The New Orleans Saints orchestrated a very solid draft last month, appeasing many of the team needs. The Saints however did not draft at the linebacker position, this was an area of the team many felt should have been addressed.
New Orleans did sign several undrafted linebackers post draft to add depth and competition to the room. Nick Anderson 5-10 230lbs linebacker who while at Tulane made second-team All-American Athletic Conference pick in 2022 (113 tackles, seven for loss with two sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles in 14 starts).
Anfernee Orji 6-1 230lb LB/S from Vanderbilt played nine games as a freshman (six tackles). Orji led the Commodores in tackles as a sophomore (66 tackles, 1.5 for loss, two pass breakups in nine starts) and junior (92 tackles, team-high 13 for loss with one sack in 12 starts). He again topped his squad with 108 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss (with two sacks) and three forced fumbles as a senior, starting all 12 games.
The team veterans linebackers like starting All-pro Demario Davis and young competent co starter Pete Warner are the best on the team. The issue is with the loss of LB Kaden Ellis who produced 78 tackles and 7 sacks in 17 games, the team is looking for a solid replacement.
Perhaps Zach Baun is the player the Saints are looking to step into that role as the 3rd backer. The former third round pick out Wisconsin has yet lived up to his draft expectations. Baun has a total of 58 tackles 0 sacks in 45 games with the black and gold.
The remaining linebacker depth are: D’Marco Jackson, Andrew Dowell, Ty Summers, Nephi Sewell & Ryan Connelly.
Kwon Alexander who left New Orleans to join the New York Jets on a one year deal, can be the perfect player to improve the teams third linebacker spot. The injury question was often and correctly applied to Alexander but he played in 17 games started 12 of them in 2022. He produced 69 tackles and half sack for the Jets in 2022 while playing on an inexpensive one year deal.
While with New Orleans Kwon had 72 tackles, 3.5 sacks and I INT in 19 games (15 starts).
The Saints would be wise to reach out the Alexander for a potential reunion, it checks all the boxes of familiarity, style, money and scheme. Alexander took to twitter to simply say he “can’t wait to see what’s next for me.” This could be the perfect time for the Saints to reach out and sign him back to the team.
