Saints Draft Prospects: An Unlikely Source Could Provide A Day 3 NFL Draft Steal

Saints may find a late-round gem from an unlikely collegiate source.

Temple Owls linebacker Jordan Magee during the NFL Scouting Combine / Credit:© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis remains one of the NFL's best all-around defenders and top linebackers. While still playing at a high level, Davis is also 35 and entering his 13th season. The Saints have not done a good job at providing Davis with a quality running mate at the position. Pete Werner is a strong in-the-box defender, but struggles in coverage or in space.

The Saints added linebackers Willie Gay and Khaleke Hudson in free agency. Those additions, especially Gay, should fortify the position. However, each are signing to only one-year deals and Werner will also be a free agent at the end of this year.

Linebacker isn't necessarily a glaring need heading into the draft. Selecting someone at the spot could also help their special teams and set them up for future years. Here is one potential Day 3 target and one of the Saints scheduled pre-draft visits.

Jordan Magee, LB - Temple; 6'1" 228-Lbs

Temple Owls linebacker Jordan Magee (6) after a tackle against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights / Credit:© Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Temple managed to land Jordan Magee after an all-state campaign at quarterback and safety for Dover High School in Delaware. His action was limited during a Covid-shortened 2020 campaign. He'd contribute 6.5 tackles for loss in 2021, then would be a huge part of Temple's defense his next two years.

In 2022, Magee led the Owls with 86 total tackles, including nine for loss and 4.5 sacks, while contributing 17 pressures and breaking up three passes. He was even more disruptive last season, with 14 tackles for loss among his 80 total stops, along with 3.5 sacks, 20 pressures, and four passes broken up to lead Temple in each category.

Magee has explosive traits, but is also a very aggressive in-the-box defender. Showing zero hesitation, he'll take on bigger blockers against the run always looking to make a play. He shows a natural radar to the ball carrier to make plays in the backfield.

Identifying and attacking gaps is one of Magee's strengths. He'll decisively make plays in open lanes, but also takes on blockers with a strong base and good upper body power. He's also an excellent tackler, both in traffic and open space.

A disruptive blitzer, Magee causes chaos as a pass rusher or an extra run defender in the box. He has the athleticism for coverage duties but was usually used in downhill, attacking roles.

Temple Owls linebacker Jordan Magee makes an open field tackle against the SMU Mustangs / Credit:© Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Physics are physics, and Magee lacks ideal height or mass for his play strengths. Bigger blockers can overwhelm him, and he will sometimes struggle to disengage from blocks. Despite his athleticism, Magee has limited sideline-to-sideline range and will be beaten to the edge.

While athletic enough for coverage, Magee will need to show that he has the instincts for such duties. Tight change-of-direction skills caused him to be vulnerable in man-to-man coverage at Temple. In some fairness, he wasn't often asked to do that often in college, so therefore lacks experience.

Jordan Magee will likely be a Day 3 draft choice. Projections have him coming off the board anywhere between the fifth and seventh rounds. He'll have to make a team through special teams contributions, but has the aggressive demeanor and athletic ability to carve out a role that way.

Magee could make an impact on early downs or specific situations because of his disruptive capabilities. To be able to make a consistent defensive impact or earn a rotational role, he must show that his coverage instincts match his athletic ability and remain as effective against the run as he was in college.