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White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. -- Not long ago, New Orleans Saints rookie linebacker Khairi Fortt traded the "ILB" next to his name for "OLB," a one-letter edit on the official roster that understated how dramatically his job has changed.

As outside linebacker, or strong-side linebacker, or "Sam," Fortt is more likely to rush the passer, more likely to line up with his fingers in the dirt and -- he hopes -- more likely to play in coordinator Rob Ryan's defense.

"At Penn State, I was basically the Will (weak-side) linebacker. At Cal, I was the Will linebacker. I was the Will here for a little bit. Then about two weeks ago they traded me to Sam," Fortt said on Monday, describing his two stops as a college player.

The Saints drafted Fortt in the fourth round of the NFL draft in May and initially seemed content to let him continue as an inside linebacker with his 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame.

But his recent move to a pass-rushing role seems more than just experimental


Read more: Saints linebacker Khairi Fortt learning new role after position shift | NOLA.com

Ashley

Well the team knows whats best for the man. If not ...........

the-commish

That's why we drafted Ronald Powell (to play on the outside). The Saints need more speed and athleticism on the inside. Fortt seems to fit that bill.

Cruize

Fortt and Powell bring alot of athleticism to the LB corps. Something that is sorely lacking.

hagan714

well LB are RBoys thing and he always seem to find a few gems every where he goes so i am giving him a pass on the pick to see what happens.

QBREES9

Team first, do anything to help the team.

Rugby Saint II

Fortt is my favorite new player. I want to see him playing a lot this season under Rob Ryan and putting pressure on QB's.