The New Orleans Saints have made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman in the fourth round. A player known for his toughness, leadership, and relentless pursuit of the football, Stutsman brings both grit and upside to a defense that is looking to reload and reinvigorate itself heading into a pivotal season. With the 118th overall pick, the Saints may have found a cornerstone for the future, a defensive playmaker with the instincts, experience, and motor to make an immediate impact.
Stutsman’s selection by the Saints marks the culmination of a remarkable college career that saw him transform from a raw, energetic freshman into the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s defense. A three-year starter for the Sooners, he led the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons and earned All-Big 12 honors for his production and leadership. Throughout his time in Norman, Stutsman was known for his passion, vocal leadership, and ability to elevate the play of those around him. His journey to the NFL has been fueled by determination, resilience, and an unrelenting drive to be great—traits the Saints undoubtedly saw as fitting for their locker room.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Stutsman brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ to the linebacker position. He’s quick to diagnose plays, boasts excellent sideline-to-sideline range, and brings physicality to every snap. While he may not have the elite speed of some top-tier linebackers, his instincts, pursuit angles, and tackling efficiency have allowed him to consistently make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. During his final season at Oklahoma, he recorded 110 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks, further solidifying his status as one of the most productive linebackers in the country.
The Saints’ decision to draft Stutsman aligns with their defensive philosophy of building around versatile, high-motor players who can contribute in multiple ways. With veteran linebackers like Demario Davis entering the twilight of their careers, Stutsman could find himself in a prime position to learn from the best while carving out a role in the rotation early. His ability to contribute on special teams adds immediate value, and his upside as a future starter makes him a long-term investment with significant potential.
Stutsman’s impact at Oklahoma extended beyond the stat sheet. He was a vocal leader and emotional sparkplug for the Sooners, often seen rallying his teammates on the sidelines and bringing energy to the field regardless of the game situation. His infectious enthusiasm and competitive fire earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. These intangible qualities make him a natural fit in the Saints’ culture, which has long valued accountability, toughness, and camaraderie.
What sets Stutsman apart isn’t just his on-field production but his off-the-field mentality. A student of the game, he spent countless hours in the film room and often took younger players under his wing. He was known to challenge teammates to raise their level of preparation and performance, and his leadership was cited as a critical component in Oklahoma’s defensive resurgence in recent years. In many ways, Stutsman embodies the “football guy” persona—a player whose love for the game is evident in every snap he takes and every rep he gives.
His draft stock saw a steady rise throughout the 2024 season, and he further boosted his profile at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he tested well in key drills and impressed teams during interviews. Scouts praised his mental makeup, preparation habits, and ability to lead. Some had projected him as a potential third-round pick, but a deep linebacker class likely caused him to fall into the early fourth round—a development the Saints were happy to take advantage of.
For New Orleans, the addition of Stutsman provides much-needed depth and youthful energy to their linebacker corps. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods will likely find creative ways to deploy him, whether as an off-ball linebacker in base formations or a blitzer in sub-packages. His versatility gives the Saints flexibility, allowing them to plug him into different roles based on matchups and injuries. With the league increasingly emphasizing speed and adaptability on defense, Stutsman’s well-rounded game makes him an ideal modern linebacker.
From a fan perspective, Stutsman’s arrival should bring a spark of excitement. His reputation as a fan favorite at Oklahoma—where he played with relentless passion and never shied away from the big moment—should endear him quickly to the Saints’ faithful. New Orleans has long embraced players who wear their heart on their sleeve and leave it all on the field, and in Stutsman, they may have found their next cult hero.
The road ahead won’t be easy, of course. Like all rookies, Stutsman will face a steep learning curve as he adjusts to the speed, complexity, and physicality of the NFL game. He’ll need to refine his technique, especially in coverage, and improve his ability to shed blocks at the next level. But given his work ethic, coachability, and determination, there’s every reason to believe he’ll rise to the challenge. His football instincts already put him ahead of the curve, and with the right development, he has the tools to evolve into a three-down linebacker.
Stutsman’s story is one of perseverance, belief, and relentless effort. Coming out of high school in Florida, he was a three-star prospect with something to prove. He chose Oklahoma over several Power Five offers and quickly made a name for himself with his high motor and knack for making plays. Over the years, he added muscle, polished his game, and grew into a leader on and off the field. His ascent from overlooked recruit to NFL draft pick is a testament to what hard work and passion for the game can accomplish.
As he begins his professional journey, Stutsman joins a Saints organization that has historically been one of the most consistent defensive units in the league. With veterans to learn from, coaches who value toughness and preparation, and a fanbase that thrives on heart and hustle, he finds himself in a supportive environment that can bring out the best in him. And given his track record, there’s little doubt he’ll seize the opportunity.
It’s also worth noting the symbolic significance of being drafted by New Orleans—a city known for resilience, pride, and unwavering support of its football team. It’s a fitting match for a player like Stutsman, whose entire identity revolves around giving his all, fighting through adversity, and playing with pride. Whether he’s on special teams, backing up at linebacker, or eventually starting, you can expect him to do it with the same intensity and emotion that defined his college career.
The Saints may not have made headlines with their fourth-round pick, but they might have gotten one of the most passionate and driven players in the draft. In a league where heart and hunger can be the difference between good and great, Danny Stutsman brings both in abundance. If he continues to develop, stays healthy, and remains true to the player he’s always been, the Saints could be looking at a mid-round steal with long-term upside.
Only time will tell how his NFL career unfolds, but one thing is certain—Danny Stutsman is not coming to New Orleans to blend in. He’s coming to compete, to contribute, and to continue doing what he’s always done: play football with purpose, pride, and passion. And for Saints fans, that’s exactly the kind of player worth rooting for.
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