Early Impressions of 2015 NFL Draft Picks: No. 31

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

Training Camp

From the beginnig of training camp, No. 31 overall middle linebacker Stephone Anthony has impressed the Saints with his physicality. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, told The Advocate of, “The thing you’ve got to love about him is you heard him out there. He hits people, he knocks people back, and we are in that business. It’s fun to watch.”

The team also likes the way he’s quarterbacking the defense, doing so unlike a rookie a middle linebacker. He’s lining the defense up, making checks and keeping everyone’s head in the game. He’s replacing a team captain in Curtis Lofton, who was cut by the team a few months ago.

Outside linebacker Parys Haralson, who played with Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman in San Francisco, said, “I think right now he’s one of those guys that you look at and know in a couple years is going to be one of those elite linebackers,” Haralson said. “He’s smart. He’s fast, he’s physical and he works hard. He’s got a bright future.”

Next: First Preseason Game