3. Rising Stars on Defense

Speaking of a sophomore slump, I wouldn’t expect to see one from 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year — yes, the New Orleans Saints won both awards last year — cornerback Marshon Lattimore. However, he might take a bit of a step back simply because the Saints’ front seven won’t allow much to get past them.

The Saints return defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata, who is poised for a breakout season, as well as Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Jordan. They traded up in the first round of the 2018 draft to select Marcus Davenport out of Texas-San Antonio and he promises to be a star opposite Jordan on the defensive line. The team also boasts Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein, and Alex Anzalone, the latter two of which are returning from injury.

On top of a promising front seven and Lattimore leading the secondary, the Saints have P.J. Williams and Patrick Robinson, who returned to the team this offseason, at corner as well as Vonn Bell, who is slowly emerging as one of the best safeties in the league after recording five sacks last year on top of being a key pass defender.

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