The New Orleans Saints picked up Anfernee Orji as an undrafted free agent last year and was retained through the year. The opportunity has presented itself for Orji to move up the depth chart this offseason and he has taken advantage.
After the Big 3 of Demario Davis, Pete Werner and Willie Gay, it’s wide open at linebacker. Nephi Sewell is still out with an injury, and Orji has been performing like a prime candidate for the role of a backup and key special teams contributor.
Orji was one of the stars of the Saints’ second preseason game, receiving one of the highest Pro Football Focus player ratings. That improvement has been recognized by Davis, the leader of the defense.
Davis compared what he’s seen of Orji this year versus last year: “I think it’s been as much improvement as you can have in a player. … You saw it in flashes of what he potentially could be. He’s done an incredible job of not only putting in the work but letting it transfer into his game.”
Consistency has been the key difference to Davis, and it will continue to be the key. Davis believes Orji has a high ceiling if he can continue to put together the quality of practices and games he has done this year. Orji’s last hurdle lies ahead on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in their final preseason game.
