Saints Roster Breakdown: Which five linebackers will crack 53-man roster?

Number One: Alex Anzalone

Alex Anzalone seems like a for sure lock to make the final 53-man roster, but it may not be as big of a lock as some may think. Anzalone, 25, has just one year left on his rookie contract and significant injuries have seen him spend more time off the field rather than playing on it.

Don’t get it twisted, when Anzalone is actually on the field, he’s one of the best linebackers in the NFC. The only issue is the number of games he’s missed due to injuries.

In his three seasons in the NFL, Anzalone has missed 26 games which are more than the number of games he’s played in which is 22.

The Saints usually don’t keep frequently-injured players around for long which is the only reason why he may not be a lock to make the final 53-man roster this season.

I do, however, have him making the final cut because when he’s on the field, he plays very well.

In his 22 games in the NFL, Anzalone has totaled 82 tackles, five tackles for a loss, eight quarterback hits, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. He’s also one of the Saints’ best tacklers, missing just over seven percent of tackles in his last full season back in 2018.

Anzalone appears to be in great shape and is fully healthy and ready to make a strong comeback in 2020. I think he will make the final 53-man roster fairly easily.