Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Behind the team’s top two starters at the position, there’s a battle brewing in the New Orleans Saints’ linebacker room.
With Demario Davis and Pete Werner already solidified as the team’s go-to options at the position, several young players will be vying for the opportunity to be up next. Whether as the third linebacker on the field (when such sets are deployed) or as the primary backups to Davis and Werner, the Saints have some hungry, though inexperienced players ready to take the next step.
The headliner of the young group is rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman
Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman is having a budding Butkus Award-like season:
—43 tackles
—Eight tackles for loss
—leads a defense giving up 8.5 points per game
—OU is 4-0
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) September 26, 2023
The Competitors
Stutsman is entering a positions group with a fair share of incumbent returners. Linebackers D’Marco Jackson and Nephi Sewell have been around for a few years each and second-year backer Jaylan Ford returns with the hopes of landing an important role after an injury-riddled rookie year. All three have gotten opportunities on special teams, but Sewell leads the way in defensive starts.
The caveat is that Sewell has just one, lone start so far in his career.
Another rookie joins the fold in Rutgers linebacker Tyreem Powell. A promising hybrid pass-rusher and linebacker, at 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, he has a rare combination of size and athleticism for today’s linebacker group. He joins Stutsman as another rookie in this conversation.
2024 undrafted free agent Isaiah Stalbird made the transition from linebacker to safety last season. However, he is now listed as a linebacker on the team website and roster. That indicates that he too may look to get into the mix of this position battle.
The Oklahoma linebacker, Stutsman, has a lot of eyes on him. He was a vocal leader for the Sooners, plays fast and plays smart. A lot of the staff inside the building have been very impressed by him and see a lot of promise in his early trajectory.
What It Will Take To Win
For the backers looking to make the leap from a special teams role to a more consistent defensive rotation, they will have to prove that the same downhill, attacking mentality that makes them assets in the kick coverage game can translate to defense.
This is something that Sewell has shown on numerous occasions throughout his 118 career defensive snaps, which leads the group behind Davis and Werner.
Nephi Sewell 💥
📺: #KCvsNO on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXevVUR pic.twitter.com/D6zjSwlQX3— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2023
As for Stutsman, his focus should be on doing what he already does best, communicating, playing smart and making tackles. He eclipsed 100 tackles in each of his final three seasons with the Sooners. He finished his collegiate career with an 11.9% missed tackle rate, placing him within two percent of Davis and Werner’s career marks.
Powell will be worth attention throughout camp. His size is impressive and would allow him to play an important role for the Saints’ defense, if ever called into action. In a 3-4 defense, it can be beneficial to have a standup pass rusher that can also be reliable in coverage. Powell has experience doing both.
Welcome to New Orleans, Tyreem Powell!
pic.twitter.com/KsfRVSPQga— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) April 26, 2025
Is There A Front-Runner?
Many would highlight Stutsman as a front-runner in this conversation, but it’s hard to turn Sewell away from that spot. More NFL experience, more opportunities and his former safety experience could go a long way in terms of his ability to cover in addition to being an active run defender.
Right now, Stutsman and Sewell seem most likely to square off directly, meanwhile Jackson, Stalbird, Ford and Powell will look to break in from the perimeter. This should be an exciting shuffle to watch throughout training camp.
