team's personnel shortcomings, the Saints' in-game coaching left a lot to be desired in 2014. As a result, look for Payton and his staff to be motivated when training camp begins.

Payton is one of the top offensive minds in the game, and he’ll focus on fielding an offense that not only racks up yards but finishes off drives by reaching the end zone.

On the other side of the ball, Rob Ryan will attempt to get his group back into the form it displayed during his first year at the helm of the New Orleans defense. It may be hard to believe after last season’s showing, but the Saints ranked fourth in the league in total defense in 2013.

One could argue that the Saints have accumulated a deeper collection of defensive talent since then. Given the new acquisitions of this offseason, along with Ryan’s creative, blitz-heavy schemes, the unit should improve significantly in 2015.