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Saints 2026 training camp preview: Taking stock of the defensive line

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3 hours ago

25 July 2026

NewsAdmin

During the offseason, the New Orleans Saints made a clear effort to add pieces to their defensive line. In doing so, the expectation is also on improving a run defense that has struggled the last three years. The Saints ranked 19th against the run and 6th in average per carry allowed in 2025. That was a vast improvement on 31st in each category the previous season and their 2023 ranking of 22nd in both categories. Still, it is clear that New Orleans wanted more muscle in the middle to go along with a couple already solid pieces up front. Our training camp previews at Saints Wire continues with a look at this important position.

On the roster: Bryan Bresee, Vernon Broughton, Nathan Shepherd, Christen Miller (rookie), Zxavian Harris (rookie), John Ridgeway III, Davon Godchaux, Khristian Boyd, Myles Cole, Keeshawn Silver (rookie), Jay’Viar Suggs (rookie)
Offseason additions: Miller, Harris, Silver, Suggs

Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, and Chase Young will of course see some snaps as a more traditional defensive end in some alignments or situations. They’ll be included when we break down the team’s edge rushers. This focuses more on the interior linemen, a position that needs far more production and disruption.

Bryan Bresee entered 2025 with some concerns over how he’d fit in a Brandon Staley scheme that runs more 3-4 fronts. Bresee responded with a solid year. However, he recorded only 2.5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss despite double-digit pressures. Bresee will again be a big part of the defense in 2026, but must become a more consistent finisher.Vernon Broughton is among the potential breakout candidates this year for the Saints. An early third round choice in the 2025 NFL Draft, Broughton was a disruptive presence with the Texas Longhorns. The Saints never got to see that because Broughton had his rookie season ended in Week 2 with a hip injury. Look for Broughton to push hard for a starting role opposite Bresee as a 3-4 end and also see some reps inside when the Saints use a four-man line.

Currently holding the spot opposite Bresee is Nathan Shepherd, who has been a steady veteran. Shepherd had 14 pressures in 2025, but just 3 sacks and 4 stops for loss. Like Bresee, he’s a very good tackle in four-man fronts but New Orleans needs more finishes from him from their three down linemen fronts.

Shepherd, Bresee, and Broughton make up a good rotation with nice versatility. Where the Saints have had a major deficiency is at nose tackle, where they lack a traditional big-bodied run-stopper. Godchaux, Ridgeway, and Boyd have not turned heads in that role. Ridgeway is perhaps the most consistent of the three, but each seem perched on the roster bubble as training camp begins.

Outlining that is the fact that four rookie defensive tackles were brought in by the Saints during the offseason. Second round pick Christen Miller is expected to start in the middle and has formidable strength to go along with underrated quickness. Zxavian Harris brings a combination of power, size, and athleticism that should make him a factor if off field problems are behind. Silver and Suggs, also undrafted, could still push Godchaux, Ridgeway, and Boyd for their spots on the roster.

In Brandon Staley’s system, the Saints don’t necessarily need a double-digit sack performance from a down lineman. The edge rushers are featured in their pass rush scheme. However, the defense needs Bresee, Broughton, and Shepherd to finish plays on a more consistent basis. Additionally, this group must tie up double-teams and push the line of scrimmage backwards more effectively, setting up one-on-one chances for the outside playmakers. This is something that the interior has failed to do for three seasons and why the Saints spent a second round draft choice on Miller. The improvement of the interior defensive line won’t necessarily fill up a stat sheet, but will be key for the 2026 New Orleans defense.