Danny Stutsman’s journey from college football standout to NFL prospect has been nothing short of remarkable. The Oklahoma Sooners linebacker, known for his relentless work ethic and leadership, saw his dream come true when he was selected by the **New Orleans Saints** in the **fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft** [A](https://www.on3.com/pro/news/new-orleans-saints-select-danny-stutsman-in-fourth-round-of-2025-nfl-draft/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cub24zLmNvbVwvcHJvXC9uZXdzXC9uZXctb3JsZWFucy1zYWludHMtc2VsZWN0LWRhbm55LXN0dXRzbWFuLWluLWZvdXJ0aC1yb3VuZC1vZi0yMDI1LW5mbC1kcmFmdFwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His selection at **No. 112 overall** marks a significant milestone in his career, and his former coach, **Brent Venables**, has been vocal in praising Stutsman’s grit, talent, and potential at the next level.
### A Leader on and off the Field
Stutsman’s impact at Oklahoma was undeniable. Over his **47 career games**, he started **37 consecutive** matchups, demonstrating his durability and consistency [B](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/brent-venables-danny-stutsman-billy-bowman-ou-football-oklahoma-sooners-nfl-draft-249338741/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9va2xhaG9tYVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvYnJlbnQtdmVuYWJsZXMtZGFubnktc3R1dHNtYW4tYmlsbHktYm93bWFuLW91LWZvb3RiYWxsLW9rbGFob21hLXNvb25lcnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LTI0OTMzODc0MVwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to read plays, make crucial tackles, and inspire his teammates made him one of the most respected players in the program. His **376 career tackles** rank **ninth in Oklahoma history**, and his **36 tackles for loss** place him among the top inside linebackers to ever wear the Sooners uniform [B](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/brent-venables-danny-stutsman-billy-bowman-ou-football-oklahoma-sooners-nfl-draft-249338741/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9va2xhaG9tYVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvYnJlbnQtdmVuYWJsZXMtZGFubnktc3R1dHNtYW4tYmlsbHktYm93bWFuLW91LWZvb3RiYWxsLW9rbGFob21hLXNvb25lcnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LTI0OTMzODc0MVwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Venables, who has coached some of the best defensive players in college football, recognized Stutsman’s leadership qualities early on. “Danny was one of our program’s unquestioned leaders,” Venables said. “He grew so much on and off the field, and I couldn’t be prouder of him” [B](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/brent-venables-danny-stutsman-billy-bowman-ou-football-oklahoma-sooners-nfl-draft-249338741/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9va2xhaG9tYVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvYnJlbnQtdmVuYWJsZXMtZGFubnktc3R1dHNtYW4tYmlsbHktYm93bWFuLW91LWZvb3RiYWxsLW9rbGFob21hLXNvb25lcnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LTI0OTMzODc0MVwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to command the defense and set the tone for his teammates was a key factor in Oklahoma’s success during his tenure.
### The Road to the NFL
Stutsman’s senior season solidified his status as an elite linebacker. He recorded **109 tackles**, **eight tackles for loss**, and a crucial interception, proving his ability to perform under pressure [C](https://oklahoma.rivals.com/news/oklahoma-lb-danny-stutsman-selected-by-saints-in-the-fourth-round?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9va2xhaG9tYS5yaXZhbHMuY29tXC9uZXdzXC9va2xhaG9tYS1sYi1kYW5ueS1zdHV0c21hbi1zZWxlY3RlZC1ieS1zYWludHMtaW4tdGhlLWZvdXJ0aC1yb3VuZCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJld1pjOXphaHJZUnVLRVZrSEh2ODMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJmYm5xeWtkSllBemRabThZWGhGTk0iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His performances earned him **First-Team All-SEC honors**, a testament to his ability to adapt and excel in a highly competitive conference [A](https://www.on3.com/pro/news/new-orleans-saints-select-danny-stutsman-in-fourth-round-of-2025-nfl-draft/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cub24zLmNvbVwvcHJvXC9uZXdzXC9uZXctb3JsZWFucy1zYWludHMtc2VsZWN0LWRhbm55LXN0dXRzbWFuLWluLWZvdXJ0aC1yb3VuZC1vZi0yMDI1LW5mbC1kcmFmdFwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
His draft stock rose significantly after an impressive showing at the **NFL Combine**, where he showcased his athleticism and football IQ. Analysts praised his ability to **diagnose plays quickly**, **shed blockers efficiently**, and **deliver punishing hits** [A](https://www.on3.com/pro/news/new-orleans-saints-select-danny-stutsman-in-fourth-round-of-2025-nfl-draft/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cub24zLmNvbVwvcHJvXC9uZXdzXC9uZXctb3JsZWFucy1zYWludHMtc2VsZWN0LWRhbm55LXN0dXRzbWFuLWluLWZvdXJ0aC1yb3VuZC1vZi0yMDI1LW5mbC1kcmFmdFwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His scouting report highlighted his **instincts, size, and tackling ability**, projecting him as a potential starter in the NFL [A](https://www.on3.com/pro/news/new-orleans-saints-select-danny-stutsman-in-fourth-round-of-2025-nfl-draft/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cub24zLmNvbVwvcHJvXC9uZXdzXC9uZXctb3JsZWFucy1zYWludHMtc2VsZWN0LWRhbm55LXN0dXRzbWFuLWluLWZvdXJ0aC1yb3VuZC1vZi0yMDI1LW5mbC1kcmFmdFwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Bright Future in New Orleans
The **New Orleans Saints** recognized Stutsman’s potential and wasted no time in selecting him. His **prototypical middle linebacker build** and **high football IQ** make him an ideal fit for their defensive scheme [A](https://www.on3.com/pro/news/new-orleans-saints-select-danny-stutsman-in-fourth-round-of-2025-nfl-draft/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cub24zLmNvbVwvcHJvXC9uZXdzXC9uZXctb3JsZWFucy1zYWludHMtc2VsZWN0LWRhbm55LXN0dXRzbWFuLWluLWZvdXJ0aC1yb3VuZC1vZi0yMDI1LW5mbC1kcmFmdFwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6ImZibnF5a2RKWUF6ZFptOFlYaEZOTSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With the Saints looking to bolster their linebacker corps, Stutsman has a real opportunity to contribute immediately.
Venables expressed confidence in Stutsman’s ability to transition to the professional level. “He’s earned every bit of this opportunity, and I know he will make the absolute most of it,” Venables said [B](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/brent-venables-danny-stutsman-billy-bowman-ou-football-oklahoma-sooners-nfl-draft-249338741/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9va2xhaG9tYVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvYnJlbnQtdmVuYWJsZXMtZGFubnktc3R1dHNtYW4tYmlsbHktYm93bWFuLW91LWZvb3RiYWxsLW9rbGFob21hLXNvb25lcnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LTI0OTMzODc0MVwvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiZmJucXlrZEpZQXpkWm04WVhoRk5NIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6ImV3WmM5emFocllSdUtFVmtISHY4MyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His relentless drive and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly serve him well as he embarks on his NFL journey.
Danny Stutsman’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he steps onto the field in New Orleans, he carries with him the lessons learned at Oklahoma and the support of those who have watched him grow. His NFL dream is now a reality, and the football world will be watching as he takes the next step in his career.
