He could become a star in the league, a player that the fans will remember for decades. But for now, Danny Stutsman will have to get through his first offseason in the NFL.
Stutsman was taken in the fourth round back in April. He was one of five defensive players the New Orleans Saints took and has the potential to make a real impact in his first go-around in the NFL. He has shown that he has a high football IQ, he's very aggressive on the field, and if he proves he's not all show, it would be a big win for the defense. Demario Davis may be retiring soon, and it can't all be on Pete Werner's shoulders.
However, he does not automatically hold the third linebacker spot and will face competition from De'Marco Jackson, Nephie Sewell, Jaylan Ford, Isiaiah Stalbird, and Tyreem Powell for that position on the depth chart. Stutsman will have to wait for training camp to truly earn a stake in the Saints defense of the future.
Danny Stutsman can position himself as a part of the Saints future defensive core as a rookie
In his final season playing college football, Stutsman proved to be one of the top run-defending linebackers at that level, with a run-defense grade of 90.9 on Pro Football Focus—the second best in the country. The Saints run defense has been deteriorating for a few years. Grabbing someone on the second level who excels in defending the run is a natural fit.
A team captain while in Norman, Stutsman could help the defense not just in 2025, but beyond that as well. He has the potential to be one of the future faces of the defense. Stutsman should be able to relieve some of the load on Davis and Werner in his rookie season, all while, as he puts it, becoming a sponge and absorbing as much information as possible.
That should also allow Stutsman time to improve before fully getting into the swing of things.