Brandon Staley’s system has produced two of the best and most notable slot defenders of the past decade. When you think about Staley’s defense, Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James are two of the first names you think of. They were elite players in the slot, and defined Staley’s defense. Sūmersports Sam Bruchhaus’ research suggests the New Orleans Saints don’t have the ideal player to be next in line for the role.
What's interesting is Ramsey and James also represent two drastically different prototypes for the same position, and that can create debate on what type of player Staley needs for the role. James is a safety who can move all over the field, and Ramsey had the same ability but with a corner background.
Staley isn't the only one who uses the STAR role in their defense. It's given Bruchhaus ample amount of examples and he came to the conclusion that Jalen Ramsey is the prototype for a slot defender in today's NFL. Bruchhaus was surprised to find that research found a bigger cornerback was more advantageous than a hybrid safety/linebacker mold.
Brandon Staley may have to wait a year for the Saints to land his perfect STAR
"The ideal slot defender is Jalen Ramsey in the Brandon Staley defense" -- @sambruchhaus pic.twitter.com/Gy6dotPpqM
— SūmerSports (@SumerSports) May 21, 2026
Bruchhaus wasn't talking about the Saints specifically. He wasn't even talking about Staley. Bruchhaus was speaking about the best usage of slot defenders came from how Staley used Jalen Ramsey.
With Staley leading the defense, the next logical step is to see if anyone checks the box. The Saints have the system already. When you look at the blueprint, the Saints don't have someone who fully fits the mold Bruchhaus laid out. He identified a bigger cornerback, standing 6-foot-1, 6-foot-2 and weighing from 210-215 pounds.
Jonas Sanker, Quincy Riley and Julian Blackmon are the leading candidates. Someone has to play the role, but none of them fit the exact mold. Sanker checks the size, but he's not a cornerback. Riley has the cornerback background, but doesn't have the size.
It isn't necessary to have someone who checks every box in order to find success. Staley used Alontae Taylor pretty well and he didn't have the prototypical build. The key is having coverage ability and physicality for the run game. The coverage is the reason cornerbacks have the lead for Bruchhaus.
While not mandatory, it wouldn't be surprising if Staley is looking for his prototypical build. He had great success with Ramsey and James, and they both had the size and traits Bruchhaus laid out. It'll be interesting if they reinvest in the position next offseason. It will largely depend on how this season goes, but who ever plays the position will be competing against an idea of what the ideal player looks like.
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