One 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate from each division
By Dave Adams
NFC South: Isaiah Foskey, DE, New Orleans Saints – Round 2, Pick 9
Despite ranking fifth in sacks with 48 in 2022, the Saints sought to improve their defensive line this off-season.
In comes second-round pick Isaiah Foskey of Notre Dame, fresh off 22 sacks over the past two seasons. Foskey is a 6’5″, 264 lb., dynamic defensive end, well suited to set the edge vs. the run and to hunt quarterbacks in the passing game.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen will plug Foskey into the starting lineup, along with first-round pick DT Bryan Bresee from Clemson, and have two young foundation pieces for his defense in the wide-open NFC South.
Foskey will be in a prime position to put up solid pass-rushing numbers against conference foes who will start Baker Mayfield (TB), rookie Bryce Young (CAR), and Desmond Ridder (ATL) at quarterback.
Historically, 7.5 (Chase Young’ 20) to 10.5 (Joey Bosa’ 16) sacks will put DEs solidly in the mix for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year; those numbers are realistic possibilities for a player with Foskey’s physical skill set in New Orleans’ established defense.