Alontae Taylor has played a variety of roles in the defensive backfield for the New Orleans Saints. He has demonstrated the ability to play wherever the team needs him, whether it be on the inside or outside. However, the constant change has kept Taylor from fully honing in and developing at one spot.
If everything goes to plan, you'll see Taylor primarily in the slot. The position carries heavy responsibility in Brandon Staley's defense. Taylor is the X-factor in the defensive backfield and arguably the biggest X-factor on the defense.
Taylor has played in 47 games for the Saints over the past three seasons, becoming a reliable player on defense. During that time, he has 210 total tackles, 41 passes defensed, five sacks, and two interceptions. There's a strong chance Taylor puts up career numbers in 2025.
Alontae Taylor will be a high impact player for the Saints in the slot
Taylor has actually found his most success in the slot before injuries to the defense forced him to move primarily to the outside last season. He was among the league leaders in sacks (three) and was by far the leading sack leader among NFL defensive backs in the early part of the 2024 season.
Heading into the 2025 season, Taylor got consideration for ESPN's top 10 cornerbacks. And under Brandon Staley's defense, which is 3-4, Taylor could have a career year at the position, pushing him to the top 10 by the end of the year. Because the primary advantage of a 3-4 defense lies in its capacity to apply pressure from various positions, ranging from the safeties to an additional linebacker.
In the slot position, Taylor could assist the pass rush and the run defense, both of which have struggled to produce in recent years. Additionally, he could have continuity, even if it's slight, from one season to the next for the first time in his career. From year to year, Taylor has had to learn or relearn a position, never fully settling.
It's realistic to see Taylor build on the beginning of his 2024 campaign. His role alone leads to an all around impact to the Saints defense. Taylor will have to rush the passer, stop the run and cover slot receivers. If Brandon Staley can unlock Taylor, Taylor can unlock the defense.