New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - 2021 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints

Player Bio
Werner flipped his recruiting commitment from Notre Dame to Ohio State after attending the 2016 Ohio State-Michigan game, though he has said that wasn't the only factor in the decision. The former first-team Class 6A All-State selection from Cathedral High School started 13 games for the Buckeyes as a sophomore (58 tackles, 7.5 for loss, with three sacks, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles in 14 appearances), taking a big step forward from a freshman campaign where he was a reserve in 11 contests (nine tackles). He garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a junior in 2019, starting all 14 games and posting 64 stops, 5.5 for loss, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Werner led the Buckeyes with 54 tackles (2.5 for loss with one sack, also forcing two fumbles) in 2020, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in eight starts for the national runners-up. Werner's father, Greg, was a tight end at DePauw University and then in the NFL for two years. -- by Chad Reuter

Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Jordan Evans
Overview
Werner has a versatile linebacker background but is best-suited as a 4-3 Sam with walk-out coverage abilities against certain slot tight ends. He doesn't have playmaking athleticism that stands out as a pro prospect. While his listed size certainly looks NFL-ready, his long, thin lower half is not conducive to leveraging run lanes and overcoming the big bodies that will be coming his way as a pro. He's a physical striker with adequate trigger twitch. Werner has the talent and demeanor to compete for a roster spot as a backup strong-side linebacker and full-time special teamer.

Strengths
Played all three linebacker positions.
Early arm extension to punch and stay clean inside.
Separates and searches for the runner.
Plays quickly off the edge block to make sudden tackles.
Fluid change of direction in space.
Agility and hips for smooth lateral transitions.
Physical striker when he gets them in his sights.
Can match up in coverage with positive results.
Attacks blitz blockers with force and some success.
Versatility to be moved around the field.

Weaknesses
Long and thin through hips and legs.
Below-average base to withstand angle blocks.
Will have trouble constricting run lanes with force.
Needs to be quicker shadowing lateral run cuts.
Glued to bigger blockers once they find his frame.
Needs to find consistent angles and position as tackler.
Below-average strength to finish.
Average field flow as spot dropper.