As good as the New Orleans Saints defense is there are still some places that they can address in the offseason. Before we take a look at some players that we will be getting some more film on this year, let’s take a look at some defenders to keep an eye on that have opted out of the 2021 NCAA football season or play in a conference not participating this year.

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Jaylen Twyman - Pittsburgh

Pitt certainly has a history of DT with the number 97. There you see Twyman on one side and a man you may have heard of, Aaron Donald, on the other.

Twyman decided to opt out and focus on the NFL after a stellar sophomore season. In 13 games, he amassed 12 TFLs and 10.5 sacks. You may think they don’t need to worry about a starting DL, but the Saints have to be ready for a future without Sheldon Rankins. He has a possibility of not being on the roster next year and potentially being a casualty of the sheer amount of players they need to pay. Twyman is super quick with a lot of strength. He has a great chance at being an elite pass rusher in the NFL. Similar game to Aaron Donald, which makes sense due to college and the fact that Donald is Twyman’s idol.

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Ambry Thomas - Michigan

Thomas is certainly in the second tier of cornerbacks in this class overall, but has a lot of potential and time to learn in the New Orleans system. He’s very fast with great height and length. Usually with corners, you have to choose one or the other. He’s already talented as a press corner, and has shown zone potential. This is a guy that I think could push as high as the second-round in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Thomas has also shown a ton of heart and fight. In June 2019, he was in the hospital for nearly a month due to a fight with colitis, losing 35 pounds. By mid-August he had gained all of his weight back and was practicing with the team.

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Baron Browning - Ohio State

Browning was a five-star recruit coming out of high school due to his instincts, athleticism, and frame. He’s an explosive and fast 6’4 240 pound linebacker. He has maintained his talent, but has flown more under the radar due to an ever stacked linebacker group at Ohio State. Still, last year he was able to get 11 TFLs and flew into the backfield for 5 sacks. He would immediately the fastest player in the Saints LB room. Expect to see him be a star in Mobile for the Senior Bowl this year.

The only thing is, do the Saints really like drafting players out of Ohio State?

Who of these would you look forward to seeing on the Saints the most? Vote in the poll. Explain in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @DillySanders.