Oklahoma Star Danny Stutsman drafted by New Orleans Saints in NFL Draft

The New Orleans Saints added a major piece to their defense by selecting Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman with their first pick in the fourth round, 112 overall, of the 2025 NFL Draft. A high-end athlete with loads of college experience, Stutsman is expected to contribute immediately in run defense and blitz packages while competing to eventually replace veteran Demario Davis.

The 6-foot-3, 233-pounder impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 9.61 Relative Athletic Score. Over his standout career at Oklahoma, the Windermere, Fla., native started 37 games, recorded 376 tackles (ninth-most in school history), 36 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three interceptions. A consensus All-American and Butkus Award finalist in 2024, Stutsman was the heart of the Sooners’ defense, leading the team in tackles twice and earning All-SEC and All-Big 12 honors during his final two seasons.

With toughness, leadership, and elite athleticism, Stutsman looks poised to make an early impact in New Orleans.

Brent Venables

"I know Danny is really soaking up this moment and I am so proud of him," said Venables. "He grew so much on and off the field in my three years with him and was one of our program's unquestioned leaders. He's earned every bit of this opportunity, and I know he will make the absolute most of it. New Orleans is getting a hard-nosed, gritty, athletic linebacker who gives his absolute all on every play and is as detailed in his preparation as anybody. He's one of the best linebackers in the storied history of Oklahoma Football and I can't wait to follow everything he does at the next level. He's got an incredibly bright future."