Linebacker Kaden Elliss turned a breakout 2022 season for the New Orleans Saints into a lucrative free-agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Elliss, a seventh-round pick in 2019, got a chance to shine because of an injury to Pete Werner. He'd respond with a career-high 7 sacks and 10 QB hits over a span of just 11 games.
With Elliss gone, the Saints have some depth concerns at linebacker. Werner and All-Pro Demario Davis are one of the league's better duos. There is no proven depth behind them. Promising 2022 fifth-round pick D'Marco Jackson missed all of his rookie year with injury. Zack Baun, a 2020 third-round choice, has shown little more than special teams value.
The Saints may still go out and sign a veteran free agent to bolster depth. Kwon Alexander may be at the top of that list as a player who's been productive in the team’s system. New Orleans didn't spend a draft choice on the position, leaving the door open for this undrafted rookie to steal a spot.
LB - Anfernee Orji
Vanderbilt
6'1" 230-Lbs.
After seeing little time as a freshman for Vanderbilt in 2019, Orji had an increased role in 2020 with a sack and 66 total stops. He'd lead the Commodores with 92 tackles in 2021, including a team-high 13 for loss and a sack.
Orji again led Vanderbilt in tackles in 2022. He had 106 total stops with 6.5 for loss, an interception, and returning a fumble for a score. Orji performed well at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.53 40, 1.54 10-yard split, 4.43 20-yard shuttle, 10'2" broad jump, and 38" vertical leap.
Despite his impressive tackle numbers, Orji misses plays with poor angles or being out of position because of his extremely aggressive nature. He can be slow to break down an opposing play, especially against the run, leading to a slower reaction time.
Built more like a big safety, Orji is limited to a weakside linebacker fit. His frame is not built for adding a lot of bulk without sacrificing athleticism. Orji has good downhill speed, but just average change-of-direction. He'll also need to show vast improvements at shedding blocks to get into pursuit faster.
An ultra-aggressive defender, Orji is always anxious to make the big play. His run blitzes and pass pressures are well-timed, especially when he recognizes gaps in blocking. He'll fly all over the field and is relentless in backside pursuit.
Orji shows solid instincts in coverage. He is active and stays aware on zone drops. He's also a good enough athlete to pick up backs out of the backfield or stay with the league's athletic tight ends down the field.
Anfernee Orji perhaps wasn't drafted because his size will limit him as a linebacker. However, his ability to fly to the ball gives him a strong chance at a roster spot as a situational backup with the upside of a consistent weakside linebacker.
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