Danny Stutsman Dominating Saints Training Camp Just Like Sooners Fans Warned, Proving He Was Always Built for the NFL Grind
Danny Stutsman didn’t arrive in New Orleans with the hype of a first-round pick or the media buzz of a Heisman finalist, but it’s not taking long for people around the Saints organization to realize they may have landed one of the true steals of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Oklahoma linebacker, known for his motor, intensity, and swagger, is already making waves in Saints training camp. And if you ask any Sooners fan or media member who followed his college career closely, they’ll tell you this is exactly what they expected.
From his earliest days in Norman, Stutsman played with a fire that couldn’t be ignored. He wasn’t always the most polished linebacker in the country, nor did he come into college as a can’t-miss five-star prospect. But what he lacked in recruiting stars, he more than made up for in sheer effort, physicality, and leadership. By the time he finished his career at Oklahoma, he had become the emotional heartbeat of Brent Venables’ defense — a tenacious, vocal, and fearless playmaker who embodied everything the Sooners were trying to become on that side of the ball.
At Oklahoma, Stutsman earned a reputation not just for his ability to fill gaps and make tackles, but for his presence. He brought energy to every snap, every practice, every moment. Whether he was jawing at opponents, hyping up teammates, or laying someone out across the middle, you always knew where Danny Stutsman was. And more often than not, so did the ball carrier. He had a knack for being around the football and an even better knack for letting people know about it.
Still, despite his production and clear leadership qualities, many draft evaluators had their doubts. Some questioned his speed in coverage, others his lateral agility or whether he could handle the complexity of NFL defensive schemes. He didn’t test through the roof at the combine. He wasn’t flashy in interviews. And in a class loaded with athletic freaks and blue-chip pedigree, Stutsman was overlooked — seen as a mid-rounder at best, a potential backup or special teams contributor.
But those who watched him closely at Oklahoma knew that he was more than that. They saw how he evolved from a raw, aggressive freshman into a disciplined, versatile veteran capable of anchoring a defense. They saw the way he responded to challenges, including criticism and tough losses. They saw how much better the defense played when he was on the field, and how much worse it looked when he wasn’t. They saw the guy who never took a play off, who never backed down from a hit, and who never — ever — doubted that he belonged.
Now, in the early stages of Saints camp, all of that is becoming clear to his new coaches and teammates. Reports from New Orleans say Stutsman is flying around the field, making reads quickly, and showing command well beyond what’s typical for a rookie. He’s already working with the second-team defense and rotating in with some of the starters, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent that he could earn real playing time as early as Week 1. His instincts are popping. His energy is contagious. And his toughness — the same quality that defined his time at Oklahoma — is winning people over fast.
What’s more, he’s doing it in a locker room filled with veterans and proven playmakers. The Saints have never been short on defensive identity, and for a young linebacker to step in and make noise this early says a lot about who he is and how he approaches the game. Stutsman has always thrived in competitive environments. At Oklahoma, he was never intimidated by the stage or the pressure. He embraced being the face of the defense and the target of opposing offenses. That mentality is translating seamlessly to the NFL.
For Saints fans unfamiliar with Stutsman’s college career, it’s worth revisiting just how productive and impactful he was at OU. He led the team in tackles in multiple seasons, made clutch plays in big moments, and was often one of the only players who seemed emotionally invested in every snap, regardless of the score or opponent. He wasn’t just playing football — he was living it. And that’s why so many in the Oklahoma community were so vocal after the draft. They weren’t shocked he went later than expected — they were frustrated. Because they knew teams were going to regret passing on a guy like him. And now, that frustration is starting to look like validation.
The NFL is full of players who test well but lack the instincts, feel, or drive to succeed. Stutsman might not have had the fastest 40 time, but he processes the game quickly. He anticipates, he reacts, and he doesn’t hesitate. That decisiveness is already showing up in camp, especially in run support and short-zone coverage. The Saints’ defensive staff has praised his preparation, football IQ, and willingness to learn — all trademarks of his time under Brent Venables, who pushed him to be more than just an athlete, but a true leader.
Stutsman’s presence is also making an impact off the field. Just like in Norman, he’s bringing personality and leadership to the locker room. He’s engaging with fans, hyping up teammates, and creating a spark within the defensive unit. He’s not afraid to speak up, to call out mistakes, or to celebrate success — and in a league where locker room chemistry matters more than most people realize, that matters. You don’t teach that kind of leadership. It’s earned. And Stutsman has earned every bit of it.
His emergence is also a reminder of the value of intangibles in scouting. While many teams prioritize measurables and projections, the Saints took a chance on a guy who just knows how to play football. The game makes sense to him. It always has. And in a league where mental sharpness often separates the good from the great, that gives him an edge.
Of course, it’s still early. Training camp is one thing; the regular season is another. But the signs are all pointing in the right direction. Coaches don’t hand out praise lightly this time of year, and when veterans start recognizing and respecting a rookie, it’s because he’s earning it. Stutsman isn’t just surviving his first camp — he’s thriving in it.
In a way, the Saints might be the perfect fit for him. New Orleans has long prided itself on defensive toughness and accountability. It’s a city that appreciates grit, effort, and blue-collar mentality. Stutsman brings all of that and more. He’s not trying to be a star. He’s just trying to make an impact — and in the process, he might become one.
For Oklahoma fans, watching his rise in New Orleans will be equal parts satisfying and bittersweet. They knew what they had. They spent years watching him carry a defense that often struggled to match his intensity. They saw him grow, mature, and turn into one of the most beloved players in recent memory. They knew he had what it takes. They tried to tell anyone who would listen.
And now, as Danny Stutsman makes his presence felt in the NFL, the rest of the football world is starting to catch up.
The Saints didn’t just get a linebacker. They got a tone-setter. A difference-maker. A player who was overlooked because he didn’t fit neatly into a box. But the Sooners community knew better. They saw it coming. And now, New Orleans is seeing it too — up close, every day, in the heat of training camp, where legends don’t get made by headlines or hype, but by hard work, heart, and hustle.
That’s Danny Stutsman. Always has been. Always will be.
