DBs Saints are watching at Scouting Combine

By Ross Jackson

INDIANAPOLIS — Defensive line and linebackers Combine drills are in the books and both yielded valuable results for the New Orleans Saints. The team is expected to invest heavily in their fronts this offseason with  new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley likely bringing in some scheme adjustments and role changes.

While the defensive line will get a lot of attention, the Saints have some underrated needs on the backend as well. With starting cornerback Paulson Adebo potentially heading to free agency and the future at safety still in question beyond 2025, both positions could see some attention throughout the free agency and draft process.

Here are a few of the many names that would be worth keeping an eye on at both cornerback and safety when drills and workouts kickoff on Friday afternoon.

Safeties:

South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori

• 6-foot-3
• 227 pounds
• Career stats: 6 interceptions, 11 passes defended, 4 tackles for a loss

Georgia S Malaki Starks

• 6-foot-1
• 205 pounds
• Career stats: 6 interceptions, 17 passes defended, 6 tackles for a loss

Penn State S Jaylen Reed

• 6-foot
• 212 pounds
• Career stats: 5 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 13 tackles for a loss

Cornerbacks:

Texas CB Jahdae Barron

• 5-foot-11
• 200 pounds
• Career stats: 8 interceptions, 24 passes defended

Kansas CB Cobee Bryant

• 5-foot-11
• 171 pounds
• Career stats: 13 interceptions, 22 passes defended

Cal CB Nohl Williams

• 6-foot-1
• 200 pounds
• Career stats: 14 interceptions, 25 passes defended