Who are the top 5 defensive linemen in the history of the New Orleans Saints?

Yesterday, we unveiled the five best offensive linemen in franchise history.

Today, we go inside the trenches on the defensive side of the ball.

1)---WAYNE MARTIN---In 11 NFL seasons, all with the Saints, Martin appeared in 171 games, including 155 as a starter, compiling 531 tackles, 82.5 sacks, and 13 fumble recoveries. His sack total ranks Martin second on the all-time franchise list, behind former teammate Rickey Jackson. A member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, Martin is arguably the most underrated player is franchise history.

2)---LA'ROI GLOVER---This is high, considering Glover only spent 5 seasons with the Saints, but they were five outstanding seasons, appearing in 79 games, including 65 as a starter, collecting 219 tackles, 50 sacks, and 11 fumble recoveries. A two-time Pro Bowl honoree (2000 and 2001) while a member of the franchise, Glover was a force inside for the Saints.

3)---WILL SMITH---In 9 seasons in the NFL, all with the Saints, Smith played in 139 games, including 120 as a starter, accumulating 324 total tackles, including 57.5 sacks. Sadly, his life was cut short in 2016, but a 2006 Pro Bowler, Smith is considered by many to be the best defensive end in franchise history.

4)---JIM WILKS---He is arguably the best draft choice in franchise history, considering where he was taken, and the production that he provided. A 12th round selection in 1981, Wilks went on to play 13 seasons, while starting 11. He was part of the best defensive unit in franchise history, and was a starter on the first three playoff teams in the history of the organization.

5)---DERLAND MOORE---Did you forget about him? Moore played in 169 games, a club record, over 13 seasons, made on Pro Bowl, and would go on to be inducted into the franchise Hall of Fame. He was the bright spot on a lot of bad defenses in the mid-late 70's, while continuing to produce in the early 80's.

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