Ohio State football: Pete Werner goes to Saints in second round

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Pete Werner (20) watches as the ball falls to the ground after helping break up a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Pat Freiermuth (87) during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. [Joshua A. Bickel/Dispatch]Osu19psu Jb Xtra 09
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Pete Werner (20) watches as the ball falls to the ground after helping break up a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Pat Freiermuth (87) during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. [Joshua A. Bickel/Dispatch]Osu19psu Jb Xtra 09 /
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The former Ohio State football player had to wait until the end of the second round to be taken, but the Saints get a good one in Pete Werner.

Pete Werner was the best linebacker the Ohio State football team had on their roster the last two years. I thought Werner had a chance to slide into the end of the first round, but he had to wait until the end of the second to be selected by the New Orleans Saints.

Werner is very versatile. He can get back and cover and showed speed after running a 4.58 40-yard dash at Ohio State’s Pro Day. He is excellent at getting downhill as well to stop the run. Werner is a linebacker who can fill the gap and get a running back down immediately.

Werner led the Buckeyes in tackles this past year and was second in tackles in 2019. He gets all over the field and is a great leader. I truly think the Saints got a steal by grabbing him this late in the Draft. New Orleans’ defense was good, but they need help at linebacker.

Getting a linebacker that’s as versatile as Werner can only help the Saints. Werner should be able to start day one in New Orleans and contribute immediately. I could see him having a ton of tackles in his rookie year right out of the gate.

Next. Is Justin Fields a good fit in Chicago?. dark

Werner is the first Buckeye to go on day two. Who will the second Buckeye be off the board today? Plenty more should come off late tonight.