New Orleans Saints Select Stephone Anthony at No. 31
Oct 25, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony (42) sacks Syracuse Orange quarterback AJ Long (4) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints selected inside linebacker Stephone Anthony with the No 31 overall pick. They just got through cutting Curtis Lofton and his big contract after playing hurt but not well in 2014. So this is a solid pick the shows that the Saints are committed to improving their defense for 2015.
The 6’3″, 243-pound Anthony first got the NFL World’s attention and the combine, running a 4.5 40. And his tape says he plays to that speed using it to chase to the sidelines and finish the play. Even though he’s fast, he doesn’t overrun things and generally keeps himself under control.
Staying under control makes him a tackling machine that squares up and doesn’t miss ball carriers. His spead and athleticism enable him to cover backs and tight ends in passing game without problems. Breaks to ball quickly against pass. And that ame speed and athleticism makes him an effective blitzer if called upon to do so.
He’s also known as a film junkie so he’s ready to go to New Orleans and turn that defense around.