Junior Galette has come a long way from his rookie year, when the NEw Orleans Saints signed him as an undrafted free agent out of tiny Stillman College in 2010.

Then again, he insists his journey has not been that unusual. His rookie year was rough (four games, two tackles). He improved significantly in his second season (27 tackles, 4.5 sacks). Now, he appears ready to play a pivotal role as a third-down pass-rush specialist for the Saints in year three.

“It’s natural for all NFL defensive ends,” Galette said. “It’s very rare that you see first-year defensive ends just go off. If they do, God bless them. The key thing is making progress. I’m progressing in my game overall. That’s all I worry about.”

On the first defensive series of last Thursday night’s preseason game with New England, Galette chased QB Tom Brady out of the pocket and into the arms of fellow DE Will Smith, who forced a fumble the Saints recovered. It was the type of pressure Galette has been getting in practice throughout training camp, earning profuse praise from interim coach Joe Vitt.

“Of all the years I’ve been in the National Football League, I don’t think I’ve seen anybody grow mentally, emotionally and stability wise as much as Junior Galette has the last three years,” Vitt said. “He’s a self-made guy. He’s had to prove himself every step of the way. There’s been nothing handed to this man.”

With Smith suspended for the first four games of the regular season for his role in the bounty scandal, Galette could become an every-down player and the latest of several undrafted free agents to start for New Orleans, joining RBs Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory and WR Lance Moore.

The odds for Galette did not look good when was kicked out of Temple in 2009 for a series of undisclosed issues. He saw it differently.

“If was to tell you I didn’t believe I’d be here, I’d be lying to you,” he said. “I actually believed I’d be here two years ago, but God has a plan for everybody. It’s a humbling experience to come from Stillman and Temple and all the adverse situations I’ve been through.”

The Saints are counting on him this year. The defensive line produced a paltry 16.5 sacks in 2010,  but his 4.5 in a limited role trailed only Smith’s 6.5 as a starter. That number will rise Galette continues to improve.

“He’s a productive player,” defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. “He affects the rush, gets his hands on balls, makes tackles, pressures the quarterback, gets him off his spot. That’s the first thing you look for.” 

Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNO.