With the 31st overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected inside linebacker Stephone Anthony of Clemson. Anthony is one of the top inside linebacker prospects this year, and has the look of an immediate starter in the NFL.
2015 NFL draft results: Stephone Anthony goes to New Orleans at No. 31
Anthony is one of the top linebackers in the nation and should be an immediate starter with a New Orleans defense looking to improve.
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Anthony led Clemson with 75 tackles, forced two fumbles and had an interception in 2014. He was a first-team All-ACC player and semifinalist for the Butkus Award. Anthony compiled 86 tackles with 13.5 tackles for loss in 2013.
Anthony put up impressive numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, running the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds and posting a 20-yard shuttle of 4.03 seconds. Those were both among the best at his position, though he did well in the vertical leap -- 37 inches -- and broad jump -- 122 inches -- as well.
The biggest knocks against Anthony are that he struggles to get off blocks and doesn’t always engage with blockers. Because he’s not great at disengaging with blockers, he’ll occasionally avoid them, unintentionally opening up running lanes. But it’s one of few real complaints with his game. Anthony looks like an NFL starter.
The Saints struggled to make plays on defense last season, giving up the 31st-most yards per game. They were especially bad against the run, and were minus 13 in the turnover ratio. As a player capable of making an impact right away, Anthony will likely be asked to do a lot in his first NFL season.
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