How former Sooners LB Danny Stutsman can get on the field and play big-time snaps for the Saints in his rookie season
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma Sooners had two players get drafted, and a few others sign with teams as Undrafted Free Agent Rookies. Danny Stutsman was drafted to the New Orleans Saints, and Billy Bowman by the Atlanta Falcons. Both have the ability to be big-time players for their teams down the road, […]
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma Sooners had two players get drafted, and a few others sign with teams as Undrafted Free Agent Rookies. Danny Stutsman was drafted to the New Orleans Saints, and Billy Bowman by the Atlanta Falcons.
Both have the ability to be big-time players for their teams down the road, and possibly as rookies. For Stutsman, he is set to play on a team that could be pretty bad towards the end of the year. But it's the NFL, and anything can happen. However, if NOLA does end up being a bad team, it likely increases the chances of Stutsman getting on the field. And, I'm sure that's what Sooners fans want to see.
Stutsman has the opportunity to play big-time snaps in his rookie year, not something that happens to just anyone. But, it's unlikely he will be a starter. Now, if an injury or something unfortunate happens, he certainly could be in line for that spot, but for now, Stutsman has some work to do if he wants to see the field.
But it's more than possible.
Saints' current linebacker situation – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints' linebacker room is headlined by Demario Davis once again in 2025. Davis remains an “iron-man” sort of athlete for the Saints, as he has played in all but one game for New Orleans while on the roster. Behind him, Pete Werner is the most likely option to start opposite Davis. Werner has been a solid option in recent seasons and signed an extension last year, that lasts through 2027.
As for the third linebacker spot, that competition is wide open for Brandon Staley’s unit. Anfernee Orji got some reps last season, but his most valuable role may be on special teams. Nephi Sewell is an exciting athlete at the position, but multiple season-ending injuries have deterred his NFL experience and development.
I do not expect to see three linebackers on the field at once for the Saints under Staley, but Stutsman could absolutely emerge as the best option for that role, when necessary. Plus, the limited amount of depth behind those first two veterans can open the door for the Sooners' rookie in the event of an injury or two.
Training camp will be crucial for Stutsman. Sure, a lot of casual fans who follow the NFL will only pay attention to training camp for the position battles that take place for starters and guys trying to become starters, but it's just as important for the depth guys at every position. Stutsman will have the chance to work his way up the ladder in training camp and in the preseason games.
As for the Sooners in 2025, their starting linebacker unit, and defense overall, are looking very good. Yes, they will desperately miss Stutsman, but Venables, as he always is, was prepared on the defensive side of the ball.
Oklahoma Sooners relying on pair of exciting young players to help replace Danny Stutsman in the middle of their defense
The loss of linebacker Danny Stutsman is a significant hurdle for the Oklahoma Sooners to overcome, both on and off the field. Stutsman was the leader of the defense (dare I say the whole team) and his impact there will be hard to replace. However, the Sooners have invested plenty into the linebacker room over […]
