The anticipation for what the New Orleans Saints can potentially be on offense is high, and rightfully so with quarterback Derek Carr on board. But the Saints are driven by their defense. 

Cam Jordan is the most respected on that side of the ball, but the straw that stirs the drink is linebacker Demario Davis. Since arriving in New Orleans in 2018, Davis has tallied more than 100 tackles each year as well as four All-Pro nods.

New Orleans had to get Carr, especially after the pedestrian quarterback play they got in 2022. He's certainly the most important piece to the puzzle, but Pro Football Focus believes Davis tops the list outside of him. 

The Saints are loaded with name recognition. Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore, Cam Jordan and Michael Thomas are chief among them. But their most important, and best, player is Demario Davis. He is their defensive leader and their most irreplaceable player.

Davis had another spectacular year in 2022, posting an 82.7 grade that ranked fourth among qualified linebackers. He had a career-high nine sacks along with an interception and four pass breakups, which still sells his impact short. He was one of just three qualified linebackers to grade above 73.0 in run defense, coverage and pass rush. He’s also consistent, grading out as the third-best linebacker in the NFL since he arrived in New Orleans in 2018. Davis is the glue that holds the Saints together. –Dalton Wasserman, PFF 

Davis is still flying around sideline to sideline as a run defender after over a decade plus he gets after the quarterback, 36 sacks for a linebacker is nothing to sneeze at. That's due in large part to Davis logging over 100 snaps on the defensive line in three of the last four seasons, making him an all-purpose type of defender. 

As the quarterback of the defense, Davis is the essential piece of the best unit in New Orleans which makes him as important as any player.

Major outlet sings the praises of Saints defender

He’s one of the best.

Feature image via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports