The New Orleans Saints have Demario Davis’ replacement waiting in the wings, and his name is Danny Stutsman. When the Saints drafted Stutsman in the fourth round, there was a hope that Stutsman could be a key part of the linebacker corps moving forward. That could be pushing Pete Werner this year or stepping up for Davis later down the line. So far, Stutsman has proven those hopes valid by displaying two critical traits.
There’s no need to rush the timeline of Davis retiring. Werner isn’t suddenly in a battle for his job. The rookie has flashed enough to spark belief that the Saints have properly planned ahead to have their next leader in the room. That’s enough to get excited about without being hyperbolic.
It’s important to remember it’s still training camp, and we haven’t made to a preseason game. It would be premature to make any bold proclamations without seeing Stutsman against another team. Through nearly two weeks of practice, however, Stutsman has shown traits to eventually be Davis’ successor.
Danny Stutsman showing the traits need in their LBs post-Demario Davis
Calling Stutsman Davis’ successor is a big statement and comes with a lot of pressure. However, it’s not the same as saying he’ll push his way into the starting lineup in 2025. Stutsman projecting as Davis’ replacement is more about where he can reach opposed to where he currently is. It’s also a conversation based around traits more than anything else.
Davis was an All-Pro player for a half-decade straight. Stutsman may never make one, but the reason he projects as Davis’ replacement is the athleticism and communication Stutsman is already showing.
Interestingly, the first thing Kellen Moore highlighted about Stutsman wasn't a physical attribute but rather his communication. "He does a really good job communicating at a really high level," Moore said. "You can hear him on the field, which is a good thing when you're the middle linebacker. I love hearing those guys." Stutsman already taking charge as a rookie is noteworthy, as it projects to who he'll be long-term.
NewOrleans.Football recently shared a compilation of plays Stutsman made during Saturday's practice. Through the compilation, Stutsman’s athleticism is on full display. The first play of the cut up shows it the best. Kendre Miller caught a checkdown, and Stutsman came from out of the frame to knock him down.
Stutsman chased down Chris Olave on a jet sweep during an earlier practice. It wasn’t live tackling, but the play likely would have resulted in a tackle for a loss. This was probably the best example of the speed he brings at the position.
For Werner’s strengths, speed isn’t one of them. He hasn’t shown the ability to fly around the field. That’s been Davis’ game. Werner also hasn’t had to be the voice on the field, due to Davis rarely missing a game.
Stutsman has shown ranginess. He’s already showing the ability to command the defense vocally. When Demario Davis finally steps away from the game, it'll be difficult to find a linebacker as good as he was. Stutsman can use those traits, however, to step into a Demario Davis-esque role.
Showing these traits throughout the preseason may cause the clamoring for a bigger role for the rookie. The athleticism is equally attractive next to Demario as it is replacing Davis. For now, however, we'll allow Stutsman the time and patience to develop. The traits are there, though.