Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman decided to examine the NFL's linebackers to determine who the most talented units were heading into 2025. Coming in at the eighth spot was the New Orleans Saints.
Demario Davis and Pete Werner carry the Saints LB corps
The Saints' linebacking unit is led by veteran Demario Davis, who shows no sign of slowing down and earned a PFF grade of 73.2 last season. He has been in the top 20 in PFF's overall grades in each season he's had in New Orleans. That has to be the primary reason New Orleans is ranked so highly, but it also helps that Pete Werner, his right-hand man, had his best season since his rookie year in 2024, with a PFF grade of 69.0. However, behind them is a drop-off in terms of experience.
However, behind them is a drop-off in terms of experience. Other linebackers in the unit are D'Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, Jaylan Ford, Tyreem Powell, and Isaiah Stalbird.
Both Jackson and Sewell have mainly been core special teamers for the Saints, but in a new defensive scheme, they could see more time at their natural position. Ford and Stalbird are second-year guys with little playing time, and Powell is an undrafted rookie.
There is also Danny Stutsman, a rookie out of Oklahoma who was taken in the fourth round back in April. And, while his pass coverage may be a crutch—he finished with a coverage grade of 46.3 on PFF in 2024—he could contribute significantly in the run game, as he finished with a PFF run-defense grade of 90.9 in his final college season.
The former All-American says he brings energy and intensity to the field as well. "Anytime I step on that field, I'm ferocious." Stutsman said after getting drafted. "I'm just going to bring effort and leave it all out there."