In the world of college football, making the jump to the NFL is the dream for many top performers. Danny Stutsman has turned that dream into reality. From his impactful years with the Oklahoma Sooners to his recent selection by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft, Stutsman’s journey is a testament to hard work, leadership, and talent.

Early Career and Rise at Oklahoma

Danny Stutsman made his mark early as a Sooner. Arriving from Windermere, Florida, he quickly established himself as a defensive powerhouse. Stutsman started 37 of his 47 games with Oklahoma and became known for his tackling ability and field awareness. Over his college career, he amassed 376 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. These impressive stats placed him ninth in Oklahoma’s history for career tackles.[^1]

Draft Day: Joining the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints recognized Stutsman’s potential and selected him with the 112th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As highlighted by nola.com, Stutsman was a three-year starter at Oklahoma who consistently delivered, recording over 100 tackles in each of his last three seasons. His combination of physicality and leadership made him a top prospect for the Saints’ defense.

Read more about Stutsman’s draft selection at The Oklahoman.

What Danny Stutsman Brings to the Saints

At 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds, Stutsman’s frame and athleticism make him an immediate asset as a linebacker. He posted a solid 4.52-second 40-yard dash, underlining his speed and versatility. Stutsman excels at run defense and is known for his thundering hits. During his senior year, he also displayed improvements in coverage and consistency, solidifying his status as a complete linebacker. His leadership skills shined, as he took on the role of Oklahoma’s defensive leader during his final seasons.

As noted by experts, Stutsman will look to add a new dimension to the Saints' defense. Still, there is room for growth, especially in his coverage game. Based on his trajectory, most analysts expect him to make an immediate impact in defensive packages targeting the run.[^2]

Legacy and Outlook

Besides his impressive stats, Danny Stutsman leaves Oklahoma as a consensus All-American and a Butkus Award finalist. His dedication to improvement, both physically and mentally, sets a high bar for incoming players. Joining another former OU star, Spencer Rattler, on the Saints roster, Stutsman is primed to bring energy and skill to New Orleans. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how his college dominance will translate on Sundays.

Conclusion

Danny Stutsman's rise from college standout to NFL draft pick showcases not only his physical talents but his drive and leadership as well. Now, as he begins his journey with the New Orleans Saints, all eyes will be on this linebacker to see how he shapes up in the league. For more insights and analysis on Stutsman's journey and what to expect in his NFL career, check out this Saints selection coverage at nola.com.

[^1]: Danny Stutsman draft: Saints pick OU linebacker in NFL Draft 4th round
[^2]: Saints select Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman to start Day 3 | Saints | nola.com