New Orleans Saints: Pete Werner will be a major defensive addition

The New Orleans Saints certainly made some baffling selections (Ian Book in the fourth round? What’s that all about?), but for the most part, they did a nice job of finding value in the 2021 NFL Draft. In particular, the New Orleans Saints were able to find players who can help them on the defensive side of the ball.

While there is plenty to like about the additions of Payton Turner and Paulson Adebo, it was the second-round selection of Ohio State linebacker Pete Werner that really stood out.

Werner was a three-year starter at Ohio State who has really grown as a player on the field. He is a tough and physical linebacker who displays tremendous natural instincts as both a run defender and in coverage. Werner is also a quick and explosive athlete who displays tremendous speed for a second-level defender. Simply put, he knows where to be and has the ability to get in his spots and make plays on a consistent basis.

Werner is an interesting linebacker prospect who felt like a nice value pick in the second round. The New Orleans Saints found value in the second round and did so at an important position of need for the team.

Demario Davis has been a dynamic playmaker for New Orleans at linebacker over the last few years, but the team has struggled to find him a consistent running-mate. Injuries have been an issue for the team at linebacker, but even when healthy, nobody has stepped up and taken the role. Werner feels like the right guy to come and make the job his.

The New Orleans Saints spend a majority of their time with two linebackers on the field and the combination of Davis and Werner has a chance to be special. With these two players, the Saints will be able to adequately defend against the run and provide strong support in coverage from the linebacker position. Plus, neither player would have to leave the field when they move to three linebacker defensive sets.

Simply put, Werner is a talented linebacker prospect who stood out as a great value pick in the second round. The Saints had an obvious need at the linebacker position and Werner’s well-rounded skill-set will help them in a variety of ways.