Will David Replicate Success In New Orleans?

I like Jason David and the job he’s done with Indianapolis, but I have concerns whether David and New Orleans are an ideal match. 

David is a good athlete who has plays tough for his size.  He plays smart and displays good football instincts.  He was a natural fit in the Colts’ cover-2 scheme, but will have to make a significant adjustment in New Orleans.  The Saints will ask David to play in a lot more man coverage.  David has the speed and fluid ability to run with receivers downfield, but he’ll have trouble matching up against the bigger and more physical receivers downfield.  He’ll also has trouble in run support at times.  David isn’t afraid to get aggressive like the Saints like from their corners and has the ability to make plays, but his lack of size is a concern here.

The Saints entered the off-season with a major hole behind Mike McKenzie at cornerback and will represent an upgrade over Fred Thomas in the starting lineup.  Thomas was vulnerable to giving up big plays last season and is better suited to becoming a nickel corner. 

David is the second significant addition to the secondary this spring.  Kevin Kaesviharn arrived from Cincinnati earlier this off-season to provide competition at free safety with young, but inconsistent Josh Bullocks.   Kaesviharn is a very instinctive pass defender who has a nose for the ball against the pass despite his ordinary athleticism.  The Saints will also count on Roman Harper at strong safety following a knee injury last fall.  Harper will provide good toughness in run support and show grow as a leader. 

The presence of David and Kaesviharn should be felt in the Saints' secondary this season as both are very instinctive defenders who should bring some added life to their defense. 

Broncos add linebacker help:  Following the departure of Al Wilson and the likelihood of D.J. Williams moving to the middle, the Broncos added veteran insurance at linebacker with the signing of Warrick Holdman.  Holdman started on the weakside the past couple years in Washington.  Inconsistency has always been a problem with Holdman due to his lack of physical skills and injury problems throughout his career.  Holdman could be an adequate fit with Denver as Jim Bates installs his defensive scheme.  Bates likes to build around good athletes at linebacker.  Holdman is a space player who can run and also displays good cover skills. 

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