New Orleans Saints Black and Bold predictions for 2015

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3. Hau’oli Kikaha will lead the team in sacks in the absence of Junior Galette

May 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints rookie linebacker Hau

This prediction is based on Junior Galette‘s recent pectoral injury. If he has surgery he is likely to miss about 5-6 months which is about the entire season unless he is able to come back in December.

That leaves the Saints with the pass rushers that they acquired this offseason to rush the passer: Anthony Spencer, Hau’oli Kikaha, and Davis Tull.

I’m not betting on Tull since he isn’t even participating in OTAs because of a shoulder that he is rehabbing. Anthony Spencer should be an effective rusher this year but there aren’t any big expectations.

Kikaha was the FBS leader in sacks last year as a senior. Not only does he have experience against the best of college football, but he understands leverage against larger, stronger opponents due to being a wrestler and judo league champion in high school.

"“You’ve got a crystal-clear vision right away,” Payton said. “You know exactly what you’re getting with the player. He’s smart, he’s tough, there’s a passion to how he plays and you see it out here.”"

This wouldn’t be a bold prediction if I just said that he will be the leader in sacks for the Saints. I predict that Kikaha, if utilized as a pass rusher like Galette, will end the season with 10-14 sacks. You heard it here first!

Three Black and Bold Predictions for New Orleans Saints 2015 season

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