Fansided

Top 20 NFL breakout candidates in 2017

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) lines up against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) lines up against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sheldon Rankins

Defensive Tackle, New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have been often ridiculed for their leaky defense. However when they’re good on that side of the ball, it’s because they’re winning in the trenches. We know that defensive end Cameron Jordan is a total beast of a pass rusher. There is a good chance New Orleans knocked it out of the park with their first-round pick last year.

New Orleans went with Louisville Cardinals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins last spring. He was expected to do big things in New Orleans year one, but a broken fibula suffered in training camp had Rankins spend half of his rookie campaign on the injured reserve.

That being said, Rankins still played in nine games for the 2016 Saints. He made a big impact right away with 20 total tackles, 4.0 quarterback sacks and a forced fumble. Keep in mind that he did this playing in a division with three strong quarterbacks in Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston.

If New Orleans can get pressure up the middle from Rankins, the Saints have an outside shot at winning the NFC South. Winning in the trenches will be indicative of how the Saints’ season goes. Rankins establishing himself as a pass-rushing threat on the interior is key for the Saints to get back into the NFC Playoffs.

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