The New Orleans Saints swapped out Demario Davis for Kaden Elliss this offseason, and Elliss wanted to make it clear that he isn't here to replace everything Davis represented.
Elliss told media, "(Davis) is a special player, special man, special leader. That's not what it is. I'm coming here to be Kaden Elliss and be me." He then specifically spoke about the leadership quality and explained it's more than a one man job. "The leadership will be dispersed throughout the team because Demario has a special voice, and that's not what I'm here for."
Elliss was the big linebacker addition in the same offseason Davis left makes the comparison natural. Elliss is smart to distance himself from that, because he's right. Elliss may have similar production, but it'll be difficult to every one of Davis' shoes.
Kaden Elliss will play one of the largest parts in replacing Demario Davis
Elliss is correct in his statement that you won't replace Davis with one player. He had his fingertips on too many corners of the locker room and team. It's also true that someone has to take initiative, and Elliss is in a perfect place to be the largest piece of the "replacing Demario" pie. It starts with his position.
More than just playing linebacker, because he won't be asked to play that same role, Elliss is going to replace Davis as the top communicator on the defense. With Davis now in New York, the Saints need a new green dot player who will relay the calls from Brandon Staley to the defense. Through OTAs, that has been Elliss.
As the green dot player, Elliss will naturally be one of the most prominent voices. That positions him to also take on a large leadership role. One thing he didn't say is he'll lead by example. That's great, but the team is also going to need some vocal leaders if they go into next season without Davis or Cam Jordan.
Regardless if it's a bunch of players or one key piece who comes along to replace Davis, it'll be Elliss who takes on the weight of Davis' role as a communicator. It makes him a critical voice at the least. Positioned to be a strong leader at best. No one can fully replace Davis as a leader, but Elliss will play the biggest part in trying.
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