New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has been as consistent as you can be in the NFL. Since his arrival to New Orleans in 2018, he's missed just one start due to injury. He is the Ironman of the NFL on the defensive side of the football.
Demario Davis continues to impress even as a veteran
On Pro Football Focus' recent top 30 players over 30 list for the offseason, the Saints star linebacker got his annual nod. Davis has been a part of this honorable group for multiple years now, as he's reached 36 years old now.
29. LB DEMARIO DAVIS, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Davis continued to defy age in 2024, maintaining his status as one of the league’s better linebackers at age 35. He earned a 73.2 overall grade and an 80.2 run-defense grade, both top-20 marks at the position. His durability also remains elite, with over 1,000 snaps played in each of the past six seasons.
Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner was the only other linebacker included in the list. Wagner, alongside Davis, has been an NFL stalwart for a decade now. That's not an easy feat at linebacker, and both players have done it at a high level for quite some time now.
The Saints linebacker room needs another productive season from the long-time contributor this year as well. Pete Werner has shown impressive parts to a season, but more consistency is needed.
As far as younger talent, rookie LB Danny Stutsman may have a depth role in year one, but New Orleans is really excited about this potential in their defense. He plays with incredible energy and range. Expect him to be a special teams piece this year, too.
Aside from Stutsman, Nephi Sewell and D'Marco Jackson have dealt with plenty of injuries so far in their pro careers. When healthy, Sewell has been dynamite on special teams and shown some ability on defense as well.
Second-year LB Jaylan Ford remains in the fold as well, following an injury-riddled rookie season in 2024.
Regardless, Davis is the leader of this defense, alongside Tyrann Mathieu in the secondary. PFF understands that premise and appreciates his play well into the late stages of his playing career.
