New Orleans Saints select Stephone Anthony with the 31st overall pick

The New Orleans Saints selected Stephone Anthony with the 31st overall pick in the NFL Draft. Here is the scouting report, courtesy of Jeff Hyde (@Jeff__Hyde).

Anthony has all the skill/ability and size to be a starting inside linebacker at the next level.  He possesses a huge frame with good bulk and length.  He is strong, although he needs to use his strength better at the next level. 

He is good in pursuit of the ball carrier with good lateral movement and a fluid running style.  He also has good hips and uses his length to his advantage in his coverage breaking up a lot of tough passes. 

Anthony needs to get better at getting off of blocks.  For a guy his size, he gets eaten up by simple blocks too often, whether it’s effort or hand technique.  Also, he needs to improve his leverage to avoid getting washed out with those blocks.  He needs to play as strong as he looks and needs to play with an attitude. 

Overall, Anthony can be a solid starter at the next level.  If a team misses out on the top three or four linebackers, Anthony can be found in the third or fourth round range and provide some solid productivity.