The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers NFC South position rankings: Defensive ends

By Michael Horan

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive end Noah Spence #57 converge on quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks for the sack during the first quarter of an NFL game on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive end Noah Spence #57 converge on quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks for the sack during the first quarter of an NFL game on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints

The best defensive end in the NFC South resides in New Orleans. Through seven seasons with the Saints, Cameron Jordan has consistently been a threat on the edge and a constant thorn in the side of whichever Buccaneer quarterback is behind center.

In 2018, though, he took his play to the next level. The 29-year-old set a career high in sacks with 13, had the third most tackles for loss in the league with 17 and finished the season as Pro Football Focus’ top-rated defensive end in the league.

Jordan feasted against the Bucs last season. In their two match-ups, the veteran piled up a total of 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Jordan was impressive against the other Southern teams too, registering sacks against each of them.

Starting opposite Jordan this season will be Alex Okafor, who joined the team last season on a one-year deal after beginning his career with the Arizona Cardinals. The Buccaneers pursued Okafor heavily this off-season, but he decided to return to the Saints on a two-year deal.

Okafor’s 2017 season with the Saints was cut short due to a torn Achilles tendon, but when he was on the field the veteran was electric. His 4.5 sacks likely would have reached near 10 if health had allowed.

Rookie Marcus Davenport joins the Saints this year after being drafted 14th overall in the spring and bolsters an already strong group. The UTSA product is a physical freak, measuring in at over 6’7″ and 265 lbs with an overall massive frame.

Davenport dominated at the college level but against lower competition. Leaving questions about whether he’s ready to start from day one (reviews from his senior bowl performance were mixed). With Alex Okafor returning from serious surgery, Davenport’s time as a starter may come quicker than he’s prepared for.

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