Saints Linebacker Kasim Edebali Could Also Benefit From Galette’s Release

After the unexpected, but not surprising, release of outside linebacker Junior Galette yesterday by the New Orleans Saints, there had to be relief amongst some players.

Notably it was mentioned by Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller that he spoke with several of Galette’s former teammates that said he had become a “cancer” in the locker room.

Also NOLA.com’s Larry Holder revealed that although we knew former defensive tackle Brandon Deadrick was involved in a brawl in the Saints locker room, it was actually Galette who he fought with.

Yes several players are probably pretty happy that Galette is no longer with the Saints and not just strictly for attitude purposes.

Galette’s release offers the opportunity for others to get a shot at moving up the depth chart and snagging a roster spot.

Linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha with Assistant Head Coach / Linebackers Coach Joe Vitt at New Orleans Saints OTA’s. Photo by Michael C. Hebert. New Orleans Saints Photos.

Of course second round pick Hau’oli Kikaha and veteran Anthony Spencer have gotten the most buzz as two who will benefit from Galette’s absence.

Kikaha has an aura of promise after being a dominant pass rusher in college and genuinely seems like he can make the transition that many are expecting.

More from Big Easy Believer

• New Orleans Saints: Three biggest questions heading into the offseason
• New Orleans Saints: Three positives to take from playoff loss
• New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide vs. Sacramento Kings
• New Orleans Saints: Bold predictions for Wild Card Round vs. Vikings
• New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide in Los Angeles Lakers rematch

Spencer is fighting to prove he still has some gas left in the tank after battling injuries and falling from a coveted player for the Dallas Cowboys to signing a humble one-year deal with the Saints.

Of the two, Spencer could get receive a huge bump in reps at training camp simply due to the inexperience of Kikaha, but I wouldn’t count him out from putting a lot of pressure on the veteran.

One player lost in the shuffle who could quietly see his status, as well as his position, go up on the depth chart is Kasim Edebali.

Signed last year as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College, he took a somewhat similar path to Galette when he became a Saint.

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (43) runs while pursued by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Kasim Edebali (91) in the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Edebali showed flashes of his pass rushing ability and even became stuck like glue to Junior to learn on crafting his technique.

Ironically Edebali even modeled his stance after Galette’s, leaned over in a dive-bomber pushup position merely balancing on the tips of his fingers.

Also like Galette he performed better at pass rushing situations than he did at trying to stop the run.

Edebali had his best game against the Green Bay Packers where he only played 20 snaps but registered 2 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Oct 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Kasim Edebali (91) knocks the ball out of the hands of Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Green Bay 44-23. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

He would finish 2014 with 22 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble, which may not be huge but is better than his once highly paid mentor who only registered 4 total tackles his rookie year.

While he probably wasn’t in any danger of being cut or losing his spot outright, his chances of seeing more repetitions at training camp have increased.

More from Editorials

• Pelicans PG Jrue Holiday Poised For Career-Defining Season
• GRADES: Pelicans Make their Mark on 2016 Draft
• Different Year, Same Questions for QB Harris and LSU
• How Danny Ferry Can Reverse Course on the Pelicans’ Future
• Saints Need to Avoid Being “Sucker Punched” in 2016

In turn that opens the opportunity for increased playing time during the regular season where as last year he only averaged a snap count in the mid-teens.

Of course Edebali will need to look ahead and over his shoulder because veteran Parys Haralson and Ronald Powell are seated just above and below him respectively.

If the second year player can build on what he started in 2014, we could very well see him in the same position as former teacher was in his second season.

On that note, Saints fans can only hope though that it’s Edebali’s skill that grows and not his attitude………

Next: With Galette Gone, Saints Are Riding the Pineapple Express in 2015