Rumph’s experience with Saints DC Brandon Staley may make a difference
A new coaching staff meant the New Orleans Saints would be bringing in a lot of new players, and some of them have clear connections with the guys now calling plays. One good example is Chris Rumph II. We’re counting down the days until the start of the 2025 season, so he’s at the center of attention on Day 98 as the current owner of the No. 98 jersey. So what’s his story? Let’s get to know him a little better:
Rumph earned All-State recognition at F.W. Buchholz High School in Florida and committed to play college football at Duke over offers from other schools like Appalachian State, Vanderbilt, and UCF. He was picked as a freshman All-American by USA Today and finished his Duke career with 17.5 sacks, 35 tackles for loss, ad 125 combined tackles in 36 games. But he’s struggled to bring that production to the pros, with just 3.0 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and 39 combined tackles in 37 NFL games.
Drafted by Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley when he was the Chargers’ head coach back in 2021, Rumph spent the first three years of his career in L.A. working in Staley’s defense, but a foot injury ended his 2024 campaign before it started (after a broken bone in his foot cut his 2023 season short). So he comes to New Orleans as an experienced veteran with a unique body type. You didn’t see the Saints emphasize many undersized edge defenders in Dennis Allen’s defense, but with Staley installing a 3-4 base it makes sense to load up on guys who can rush the quarterback while weighing in at around 240 pounds as opposed to 270.
Will Rumph make the team? He signed with the Saints after the 2025 NFL draft on a one-year contract at the veteran’s minimum, so there isn’t much financial incentive to keep him over other options. His injury history and middling athleticism are concerns; he’ll need to outwork other guys at the bottom of the depth chart like Isaiah Foskey and rookie draft pick Fadil Diggs to win a roster spot behind Chase Young, Carl Granderson, and Cameron Jordan. Rumph’s experience gives him an early edge, but it’s on him to make the most of it.