Marcus Davenport will not have more than 5 sacks this season

The collegiate star defensive end was selected 14th overall this past draft. The coaching staff and front office of New Orleans is hoping for Marcus Davenport to turn into a reckless rusher opposite All-Pro Cameron Jordan. Completing the defensive line – which also features former first-round pick Sheldon Rankins – is one of the final pieces to this already-outstanding defense. 

Since 2010, only three out of 49 Edge rushers drafted in the first round hit double-digit sack numbers in their rookie campaign. Those three (Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Von Miller) were all top-five draft selections, so there’s definitely not that much pressure on Davenport. His recent absence from practices and the first two preseason games have worried Saints fans mightily. Fortunately, his pulled muscle seems to have healed, as head coach Sean Payton indicated Davenport will play this Saturday against the LA Chargers. 

If he is already facing minor, nagging injuries, Payton will be sure to limit the former Road Runner. That includes the pre-and-regular season, giving more snaps to veteran standout Alex Okafor – who seems to be healthy currently – and the athletic young buck Trey Hendrickson. On top of that, Davenport comes into the league as a project player. The Saints knew this when they traded up for him, due to the raw potential and size of the edge rusher. Project players, of course, need time to develop to the speed of the professional game. 

So, expect Davenport, healthy or not, to sit out a lot of snaps during a majority of the regular season. His most important reps will be in practice and in the film room. Davenport is still going to get a few sacks and a whole lot of QB pressures. However, if you’re expecting a Defensive Player of the Year-type stuff from him this season, you may want to pump the brakes a little. 

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