New Orleans Saints: 5 burning questions in 2018

2. What to expect from the secondary?

The Saints’ secondary played a tremendous role in their defenses overall success. But, it also played a part in their playoff run ending early.

In the 2017 NFL Draft, New Orleans used the 11th-overall pick to select former Ohio State corner, Marshon Lattimore. It was a surprise to many, that the talented corner was still available, but the Saints jumped on the opportunity to select him and it paid off.

He completed his rookie season with 52 total tackles, 18 passes defended and five interceptions.  Lattimore’s interception total was tied for fifth in the NFL in 2017. His play on the field earned him the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, becoming the first Saint to ever win the award.

Lattimore wasn’t the only rookie who helped upgrade the secondary. A second-round pick, Marcus Williams also proved to be a great selection. The safety compiled 73 total tackles and had four interceptions. Although Williams provided great support all season, he will be remembered for his mistake in the NFC Divisionals.

Although Williams claims he will use that final play as motivation moving forward, any mental mistake he makes on the field this upcoming season will bring back those memories from analysts and commentators.

The Saints also got surprise production from third-year pro, Ken Crawley.

Despite starting last season on the sideline, he ended up being the Saints’ second best corner behind Lattimore. The 25-year-old corner was among the top-15 in the league with 17 passes defended. He also recorded 54 tackles and one interception.

This offseason, the Saints decided not to re-sign safety Kenny Vaccaro. The 27-year-old safety recorded career high three interceptions, but failed to play an entire season for the second straight year. The emergence of Williams could have played a role in Vaccaro’s future with the organization.

With the loss of Vaccaro came the addition of Super Bowl champion, Patrick Robinson. Robinson, who was originally drafted by the Saints in 2010, has played with three different teams since leaving New Orleans after the 2014 season. He will have a much smaller role with this unit, compared to when he was first with the team.

Expectations are very high for this secondary, especially after the production they received from their rookies and inexperienced players. The defense will rely heavily on the secondary and their overall success will rest on their shoulders.