Saints' under-the-radar strength gets disrespected once again

The New Orleans Saints defense have a very impressive linebacker group for the upcoming season. In a talented, veteran group on defense, the LB unit stands out among them all. We will see how they mesh with a new addition to the top trio.

Pro Football Focus ranked every linebacker group in the NFL. 

Saints linebacker group ranked 9th in NFL by PFF

Demario Davis, 35, will eventually start to decline, but not yet. He has now put together six straight seasons of earning a 75.0-plus PFF grade. Willie Gay joined the Saints in free agency, and while he endured his lowest-graded season in the NFL last year, he has proven himself to be a solid player in the past. -- PFF

The ranking is not quite accurate. I don't think PFF is giving the group quite as  much credit as it deserves around the league. 

The trio of Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Willie Gay Jr. deserves to be in the top five based on their recent performance and fit together as a group. 

The Saints' group is better, overall, than those from the New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns. You could argue the Saints get the nod over the Jacksonville Jaguars, too.

Davis is a top five linebacker in the league, even in his mid-30s. 

A late bloomer in the NFL, Demario Davis has become a genuine force since signing with the Saints in 2019. He’s received a first- or second-team All-Pro nod in five consecutive seasons and has been named a Pro Bowler the last two. His 6.5 sacks in 2023 ranked second among off-ball linebackers. -- Dallas Robinson, Pro Football Network

Werner has consistently shown what it takes to be the second LB in a strong unit. His play in pass coverage as a linebacker is unique, even when his run defense can have its flaws at some times. 

The addition of Willie Gay Jr. is what takes the unit to the next level. 

He provides depth and upside that the defense has not possessed at LB in recent years. His athleticism will be really important to New Orleans in 2024. Expect him to make some clutch stops for the Saints.

All in all, the group does not receive enough shine. The latest power ranking is yet another example.