New Orleans Saints Have a New Defensive Leader
May 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Stephone Anthony (50) during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
After cutting middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, the New Orleans Saints needed to replace the leader of their defense. So with the 31st overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Saints snatched up Stephone Anthony. And they now envision the new middle linebacker eventually becoming the new leader of the defense.
From the first time he saw Anthony on, head coach Sean Payton has raved about him. He told NOLA.com, “He certainly can be a leader. I think that first by nature an inside linebacker is potentially a guy who would have a headset and have some of those traits. He has really done a good job of getting acclimated to our system quickly. I would say he is pretty mature.
“When you are around him and visit with him he is ready for the competition and opportunities. He has good size. He’s in good shape. Again, we’re not in pads yet and we’re talking about a linebacker. We’re talking about a guy who’s picked things up really quickly and we’ve been encouraged with him.”
Payton also said Anthony is always “around the ball” and the rookie has made plays during OTAs. If this holds up when the pads are on, Anthony will be the main block the defense is built around. Anthony said, “I just want to embrace my role. “Whatever my role is, I want to embrace that and make the best of it. I just try to do my best and try to make as many plays as I can.”
“Coach Rob Ryan does a great job of getting us to the ball and making sure we rally. We have to get 11 hats to it. Turnovers are the name of the game. If you get turnovers, that’s huge so we’re attacking the ball.”
Look for big thing from Anthony.
I do!