As currently constructed, it feels easy to predict who will start in the Saints secondary. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley will be your boundary corners. Justin Reid has one of the safety position on lock. Jonas Sanker and Julian Blackmon will fill the other safety spot and STAR role. The question is typically which guy plays where. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport threw a curveball by including Jordan Howden.
Replacing Alontae Taylor isn't going to be an easy task, but Davenport clearly thinks Howden is the best option. Davenport specified Howden, also a safety, will start for the Saints in the slot. Davenport completed the back end with Reid and Blackmon.
This left Sanker as the odd man out, which would be not only unlikely but a disappointing result. Sanker had a strong rookie campaign, and he looked like a budding star. It's difficult to believe he would lose a role in the starting lineup completely.
STAR comes down to Jonas Sanker vs. Julian Blackmon
Howden has been solid at times when playing. Under different circumstances, Howden starting would make some sense. He's flashed some potential, and his time in Staley's defense suggests he's worth a shot in the slot... if there wasn't a better option right there.
Howden flashed potential, but Sanker flashed more. Staley has wanted Blackmon on his team for years. Both of these players have a leg up on Howden for different reasons. It would take a strong camp to pry the job away from either Sanker or Blackmon.
Blackmon's super power being his coverage over the top makes me lean more towards Sanker as the option at STAR. Sanker's impressive rookie campaign showcased a young player who can make impact on the game. Replacing Taylor would be a change of position, but Sanker has the intelligence and tenacity to adapt well to the change.
The third most likely player to play in the slot is Riley. He's the Saints' other starting corner, and the Saints won't create a void on the outside just to bolster the slot. Riley will remain on the outside unless the team finds someone who can take over as the starter at a quality level. The Saints play in nickel packages too often to operate under any other premise.
Martin Emerson has starting experience, and the Saints brought him in this offseason. There's completely he can return to form after the injury. If he rises up as a true starting caliber cornerback, it opens the door to try Riley at STAR. Otherwise, it'll remain Sanker vs. Blackmon.
Add us as a preferred source on Google