New Orleans Saints could fix one of their biggest issues from last season without even using their first-round pick on it

The New Orleans Saints used to be known for their run defense. In 2024, that was still the case - but for the opposite reason. It was not good for most of the season. Scheme problem or a lack of talent? 

We could find out in the upcoming season, with young Bryan Bresee set to hold a major role in Brandon Staley's defense. Regardless, adding interior DL talent is a must, and the Saints may have some specific players on their radar to aid their run defense. 

Value on day two along the DL

The defensive line class, particularly on the interior may entice the Saints during this year's draft. Why's that? 

It is unlikely the Saints take a DT in round one - if Michigan's Mason Graham is not on the board. I do not foresee them selecting Walter Nolen or Kenneth Grant with the ninth overall selection. 

I figure they'll look elsewhere with that top pick in their class. Accordingly, some depth to the DL class will come into play for New Orleans. 

3 names to know

The draft team at A to Z Sports recently updated their positional rankings for the DT prospects. Three names stand out to me as day two players that may interest the Saints. 

Alfred Collins

Texas' Alfred Collins is one of the best run-stoppers in this stacked DT class. His lack of sack production may have some fans thinking he isn't a sexy selection, but his ability and strength in the run game are impressive to watch. The highest he came in on any of our draft contributors rankings was seventh by one of our rankers, and he also received two ninth-place rankings. -- Rob Gregson

Collins was the highest in the rankings for this trio. His impact was felt in a big way this past season, after the Longhorns lost a ton of their DL talent during last year's draft.

T.J. Sanders

South Carolina's TJ Sanders received two votes to be seventh, though he landed ninth on our list. Sanders has great size at 6'5" and 300 lbs and can play all over the interior of the line. He projects as a player who can impact the game in both the passing and running game, which should help him carve out a three-down role later in his career. -- Rob Gregson

This is a ceiling play with Sanders' stature. He showed some inconsistency in 2024, but if New Orleans trusts their staff's development skills, Sanders would make a lot of sense for them.

Darius Alexander

Toledo's Darius Alexander is one of the biggest draft risers in the DT class to date. He turned heads at the Senior Bowl with a great week of practice. At 6'4" and 320 lbs, he has the size to fill multiple roles at DT for a team. One of our contributors is very high on the Toledo product, as they ranked Alexander sixth in a very talented DT class. -- Rob Gregson

Senior Bowl standouts always rise during mock drafts around right now. Alexander seems headed towards a round two or three selection, and New Orleans could strike with one of their three picks on day two. 

All three of these guys are widely projected to go on day two. I won't be shocked at all if New Orleans targets one to help their run defense next season and beyond.