Tommy Stevens, Mississippi State (New Orleans Saints)
Stevens is a player many were surprised to see drafted, and the Saints went to quite some lengths to make sure they landed him, trading back into the seventh round to ensure he started his rookie season in New Orleans.
He’s generally viewed as more of a utility player, but rather should be considered a complete quarterback with room to develop, who possesses the ability to slide into a role similar to Taysom Hill’s very well.
After all, Stevens did function as “the Lion” at Penn State, throwing it, keeping it, catching it and taking handoffs, so he already knows how to play the part.
He’s not a lock to make the 53-man roster, but he shouldn’t be considered to be a long-shot to do so, either. Throughout camp, he has the chance to show he’s not only a guy the Saints can plug in at quarterback, but one who can function in the ground game, as a pass-catcher and on special teams.
Stevens told me earlier this year that he has complete confidence in his ability as a passer, playing the traditional quarterback role.
“I don’t think we ever really got into a groove offensively last year at Mississippi State,” he said. “I have had success with long touchdown passes and I’m never going to be afraid to throw the ball and that’s the biggest thing that affected me this year. But I do think I can throw the ball. I’ve always thought that I could throw the ball really well.”
And if the Saints do look to put him on the practice squad, they run the risk of him being poached off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, which wouldn’t be surprising, given how the draft went.
If all goes well, Stevens could carve out a role in New Orleans for the long-term.
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