Top 10 New Orleans Saints to watch at training camp: No. 2, Stephone Anthony
The New Orleans Saints get back to work Wednesday when their first day of training camp kicks off tomorrow from The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. With a handful of intriguing prospects to watch this summer, our list continues at No. 2 with rookie linebacker Stephone Anthony.
Since OTAs and minicamp got underway, the second of two first-round picks (thanks to the Jimmy Graham trade) has stood out well at the “Mike” linebacker position, testing David Hawthorne and his job security.
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The 6-foot-3, 243 pound Stephone Anthony has the size, speed (top performer at combine with a 4.56 40-yards dash), strength and pursuit to be a force in the middle and cover the field from sideline to sideline. He can play the run and the pass – both were areas of weakness in New Orleans a season ago.
He has the physical tools and motor to come in and compete immediately for a starting role with a great chance of long-term success at the next level. He was the leader of that stout Clemson defense and could come on to do the exact same thing in the Big Easy.
Sean Payton has praised Stephone Anthony for his work up to this point, but there is much room for growth and development.
"“I think he has good instincts. There’s an installation each day, or every other day. There’s been some real good plays, and then some plays where we’ll go back and watch it on film and try to make the corrections.” – Sean Payton"
With the start to training camp less than 24 hours away, we’ll get a better idea of how Anthony will fit in and be utilized, but so far, so good. While I’m not going to drool over Anthony’s talents just yet, they are undeniable. We could be looking at the next play caller on the Saints defense sooner rather than later. But first he must fight an uphill battle on a new level of football against Hawthorne, Dannell Ellerbe and Ramon Humber. Still, be excited, Who Dat Nation.
Next: BREAKING: Saints release Brodrick Bunkley
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