Grading every New Orleans Saints pick from the 2021 NFL Draft

Saints draft pick: Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State

THE Ohio State University has a great history of producing solid defensive talent. Marshon Lattimore and former Saints Vonn Bell and Eli Apple both came from Ohio State, as did Michael Thomas.

As for the Buckeyes, they had multiple players taken in the draft, and two of their linebackers came off the board within the first four rounds. Pete Werner, who plays more of an inside linebacker, was taken before Baron Browning, who was typically mocked as the better prospect.

Werner was the 60th pick in the draft. He’ll help fill holes left by the exodus of Alex Anzalone and the release of Kwon Alexander.

Werner is a solid athlete. “In his pro day, Werner logged a 4.62 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical, and a 6.9 three-cone,” the Saints team website noted. 

During his last season with the Buckeyes, who made the National Championship, Werner totaled 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and 1.0 sacks in 8 games. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Werner has good size.

He was taken a bit prematurely with other top talents on the board. Again, we hope for nothing but the best, and this was a position the Saints needed. With both those in mind, the Saints grade here still reflects the slight jump for Werner and the need as compared to other positions.

Grade: C+