Canal Street Chronicles
Could the rookie linebacker be the future?
When looking at the entire New Orleans Saints team, Demario Davis may be the best player on the roster. His ability to stay healthy, fly around the field, make massive tackles in the backfield, and captain the defense is vital to any success the Saints want to have. The only issue is that Davis is 36 years old, and at a position that relies on athleticism. Davis still makes plays and might be the most consistent player on the roster, but over the past two years, there have been times when the age shows. Once again, Davis is needed for the defense to work, and frankly, the Saints should be scared about a future without him on this team. It is clear that the team has made a note of this, and just in this past draft, New Orleans invested a fourth round pick on linebacker Danny Stutsman.
Coming out of college, Stutsman was known for two things: His run defense and his impact on team morale. At Oklahoma, Stutsman was dominate against the run and made big plays consistently. Off the field, the young linebacker was a great locker room presence and is a future captain for the Saints. The issue with his game is in pass defense, which is going to be a worry in the NFL.
Being a rookie behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner, there may not be many opportunities this season for Stutsman to get starting time (besides if injuries occur). This may stop Stutsman to make the immediate impact during the season, but on day 4 of camp, the 4th-round pick got his opportunity with the starters.
Davis had an excused absence for practice yesterday, and Stutsman was moved up to play with the 1st team. The rookie has made plays throughout training camp, but this was the main chance to show what he can bring to the roster, and Stutsman did just that.
Danny Stutsman will always make plays against the run, but this interception could be a sign of improvement in pass defense. If this is the case, Stutsman could become one of the best linebackers in the league, and the Saints may have just found their future at linebacker.
