Saints LB Pete Werner on the Verge of Stardom
The New Orleans Saints raised some eyebrows in the 2021 NFL Draft when they used a second-round selection on Ohio State LB Pete Werner. Linebacker support around All-Pro Demario Davis was a need, but most thought that the team would address that by re-signing Kwon Alexander and adding another veteran.
As a rookie, Werner would quickly overtake Kaden Elliss and Zack Baun as the third linebacker alongside Davis and Alexander. New Orleans typically employs a two linebacker scheme, but Alexander got hurt and the rookie played well in his place.
Werner finished 2021 with 62 tackles, including four for loss and three games with at least 10 stops. He was terrific against the run and showed improved awareness in pass coverage as the season progressed. He played well enough that the Saints elected not to re-sign Alexander after the season.
Werner entered 2022 with elevated expectations. He'd have a game-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, and forced a fumble in the season-opening win at Atlanta. Over the first nine games, Werner led the NFL with 53 solo tackles and 74 total stops. He actually outplayed Demario Davis in several games and looked well on his way to potential All-Pro honors.
In a Week 9 loss to Baltimore, Werner injured his ankle midway through the contest. The injury forced him to miss four consecutive games and five of the next six. Even in the three contests he played, his mobility looked limited.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY
In 12 games during 2022, Werner had 80 total tackles, including three for loss. His 56 solo stops were second on the defense, behind only Tyrann Mathieu and two more than Davis. He also broke up three passes, forced two fumbles, and recorded two QB pressures. Werner had three games with more than 10 tackles and seven outings of at least seven stops over the first eight games.
Improvements Needed?
Werner is far from injury-prone, but there are some mild concerns. He was slowed early in his rookie year by a hamstring, then the ankle problem last year, though he's only missed seven of a possible 34 games.
The Saints need both Davis and Werner on the field and healthy. Not only because of their immense talent, but there's also no proven depth behind them. Kaden Elliss had a breakout year in 2022 with Werner out, but he signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the Falcons this offseason.
The departure of Elliss leaves only D'Marco Jackson, Baun, and five former undrafted players at linebacker. Jackson, a 2022 fifth-round pick, missed all of his rookie year. Baun has been nothing more than a special teams contributor after being selected in the third round of the 2020 draft.
New Orleans would also like to see more momentum changing plays from Werner this season. He has outstanding instincts that always put him around the ball. However, he has no sacks, just three pressures, no interceptions, three passes broken up, and only seven tackles for loss in his 27 games.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) breaks up a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (29). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Pete Werner could be one of the next star defenders for the Saints. Like Davis, he has elite ability to diagnose opposing offenses and terrific sideline-to-sideline athleticism. He's fluid enough to hold up in man coverage and has strong instincts in zone duties. Werner and Davis are also excellent against the run, which should fuel a Saints defense that slumped in that area last season.
If Werner can become a better playmaker, he and Davis would give the Saints one of the NFL's best linebacking tandems. It would elevate a very good New Orleans defense into elite status.
