Former Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman Impresses Saints, Turning Heads Before Training Camp Even Begins.

When Danny Stutsman arrived in New Orleans as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, there weren’t many outside of Norman or the Saints’ front office expecting him to make a serious impact. But within a few short weeks, the former Oklahoma linebacker is already generating buzz inside the Saints’ facility — and the buzz is getting louder.

From standout performances in rookie minicamp to impressive showings in organized team activities (OTAs), Stutsman has not only looked the part — he’s making a strong case to earn a roster spot before training camp officially begins in July.

Defying Expectations

Despite a productive college career and clear athleticism, Stutsman didn’t hear his name called during the seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts cited his sometimes inconsistent coverage skills and occasional missed tackles as reasons for passing him over, though many viewed him as a priority free agent.

The Saints wasted no time scooping him up, and it’s already looking like a smart decision. According to team insiders, Stutsman has been one of the most consistent and high-energy performers in early offseason workouts. His instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and leadership presence have all stood out.

“Danny’s been a real pleasant surprise,” Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges said during a recent media availability. “He’s picked up the playbook quickly, and he flies around the ball. He’s got a nose for the game, and that’s something you can’t coach.”

College Pedigree and Production

At Oklahoma, Stutsman was a force in the middle of Brent Venables’ defense. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker led the Sooners in tackles in back-to-back seasons, recording 104 stops in 2023 and 118 in 2024. He also tallied six career sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and four interceptions across three seasons.

While his athletic measurables didn’t necessarily pop off the page during the pre-draft process, Stutsman was widely known for his football IQ, hustle, and infectious energy. He served as a team captain in 2024, embodying the type of player who thrives with a chip on his shoulder.

“Danny plays like he’s got something to prove every snap,” former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof said. “He sets the tone for everyone else on the field. I’m not surprised he’s turning heads in New Orleans — he’s the kind of guy who just finds a way.”

Making Noise Early

During rookie minicamp, Stutsman drew praise from coaches for his communication skills and rapid grasp of the Saints’ defensive terminology. In 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, he consistently found himself around the ball, breaking up passes, closing gaps, and calling out assignments like a seasoned pro.

The Saints’ staff has noted his vocal presence during practice — an impressive quality for a player just weeks into his NFL career. Veteran linebacker Demario Davis even took notice, offering guidance and encouragement to Stutsman during OTA sessions.

“He reminds me a bit of myself when I was young,” Davis said. “Humble, hungry, and smart. He asks the right questions, studies hard, and plays with heart. That’s a good recipe if you want to stick in this league.”

Stutsman has worked primarily with the second-team defense, though he’s received occasional reps with the starters due to a minor hamstring injury to Pete Werner. In those reps, he hasn’t looked out of place. His quick reactions and ability to diagnose plays have helped him keep up with faster backs and tight ends in coverage — a key area he was scrutinized for pre-draft.

Earning the Coaches’ Trust

Saints defensive coordinator Joe Woods has praised Stutsman’s development and hinted that he could be a contributor on special teams from day one — a typical proving ground for undrafted rookies.

“Danny’s been locked in,” Woods said. “He’s coachable, and he competes. He’s not just trying to survive out there — he’s trying to lead. That kind of mindset is contagious. Special teams might be his first ticket, but he’s making a push at linebacker too.”

Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi also singled Stutsman out as one of the most engaged rookies in meetings and walk-throughs, and said he envisions Stutsman being a four-phase player if he continues progressing.

Embracing the Underdog Role

For Stutsman, going undrafted was a motivator — not a deterrent. He admitted during rookie camp that he watched all seven rounds of the draft and used the snub as fuel.

“I expected to hear my name called, no doubt,” Stutsman said. “But when it didn’t happen, I flipped the switch. I told myself, ‘Now it’s time to show everyone they made a mistake.’ And I feel like New Orleans is the perfect place to do that.”

He’s embraced the Saints’ culture of hard-nosed defense and accountability and says he’s drawn inspiration from players like Davis, who himself entered the league as a third-round pick and worked tirelessly to become one of the NFL’s premier linebackers.

“Demario is a guy I really look up to,” Stutsman said. “He’s a pro’s pro. Just watching how he carries himself — how he practices, how he prepares — it’s been a masterclass.”

Competition Ahead

The Saints’ linebacker room isn’t lacking for talent. In addition to Davis and Werner, the team has veterans like Zack Baun and promising young players such as Nephi Sewell and D’Marco Jackson. But Stutsman’s versatility and ability to contribute in different ways — defense, special teams, and locker room chemistry — could give him an edge.

With training camp approaching, the Saints will eventually need to trim their 90-man offseason roster down to 53. Every rep, meeting, and special teams snap will matter. But if the early reviews are any indication, Stutsman is firmly in the mix to earn a roster spot — or at the very least, land on the practice squad with a fast track to promotion.

“He’s making the most of his opportunity,” Hodges reiterated. “Nothing’s guaranteed in this league, especially for undrafted guys. But Danny’s doing everything right so far.”

What’s Next?

The Saints will resume OTAs through mid-June before holding a mandatory minicamp. Training camp opens in late July, and the first preseason game follows in August. Those will be critical tests for Stutsman, especially when the physicality ramps up and game-speed live reps begin.

He’ll need to show he can stack positive days, stay healthy, and maintain consistency against more experienced opponents. But if his trajectory continues, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him carve out a role on New Orleans’ active roster — and possibly more down the line.

A Fan Favorite in the Making?

Though it’s early, Stutsman is already starting to win over Saints fans, many of whom have followed his journey from Oklahoma and appreciate his hustle, personality, and authenticity. His social media following has steadily grown, and a few fans at OTAs even sported Sooners gear and chanted his name after practice.

“I’ve felt the love here already,” Stutsman said with a smile. “I’m just grateful for the chance. All I want is to earn it, every single day.”

Danny Stutsman’s NFL story is still in its infancy, but the opening chapters are compelling. Undrafted and overlooked, he’s found a home — and perhaps a future — in New Orleans, where he’s turning heads with every practice rep and team meeting.

The road to making an NFL roster is long and grueling, especially for players without draft pedigree. But with work ethic, smarts, and a relentless drive to prove people wrong, Stutsman is giving the Saints — and the rest of the league — every reason to take notice.

If he keeps trending upward, Danny Stutsman won’t just make the team — he could become one of the league’s best undrafted success stories of the 2025 rookie class.