Pete

Werner

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Werner’s deal is worth just over $25 million and includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Now under contract through the 2027 season, Werner, who totaled 93 tackles, four TFLs, and one interception last season, will be tasked with leading the Saints’ defense for the foreseeable future. Last season, Werner and the Saints ranked eighth in points allowed per game (19.2) while finishing 13th in yards allowed per game (321.2).

Werner had missed several weeks with an ankle injury before returning for Week 15’s game against the Falcons. However, he did not practice all week with this hamstring injury. Kaden Elliss has some plug-and-play appeal in IDP leagues.

He’ll likely be officially listed as limited. Werner has not played since injuring his ankle in Week 9. This is a step in the right direction towards him being active for Week 13’s MNF matchup with the Buccaneers. New Orleans may take it slow with him, as they did with Marshon Lattimore.

That’s not promising for Werner’s status in the short-term. He hasn’t played since suffering the injury in Week 9, and is not practicing again today. We’d consider him likely to miss at least the next two weeks based on the report.

He suffered an ankle injury in Week 9’s game that looks likely to sideline him for at least this week. Dennis Allen declined to give a timetable or any injury specifics when asked on Tuesday. Werner is a three-down linebacker for New Orleans and his absence would be a big deal in Week 10 against the Steelers.

The Saints also announced the signings of the rest of their draft class. Turner moved to the outside of the defensive line in his junior season at Houston so it may take him some time to continue adjusting as he hits the pro level. However, he has all of the physical tools necessary to exceed with the Saints and should be an impactful player from Week 1. To create the necessary cap space, New Orleans restructured Marshon Lattimore’s contract. Lattimore was on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal and is currently in extension talks with the team.

A four-star recruit and number 14 inside linebacker from the 2017 prep class, Werner (6’3/238) was a three-year starter at Ohio State who spent time at all three linebacker positions. He recorded 185 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, four sacks, four forced fumbles, and 11 PBU while being named first team All-Big Ten in 2020. Werner had an incredible pro day workout, with a 4.62 40-yard dash and showings in the vertical (39.5”) and 3-cone (6.9) that were both above the 90th-percentile for his position. Werner is a smooth, heady player that is rarely caught out of position. Werner allowed a solid 78.5 NFL passer rating on 108 coverage targets. His athleticism, versatility, coverage skills, and special teams acumen form an enticing package that should help Werner earn playing time in multiple facets of the game.

Werner (6'3/242) has been a productive starter on an upper-echelon program for three seasons, recording 185 tackles, 11 PBU, 4.0 sacks and three forced fumbles over his Buckeyes tenure. Though not a notable athletic specimen, the senior linebacker stepped up when it counted, allowing zero yards in coverage in the 2019 Big Ten Championship and CFP semifinal against Clemson. Of some concern is the fact Werner didn’t record a single PBU in 26 coverage targets this season, allowing a 66 percent catch rate. Still, Werner projects as a late Day 2-to-early Day 3 selection come April who could improve his draft stock with a good round of testing.

A former four-star recruit for the Buckeyes, Werner (6'3/242) took a big step forward in 2019 as Treash notes, improving his PFF grade from 60.8 in 2018 to 74.9 last fall. " He was allowed just two explosive plays in coverage, and allowed 15 or fewer yards in 10-of-14 games played. “In the two biggest games of his 2019 season -- the Big Ten championship against Wisconsin and the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson -- Werner didn’t allow a single yard in coverage and contributed five defensive stops over those two games,” Treash writes. As the analyst notes, he should have a bigger role in 2020 considering all of the talent Ohio State allowed on defense.

Werner had been committed to the Irish cause since March, but it’s possible that an unofficial visit to Ohio State for their world-ending game against Michigan on Saturday might have planted second thoughts regarding his commitment. It doesn’t help matters that Notre Dame (4-8) won’t even be eligible for a bowl this winter. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder ranks as Rivals’ No. 18 linebacking recruit for the 2017 cycle.