Saints grab Pete Werner with 2nd-round pick

The New Orleans Saints selected linebacker Pete Werner out of Ohio State at No. 60 in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Saints will add Werner to a linebacker stable that lost Kwon Alexander and Alex Anzalone earlier in the offseason. The 21-year-old will have a chance to earn snaps immediately, potentially in a platoon role with Zack Baun or Andrew Dowell.
New Orleans used its top selection on a fellow defender, grabbing Houston edge rusher Payton Turner with the 28th overall pick.
Draft profile

Key stats: 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Werner is a solid prospect who could fit in at any off-ball linebacker spot. That versatility will be a major selling point, but don't sleep on his natural skills, either. His ability to diagnose constantly puts him in a position to make a play, and he has the burst to finish. It's unclear how his physicality will play against linemen at the pro level, so he could benefit from NFL training programs, but the technique to get off blocks and the short-area quicks to slip right by them should translate. And with the movement skills to hold up in coverage, Werner should be primed for an every-down role.