The interior defensive line was the New Orleans Saints biggest weakness in 2024, they lacked a bully in the middle that could clog the running lanes, resulting in the team finishing 30th against the run. The Saints knew that they needed to upgrade the interior defensive line and brought in Davon Godchaux
The celling for the Saints interior defensive line might not be very high, but they shouldn't perform as bad as they did last season. The additions of Godcheaux and Broughton are steps in the right direction to turn last seasons awful run defense around and can give you marginal improvement. A jump to bottom half of the league could happen. It's small but better than the bottom-5 finish in 2024.
The Saints have shifted to a 3-4 defense which will require a lot more responsibility from their defensive tackles that will have a strong emphasis at stopping the run. They will be responsible for filling in the A gaps, creating space for the linebackers, and pushing the pocket on passing situations.
Vernon Broughton may elevate the Saints run defense more than Davon Godchaux
"Vernon Broughton certainly looks the part of an NFL defensive tackle with impressive size and great arm length. That helps him be a good run defender, as he’s stout at the point of attack and uses his long arms to help get extension on blocks. He’s hard to move one-on-one and has shown the ability to occasionally split double-teams", B/R Matt Holder stated.
Broughton was drafted by the Saints with pick number 71 in the 3rd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He became a full time starter in his senior season with the Texas Longhorns, recording 39 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 4 sacks.
Broughton will have a slightly different role with the Saints, serving as the 3-4 defensive end where he will rush from different angles and play in more space. Broughton was known for being a very good run defender and should help the Saints instantly.
The Saints struck a deal with the New England Patriots back in March of 2025, bringing in Godchaux for a 2026 7th round pick. He brings brings size, depth, and experience playing in multiple defensive schemes.
The main purpose of acquiring him was to improve the run defense, but he hasn't quite performed well over the last 3 seasons. "The hope with him is that he can be at least somewhat of a solid run defender, but PFF has not given him a positive grade there since he had a 64.5 grade in 2021," Saints Wire's Dylan Sanders wrote. The Saints hope that they can get the same production from his 2021 campaign.