METAIRIE, La. -- A few quick thoughts on the New Orleans Saints' second of two first-round draft picks:
The pick: Stephone Anthony, linebacker, Clemson
My take: This time, the Saints addressed one of their biggest needs. In fact, I had inside linebacker ranked as their No. 1 need because they have to get both younger and more dynamic throughout the entire linebacking corps. I wouldn't call Anthony a "steal" (ESPN analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper had him rated 50th and 57th overall, respectively), but I have no problem with the pick since I thought the Saints had to come away with one of six top-rated inside linebackers with either pick No. 31 or 44.
A little of everything: Saints coach Sean Payton said the Saints had a handful of inside linebackers with similar grades, but he said Anthony separated himself in a number of ways. He began his breakdown of Anthony by talking up his intelligence and leadership (he played four years at Clemson with 35 career starts) and said his name came up right away with interviews from everyone on campus. Then Payton said Anthony's production on film (221 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two interceptions over the past two years), his size (6-foot-3, 243 pounds) and his combine workout were just as impressive. Anthony's 40-yard dash time of 4.56 seconds tied for third among all linebackers and defensive linemen at the combine.
The next QB of the D? Payton said Anthony could potentially play either inside linebacker position in the Saints' 3-4 base defense, but his most natural position is probably the Mike or middle linebacker. For now, the Saints have veteran David Hawthorne penciled in as their new Mike linebacker and "quarterback" of their defense after they released former captain Curtis Lofton this offseason. It will be interesting to see if Anthony can give Hawthorne a run for his money as a dynamic playmaker, leader and intelligent signal-caller. That has been a crucial position for the Saints, who have had either Jonathan Vilma or Lofton starting in that role since 2008.
