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The Safeties for the New Orleans Saints in 2017 were Kenny Vaccaro, Marcus Williams, Vonn Bell, Rafael Bush, and Chris Banjo.
Banjo played primarily on special teams (where he was an above-average special teamer) and Bush was mostly a reserve player in 2017. Kenny Vaccaro was supposed to be the season-long starter, but missed time due to injuries and benching. Vonn Bell stepped up as a starter in Vaccaro’s place, and 2017 2nd Round Pick Marcus Williams - “Minnesota Miracle” notwithstanding - had a Defensive Rookie of the Year caliber season.
Vaccaro’s contract expired at season’s end, and he remains on the free agent market. The Saints signed S Kurt Coleman, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, early in free agency, presumably to replace the body at Safety.
So here’s why they’re better in 2018:
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Vaccaro, while a strong tackler in the box, struggled during the 2017 with coverage and penalties. The addition of Kurt Coleman should help with some of that.
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It would be an understatement to say Coleman had a down year in 2017, but he has an established track record of being an above-average Free Safety. He played Free Safety in 2015 and 2016, combining 11 total interceptions in both years. He struggled at Strong Safety with the Panthers in 2017, but Vonn Bell should have that position locked down in 2018.
Vonn Bell will be entering his third year in the NFL, and has proven that he deserves to be a starter. Marcus Williams will look to make strides in his second year, and could be ready torment opposing offenses all season long.
Marcus had 57 tackles, and 4 interceptions in 15 games played in 2017. Mark my words: Marcus Williams will be even better in 2018.