New Orleans Saints DL depth chart ahead of 2022 NFL Draft

Starters: Cameron Jordan, David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, Marcus Davenport

As I alluded to on the intro slide, the Saints could potentially lose three of their four starters on the d-line between now and next offseason. That’s why this team can’t sleep on adding more talent along their defensive line because that’s the strength of their team.

Cameron Jordan doesn’t need an introduction, as he’s been with the team since 2011 when NOLA spent a first-round pick on him. Since that time, he’s missed just one game, which came last year when he tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to sit out. He’s the only one out of this bunch still under contract past 2022.

David Onyemata was a fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2016 and has been with them ever since. He transformed into a starting-caliber player in 2019 and that’s where his role has been ever since. This past year he notched two sacks through 11 games.

Shy Tuttle went undrafted out of Tennessee but has made a name for himself in New Orleans. He appeared in all 17 games last season and notched 48 tackles during that time.

Marcus Davenport was trending toward getting the “bust” label slapped on him but he came to play last year, putting together the best season of his career with nine sacks. Fortunately, the Saints gambled on him and exercised his fifth-year option, which means he’ll be on the team this year. Otherwise, he’d have been a free agent.

The Saints starting defensive line should be poised for a massive season once again.