2014 Season Preview: 5 Questions with Who Dat Dish
By Mike Praser
Can you tell us about a player on the roster who hasn’t reached the spotlight but you feel will be a difference maker in 2014?
May 29, 2014; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks (76) during offseason team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
I have two choices, and they are both on defense: Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and nose tackle John Jenkins. They are both underrated players when you scan over the Rob Ryan defense. Hicks has made more noise each season, and is poised for a breakout year. Most of the attention shifts to the opposite side with Cam Jordan and Junior Galette, so Hicks is in a prime position to be a quarterback’s worst nightmare. As for Jenkins, he did have to have some offseason surgery, but as a rookie, Jenkins was able to unseat veteran Brodrick Bunkley as the team’s starting nose tackle. I believe he was one of the most important reasons for the Saints improved rush defense.