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Michigan State LB Ben VanSumeren could be Saints' NFL Draft sleeper steal

Much like Kaden Elliss was, Ben VanSumeren is an underrated, athletic and impressive prospect that simply lacks draft hype.

Ross Jackson

Michigan State LB Ben VanSumeren could be Saints' NFL Draft sleeper steal
Michigan State LB Ben VanSumeren could be Saints' NFL Draft sleeper steal /
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One of the biggest losses of the New Orleans Saints offseason was the departure of seventh-round linebacker Kaden Elliss to the Atlanta Falcons. While he only had one year of opportunity to display his talents on defense, the loss of potential that came with his leaving is clear. But what if the Saints could replenish every bit of that potential with another late-round selection? Enter Michigan State linebacker Ben VanSumeren.

Ben VanSumeren celebrates after sacking Indiana's quarterback.
Michigan State's Ben VanSumeren celebrates after sacking Indiana's Dexter Williams II during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. 221119 Msu Indiana 122a

He may not be a top prospect in this year's NFL Draft, but VanSumeren could be a steal in Day 3. The Michigan State linebacker actually started with the in-state rival Michigan Wolverines as a running back before transferring to East Lansing, Mich. When he transferred schools, he also transitioned position to full-time linebacker and made some key impacts on the Spartans defense and special teams units. He also took snaps at linebacker with Michigan.

In 2022, VanSumeren compiled a total of 81 combined tackles (3 for a loss) as well as a pair of sacks and two passes defensed. He's an explosive second-level player with good instincts in the run game thanks to his experience at running back. He takes high-percentage angles in his pursuit and has a motor that never stops running, which allows him to be a threat rushing the passer as well.

He has started to catch more and more eyes throughout the draft process starting with remarkable testing numbers at his Pro Day. The 6-foot-2, 231-pound prospect clocked in at 4.45 in the 40-yard dash but also added some explosive testing numbers elsewhere. His 42.5-inch vertical leap and 10-foot-11 broad jump would have been the best marks among all linebackers that participated at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 29 bench reps would have also tied for the best.

So why is a player with such impressive measureables not getting a lot of shine? It could be because the areas he needs to improve are ones that could keep him from being impactful on defense. He needs to work on improving his tackling, get more comfortable shedding blocks once engaged and stands to develop further in man coverage (though he shows promise in zone). However, if he develops those traits and skills over a few years, it is hard to see him being anything less than key depth at the next level. If you ask some, he could be much more than that.

During the 2019 NFL Draft, the Saints rolled the dice on a similar prospect in Elliss. While Elliss' testing numbers were not as eye-catching as VanSumeren's, his athleticism was undeniable. The raw talent and traits were there. Then after years of working with veteran linebacker Demario Davis and Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges, 2022 was a breakout year for the former seventh-round selection.

VanSumeren could have a similar trajectory in New Orleans. It is no mystery at all that the Saints would love to continue to bolster their depth at linebacker. The recent re-signing of another Michigan State alum Andrew Dowell was a great step forward. But to rule out the position being addressed further in the draft would be premature. That is where a player like VanSumeren becomes all the more valuable.

Ben VanSumeren celebrates tackle for a loss against Minnesota.
Michigan State's Ben VanSumeren, left, celebrates after his tackle for a loss against Minnesota during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. 220924 Msu Minn Fb 057a

He could have an immediate impact as a core special teamer. That was a big part of his game with the Spartans. His ability to take on plus angles, his pursuit speed, recovery speed, quick diagnosis and recognition traits and hot motor are all great elements in that area. 

Many teams view Day 3 of the draft as "special teams day" and the Saints are a great example of that. Elliss started off in a special teams role before getting the chance to show what he could do on defense. Other former third day selections like defensive backs Saquan Hampton, Kamrin Moore and Natrell Jamerson were all drafted with similar goals in mind. Even just last year, fifth-round linebacker D'Marco Jackson was also expected to get a chance to be a core special teamer immediately before his preseason injury.

VanSumeren may not top draft boards at linebacker, he may not be a first-round pick, but the athletic traits he possesses do not grow on trees. Getting those qualities in a player as a blank slate entering the league is quite a promising head start. While athleticism and explosiveness are not all it takes to succeed in the NFL, the Saints have shown that they can develop linebacker talent with Coach Hodges at the helm. If he is available as late as rounds 6 or 7, New Orleans should absolutely be rolling the dice on the immense potential that comes with the Michigan State linebacker.

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Ross Jackson
ROSS JACKSON