Jonas Sanker taking the first team reps at STAR was the biggest story out of the first day of New Orleans Saints organized team activities available to the media. Who would replace Alontae Taylor was one of the biggest talking points of the offseason. It didn't take long to get our answer.
It dominated draft conversations, with many fans hoping to land Caleb Downs. The Saints left the NFL Draft without a player to fill Taylor's shoes put the conversation back to Sanker or Julian Blackmon. The latest development suggests the Saints are making the right choice.
We'll have to monitor the rotation in the upcoming practices. Sanker taking the first team reps on Thursday tells us that he has the lead in the competition. This trend continuing in ensuing practices would be a clear indication that Sanker isn't just the leader. The Saints have landed on him as the starter, with no battle necessary.
Jonas Sanker was easily the Saints' best bet at STAR
It would make a lot of sense if the Saints identified Sanker as the clear cut replacement because he gives the Saints the requisite versatility at the position, puts the best collection of defensive backs on the field and allows for Sanker and Blackmon to be used to their strengths.
The five best defensive backs are Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, Justin Reid, Blackmon and Sanker. The goal should have always been to find a way to get all five on the field in nickel packages. Sanker at nickel accomplishes this the most efficiently.
Blackmon has excelled in his career as a ball hawk. Putting him at deep safety allows him to play to his strength as an eraser on the back end. Blackmon could have played close to the line of scrimmage, but it would have felt like stripping away a crucial part of his game.
Sanker is a physical player who can play in coverage as well. The description falls right in line with what's required from the STAR position. As offenses lean into more tight ends on the field, Sanker should match up well from a physicality and athleticism standpoint.
In addition to his traits, Sanker has experience playing in the slot from his collegiate days. In his sophomore campaign, he played most of his snaps in the slot. The usage diversified in his last two seasons, but Sanker never fully abandoned the slot. The skill set and usage makes Sanker the no brainer selection to step in for Alontae Taylor.
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