Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Final 32-team breakdown ahead of the 2018 draft

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts before the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts before the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

team. 15. . . Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 4

Remember when the Saints were a defense-lacking, air-it-out offense that relied almost entirely on quarterback Drew Brees?

It seems like ages ago now, especially after New Orleans churned out one of the best defensive efforts we’ve seen in some time and got league-leading production (6.1 yards per carry) out of then-rookie running back Alvin Kamara in 2017.

It makes sense. After all, Brees just turned 39 years old and, like another couple of quarterbacks here, will be hitting his swan song in the near future. Why not change up the format a bit for future’s sake?

Defensive Rookie of the Year recipient, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, headlines a standout secondary made only stronger by the addition of defensive back Patrick Robinson. And while there are some tweaks that could be made to the front seven, all signs are pointing to New Orleans’ defense being just as good, if not better, this season.

It’s a good thing too. The NFC South is going to be tough again this year, and the Saints will need to maintain their hold atop the leader board here.