Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints knew exactly what they were getting in Junior Galette when they signed him as an undrafted free agent back in 2010. Galette was a raw specimen with great athletic ability, but was still a project in the works. In his fourth season, Galette and the Saints are ready to show off his development over the past few seasons.
Galette is entering the season as a favorite to win one of the starting outside linebacker positions. So far, Galette was playing behind Will Smith at the right-outside linebacker position. But when Victor Butler went down with an injury, Galette also spent some time at the left outside linebacker position. When it comes to Galette, one thing is for certain: he will be a starter for the Saints in 2013.
Galette has been patiently developing and at only 25, he has his entire career ahead of him. Last season in a rotational role, Galette put up career-highs across the board with 20 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble. What’s even more impressive is that he managed those numbers in only 12 games, four games less than the previous season, and he still had more production.
Galette’s improvement must have been the main reason the Saints chose not to draft a pass-rusher with their 15th pick in the 2013 NFL draft, they already had the guy they were looking for. With the switch to a 3-4 defense Galette will only get better and will emerge as the Saints’ best pass-rusher. Mark my words; Galette will be a game changer for the Saints next season.
Given his great athletic ability and his ever-improving skills, Galette could easily become the best player on the Saints’ defensive line next season. Saints fans should be very excited about Galette next season because he will emerge as a defensive force and finally give the Saints that great pass-rusher they have been looking for.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312
