The New Orleans Saints generated a modest 39 sacks and 84 QB hits during the 2024-25 season. Worse yet, Saints edge rushers accounted for only 17 of those sacks as a group.
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to use more of a 3-4 scheme this season. The Saints also re-signed edge rusher Chase Young in free agency. However, the team did very little to improve this position with other moves.
Chris Rumph II was signed in free agency, but has been little more than a minor contributor in his career. New Orleans waited until the seventh round of the draft to add an edge rusher, selecting Fadil Diggs out of Syracuse University.
Diggs has some raw potential. Another possible gem is a player the Saints brought in as an undrafted rookie.
Jasheen Davis, Edge (Wake Forest)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Jasheen Davis (30) rushes against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
After a three-star recruit career at Shiloh High School in Georgia, Davis was successfully recruited by Wake Forest, but saw the field very little as a freshman in 2020. He was a much bigger part of the rotation in 2021, finishing with 5.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss to finish third on the team in both stats.
Over his last three years, Davis led the Demon Deacons in both sacks and stops for loss each season. He had 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2022. His career-best output came in 2023, with 7.5 sacks and 17 stops for negative yardage. Despite missing two games last year, he still finished with 12 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Davis has an NFL frame at 6'3" and 270-Lbs. However, he lacks the ideal length and wingspan that NFL teams prefer in edge rushers. Additionally, he hasn't shown a lot of bend or flexibility in his rush arcs around the edge.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is pressured by Wake Forest defensive lineman Jasheen Davis (30). Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images
As a pass rusher, Davis has been guilty of relying too much on his raw speed rather than power moves or a counter rush plan. His lack of power limits him to a stand-up rusher or situational role over an every down end in 4-3 alignments.
Against the run, Davis is often pushed around at the point of attack and has difficulty standing his ground. He's had a hard time disengaging from blocks to make a play on ball carriers. A high pad level will often nullify any chance of a leverage advantage as a pass rusher and against the run.
Davis has an explosive first step and impressive snap timing that gives him instant advantages over blockers. He does show a variation of initial moves, making him difficult to block early in reps.
Davis has good closing speed on the ball. When lined up off the line of scrimmage or out wide of tackles, he shows excellent recognition of running lanes or gaps in blocking. His relentless motor keeps blockers on their toes through the whistle on every play.
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Ben Wooldridge (10) throws under pressure from Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Jasheen Davis (30). Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jasheen Davis does not project to be an every down defender until he can markedly improve his run defense. However, he has the ability to be an immediate contributor as a situational pass rusher. Those pass rushing skills, with improved counter moves, could make him a staple for a defense as a stand-up/wide rusher.
Another key to Davis taking a roster spot are his special teams abilities. He showed exceptional timing on field goal block units and punt return squads along the line of scrimmage.
Over the past several years, the Saints lacked athleticism along the edge of their defense. This need only increases with a switch to more 3-4 alignments. While still raw and not yet a complete defender, Davis' speed along the edge could upgrade the New Orleans pass rush.
