New Orleans Saints: 5 offseason needs

By John Buhler | Feb 28, 2017

Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) celebrates with wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 27, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates a quarterback sack against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. A pass rusher opposite of Cameron Jordan

The Saints know what their biggest area of need this offseason is: a strong pass rusher to play on the opposite side of the field from Jordan. They know that Jordan is a great force at defensive end, but he cannot be the sole pass rusher of note in the Saints front-seven.

New Orleans could go after either a bruiser at defensive end or a speed guy coming off the edge at outside linebacker. The Saints can do so both in the draft and in free agency. It’s not a particularly deep free agency class, but the draft should be chock full of pass rushing talent at all front-seven positions.

One could easily argue that a pass rusher, either at defensive end or outside linebacker, will be the choice for the Saints to make with their first-round selection. A pass rush isn’t a panacea for the Saints defense, but it is the quickest way to turning the whole thing around in the Big Easy.

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As for the free agency market, maybe a Chris Long or a Julius Peppers could be had for veteran presence? Otherwise, the Saints may have to stick with a guy they know all too well in Paul Kruger. Not sure that New Orleans wants to do that.

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