As is becoming customary around the NFL, another club has quickly wrapped up a contract with a first-round pick.
The Saints have signed Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony, the No. 31 overall selection, to a four-year contract, the team said Tuesday. The Saints hold also hold an option on Anthony for 2019.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Anthony was a first-team all-ACC performer in 2014, recording 90 tackles. He likely fits at inside linebacker in the Saints’ 3-4 defense.
“There are a handful of linebackers, really, that we felt that could play inside and potentially outside, all of which we feel like are real good players,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said after the selection of Anthony, according to a transcript from the club. “But we like the makeup, his size, his flexibility, position flexibility, I think he can play either inside position. I think he is probably most suited to play ‘Mike,’ so he has that body type.
The Saints now have struck deals with 8-of-9 draft choices. Only Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat, the No. 13 overall pick, remains unsigned. The club has its rookie minicamp over the weekend.
