The New Orleans Saints are very picky when it comes to their defensive ends — actively seeking out oversized edge players who are naturally-stout run defenders that earn sacks with high effort as opposed to speed and flexibility. It’s a prototype that’s hard knock to when it works, as has been the case with Cameron Jordan for more than a decade, but it limits their options in the draft to a frustrating degree. A lot of good players have gotten past the Saints because of poor system fits and athletic limitations.
But it’s an approach we should expect to continue. With that in mind, here are the top five prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL draft who fit what the Saints tend to look for: