Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed

Alex Anzalone has impressed so far, and he looks just like what the Saints have needed for several years.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ryek...10184814.0.jpg

by lok12lok
Aug 17, 2017, 10:00am CDT

Covering running backs and tight ends have been a big problem for the Saints for several years now. Almost none of their linebackers have had the athleticism and the sideline-to-sideline speed needed, and the one that had (Dannell Ellerbe) could never stay healthy and is set to be cut as soon as possible.

To help fix this issue, the Saints drafted Alex Anzalone in the 3rd round of this year's draft. And at this early stage, it's looking like a good decision.

Anzalone has played really well throughout camp and has shown up in the running game - and maybe more importantly in the passing game, where he has been tasked with covering running backs and tight ends. Furthermore, he also had a great showing against the Browns where he finished with 3 tackles. To explain how good Anzalone played, here is what Pro Football Focus had to say about his performance.

Anzalone showed sideline-to-sideline speed and range and he had some really impressive snaps. Here is one of them.

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

I liked his play in the Cleveland game He finishes plays. He's my rookie pick this season.

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Lets just pray the injury bug stays away. I think this guy can be pretty good and we actually have a LB coach worth something, to train him right.

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

I am really high on him. Heard he struggled today though. But I like his instincts

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Let's sure hope so, the injury bug hit this guy very hard in college.

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Early on he had some shoulder issues that appear to have been resolved. His senior year he suffered a totally unrelated broken arm. Broken bones usually heal stronger than they were originally. And broken bones usually aren't chronic, unless your name is Breaux. :(

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Anzalone so far sounds like our most active LB, can't be mad if he gave up a TD to Gates, that guy is a HOF'er.

Re: Alex Anzalone has early looks of the linebacker the Saints have needed
 

Well in Breaux defence, if you have plates inserted there is a always a risk that you will get a fracture at the end of it. Bone is slightly flexible and can take a lot of punishment because of it but the plate takes that flexibility away.