The New Orleans Saints’ selection of Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman in the 2025 NFL Draft brings a dynamic and high-motor defender to their roster. Here’s an in-depth look at his strengths, areas for improvement, and how he might fit into the Saints’ defensive scheme.
Strengths
- Tackling Machine: Stutsman amassed 376 tackles over his collegiate career, ranking ninth all-time in Oklahoma history. His relentless pursuit and ability to read plays make him a consistent presence around the ball .
- Impressive Size and Athleticism: Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 243 pounds, he combines a formidable frame with notable athleticism, clocking a 4.52-second 40-yard dash. This blend allows him to cover ground effectively and engage physically with opponents .
- Versatility: During his tenure at Oklahoma, Stutsman showcased his adaptability by playing all three linebacker positions, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of defensive schemes .
- Leadership and Intangibles: A team captain and recipient of the Don Key Award, Stutsman is lauded for his work ethic, leadership qualities, and commitment both on and off the field .
Areas for Improvement
- Block Shedding: Despite his size, Stutsman can struggle to disengage from blockers, often relying on agility rather than strength to navigate through traffic .
- Coverage Limitations: While effective in zone coverage, he exhibits stiffness in man-to-man situations, particularly against agile running backs and tight ends, which could limit his role in certain defensive packages .
- Tackling Consistency: His aggressive playstyle sometimes leads to missed tackles, with a noted missed tackle rate of 12.2% in 2024 .
- Discipline and Play Recognition: Stutsman occasionally bites on play-action fakes and misdirection, leading to positional errors and open lanes for offenses .
Fit with the Saints
Stutsman’s skill set aligns well with the Saints’ defensive needs. His prowess against the run and ability to blitz effectively can bolster the team’s linebacker corps, especially in early downs and short-yardage situations. While his coverage limitations may necessitate rotational usage in passing scenarios, his versatility and football IQ provide the coaching staff with a valuable asset to develop.
In special teams, his high energy and tackling ability could make him an immediate contributor, allowing him to acclimate to the NFL’s pace while refining his linebacker responsibilities.
Outlook
If the Saints can harness Stutsman’s strengths and address his areas for growth, he has the potential to evolve into a reliable starter. His leadership qualities and on-field intensity suggest a player who can become a cornerstone of the defense with proper development and coaching.
Overall, Stutsman’s addition to the Saints represents a strategic move to enhance their defensive depth and inject youthful vigor into their linebacker unit.
