Isaiah Foskey Signs With Saints
New Orleans Saints second-round pick Isaiah Foskey has finally signed his rookie contract with the team. Foskey was the last of the team’s 2023 draft picks that remained unsigned.
In May, the Saints agreed to terms with their six other draft picks. Running back Kendre Miller (third round), G/T Nick Saldiveri (fourth), S Jordan Howden (fifth), and WR A.T. Perry (sixth) signed in mid-May. First-round choice, DT Bryan Bresee, and fourth-round QB Jake Haener agreed to terms the following week.
New Orleans rookies reported for training camp on July 18. Veterans report the following week, on July 25, with the first official practice the next day.
Foskey, a defensive end from Notre Dame, was the ninth pick of the second round and 40th overall selection. He was the first defensive lineman off the board in Day 2 and the fourth defensive end chosen.
The Saints have selected a defensive end in the first or second round in three of the last six drafts. Foskey follows first rounders Marcus Davenport (2018) and Payton Turner (2021). Trey Hendrickson was also selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
A 2022 1st Team All-American, Foskey had 28 tackles for loss and a school-record 26.5 sacks in four years at Notre Dame. In his last two seasons with the Fighting Irish, he had 20.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and forced seven fumbles.
At 6'5" and 264-Lbs., Foskey is an agile defender with underrated power along the edge. He has a repertoire of pass rush moves comparable to a seasoned pro, holds up well at the point of attack, and is also very effective against the run.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey (7) pressures Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Jordan Yates (13). Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY
Saints DE Cameron Jordan is a franchise legend and still playing at a high level, but turns 34 this offseason and enters his 13th season. Davenport departed in free agency and Turner has done nothing in his first two years. Foskey is expected to infuse disruption and explosiveness opposite Jordan and will be an immediate factor in the rotation.
New Orleans had 48 sacks in 2022, fourth highest in the NFL, but ranked near the bottom of the league in hurries and pressures. Jordan contributed 8.5 sacks, but the Saints got just 10 combined sacks from Davenport, Turner, Carl Granderson, and Tanoh Kpassagnon.
