INDIANAPOLIS – While the defensive line for the New Orleans Saints is sure to see the most change under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the linebacker room will see some shakeups, as well. Beyond the team’s current needs, it’s essential to plan for the future at the position.
Behind starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner, the team has a lot of young and promising options. They could look to add to that group in this year’s draft.
Here are five of several linebackers to watch closely as workouts and on-field drills kick off at the NFL Scouting Combine, should they participate.
- 6-foot-1
- 243 pounds
- Career stats: 89 tackles (19 for a loss), 12.5 sacks, 0 interceptions, 3 passes defended
- 2024 snaps: 195 pass rush, 249 run defense, 178 coverage
Jalon Walker is a coaches dream.
➖ Pass-rush + linebacker versatility
➖ Run game discipline/fundamentals
➖ Rapid trigger + athleticism20-years-old with limited experience btw… pic.twitter.com/GsKj3GqcIB
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 17, 2025
- 6-foot-2
- 235 pounds
- Career stats: 184 tackles (16 for a loss), 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended
- 2024 snaps: 99 pass rush, 351 run defense, 331 coverage
Asked Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell with LBers being back en vogue in the NFL how his skills would help translate to a defense for @SaintsBlockPod: pic.twitter.com/IY4IJaijU7
— #NoMusicNoIntro (#TheAgenda) (@askmetostay323) February 26, 2025
South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight II
- 6-foot-2
- 235 pounds
- Career stats: 229 tackles (17 for a loss), 4.5 sacks, 0 interceptions, 7 passes defended
- 2024 snaps: 30 pass rush, 253 run defense, 289 coverage
Demetrius Knight Jr. is a ball of lightning at LB ⚡️
He explodes to top speed and tackles well in pursuit. Strong, long build (6’1, 248lbs) allows him to stack & shed blocks and hit HARD.
Coverage instincts are sound, but some hip tightness limits him. Day 2 talent. pic.twitter.com/spDW9G0Ovq
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 25, 2025
- 6-foot-1
- 222 pounds
- Career stats: 225 tackles (27 for a loss), 9.5 sacks, 1 interceptions, 0 passes defended
- 2024 snaps: 75 pass rush, 268 run defense, 278 coverage
Chris Paul Jr.’s instincts and closing speed are unmatched. He feels like a 100+ tackle guy consistently in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/yhBqG73ubh
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) January 17, 2025
- 6-foot-3
- 233 pounds
- Career stats: 376 tackles (37 for a loss), 8 sacks, 3 interceptions, 8 passes defended
- 2024 snaps: 73 pass rush, 326 run defense, 310 coverage
I’m all-in on Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman. 👀
He’s the total package at LB and deserves far more recognition than he appears to be receiving.
His closing speed and pass rushing upside as a blitzer is obvious. But his coverage ability at 6’4” and 240 lbs. is really impressive. pic.twitter.com/TuQ5nhib9c
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) February 21, 2025
