Latest news with #DemarioDavis
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Saints linebacker Demario Davis disrespected in PFF rankings
Saints linebacker Demario Davis disrespected in PFF rankings Demario Davis is the latest Saints player to be undervalued in the PFF position opinions. It's been commonplace over the years for Pro Football Focus to disrespect and overlook New Orleans Saints players in their yearly positional rankings. After a 5-12 finish last year, the Saints have been widely overlooked in most national circles this offseason. The latest to feel the disrespect is New Orleans linebacker Demario Davis, who has frankly been underrated most of his career. PFF analyst Mason Cameron ranked the NFL's top 32 NFL linebackers coming into the 2025 season. Demario Davis was slotted in at No. 21 by PFF, in the fifth tier of their six tier rankings. Here's what Cameron wrote for his reasoning. ''Although Davis took a step back in 2024, he is still one of the most effective and decorated linebackers in the NFL, even at 36 years old. His 73.2 PFF overall grade ranked in the top 20, marking his eighth consecutive season of going above 70.0. While he won't have Dennis Allen as his head coach in 2025, Davis brings ample experience to excel for however long he decides to play.'' Davis, 36 and entering his 14th NFL season, is the oldest player on the New Orleans roster. He was also one of the very few bright spots on an otherwise abysmal Saints defense in 2024. Davis had 136 total tackles, the most of his career and the eighth straight year with at least 105 stops. He also added 2 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, an interception, broke up 7 passes, allowed just 67.3% completion percentage in coverage, and was credited with a 7.5% missed tackle percentage according to Pro Football Reference. Davis' pressure numbers weren't nearly as high as they've been throughout his other six years with the Saints. Additionally, his five tackles for loss were the fewest of his New Orleans tenure by far. However, there is still no denying his impact and importance to whatever success the Saints have defensively. While he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, Davis is still one of the best all-around defenders in the NFL. PFF graded Davis as the second-highest linebacker in the NFC South. He was four spots below former Saint Kaden Elliss of the Atlanta Falcons and one spot above Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. PFF had former Saints linebacker and current Philadelphia Eagles star Zack Baun rated No. 2 in their rankings. What PFF typically fails to recognize at this position are the more versatile off-ball linebackers, which is one reason why more one-dimensional and lesser players were graded above him. Grades and ratings are certainly subjective, whether made by legitimate analysts or by people that don't watch a position closely. No matter where someone has him rated, there is no doubting the importance that Demario Davis has to the New Orleans Saints and new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in 2025.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why The Saints Targeted Oklahoma Linebacker Danny Stutsman In The Draft
The New Orleans Saints came into the 2025 NFL Draft with a load of needs on both sides of the ball. One of those needs was at linebacker, where there is no replacement for 14-year veteran Demario Davis and little depth behind Davis and Pete Werner for coordinator Brandon Staley's 3-4 system. New Orleans finally addressed that need early in Day 3 of the draft. With the first of their two fourth-round picks and the 10th pick in the round, the Saints selected Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman. Advertisement Here's a closer look at Stutsman's collegiate career and his potential fit with the Saints. LB - Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28). Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images A three-star recruit out of Foundation Academy in Florida, Stutsman attended Oklahoma. He was an instant contributor as a freshman in 2021, recording a sack and two stops for loss among his 38 tackles while forcing 2 fumbles. A star for the Sooners by 2022, Stutsman led the Big 12 with 125 total tackles, including 11 for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Stutsman's 16 tackles for loss in 2023 led the Big 12, as he also added 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. His 2024 campaign resulted in 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American accolades after 109 total stops, 8 for loss and 1 sack, along with an interception. Advertisement Stutsman won't wow many with his athleticism. He can struggle to chase down plays from behind and can even be a liability in man coverage. His zone ability has some upside, but he'll need to improve both his drop depth and especially his awareness and agility in coverage. Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24). Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Stutsman's ability to cut off running plays along the edge depends solely on anticipation and rapid read-and-react skills. He's been prone to missed tackles in space because of poor angles or getting caught flat-footed against elusive ball carriers. A throwback linebacker, Stutsman is a physical defender that plays even bigger than his 6'3" and 233-Lb. frame. He's at his best coming downhill from in-the-box and is strong enough to take on blockers at the point of attack. Advertisement Stutsman sifts through traffic well to get to the ball. He is rarely out of position against the run, but also possesses good recognition of gaps and fires through them into the backfield. Against the pass, Stutsman has shown the ability to be a disruptive blitzer. He has a good recognition of opposing route schemes and enough athleticism to develop in short zones or man responsibilities. LSU Tigers running back Caden Durham (29) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Danny Stutsman has outstanding overall instincts and football IQ. He was a captain of the Sooners defense for years and has the ability to eventually do the same at the NFL level. He'll also have the advantage to learn that part from Demario Davis, one of the best in the business. Advertisement Stutsman has some limitations in space and coverage but not enough to keep him off the field after some development. Above all else, Stutsman's best skills should bolster a Saints run defense that ranked 31st against the run last year. He may not see any reps at all as an outside linebacker. However, Stutsman provides immediate depth to Davis and Werner in the middle with potential as a longtime starter in that spot. Related: How Louisville Draft Pick Quincy Riley Fills A Saints Need Related: Best Remaining Prospects For Day 3 Of the 2025 NFL Draft Related: Final New Orleans Saints 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Super Bowl LIX's Super School Meals Celebrates Completion of 59-School Effort to Help Tackle Food Insecurity Among Louisiana Youth
GENYOUth joined by New Orleans Saints Linebacker Demario Davis, as well as Amazon Access, Domino's Smart Slice, Frito-Lay, PepsiCo Foundation, and Quaker to Celebrate High-Impact Statewide Initiative to Increase Access to 9 Million School Meals Benefitting 32,000 Students NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GENYOUth, the national non-profit organization founded by America's dairy farmers and the NFL to help ensure school children thrive by living well-nourished and physically active lives, announced today the culmination of its Super School Meals Super Bowl LIX community initiative. In collaboration with NOLA Public Schools, New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, and Dairy MAX; and purpose-minded corporate sponsors Amazon Access, Domino's Smart Slice, Entergy, Frito-Lay, PepsiCo Foundation, and Quaker, GENYOUth has provided grants for Grab and Go school-nutrition equipment packages, including mobile meal carts and milk coolers, to over 59 Louisiana schools to increase access to and participation in healthy school meals. At Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans this morning, 200 students joined New Orleans Saints Linebacker Demario Davis, along with NOLA Public Schools officials and community leaders including Interim Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore, as well as "The NFL Today" on CBS Host James "JB" Brown, and Pro Bowl NFL Tight End & Alltroo Co-Founder Kyle Rudolph, to celebrate Super School Meals. This initiative is making critical strides in tackling food insecurity among Louisiana youth and leaving a positive legacy of community impact in the 2025 Super Bowl's host market. It means increasing access to approximately 9 million school meals benefitting 32,000 students, thanks to GENYOUth's generous supporters, as well as through additional support from Pennington Biomedical Research Center (which is providing elementary schools with Greaux Healthy nutrition education resource kits). The equipment packages are critical to fostering students' nutrition security. Schools have also received NFL FLAG-In-School kits to promote student participation in physical activity. The commitment of GENYOUth to help end student hunger will continue on Saturday, February 8, with Taste of the NFL presented by Frito-Lay, Quaker, and the PepsiCo Foundation, at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans ( Net proceeds from Super Bowl LIX's largest philanthropic culinary event will benefit schools in Louisiana and throughout the nation. "With one in four Louisiana children living in food insecurity¹, and 30 million students nationwide relying on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition, it is critical that we team up to support school nutrition programs, which provide the largest safety net for youth food insecurity with essential nutrition including milk/dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins," said Ann Marie Krautheim, M.A., R.D., L.D., CEO of GENYOUth. "Super School Meals is enhancing nutrition security among youth by providing the equipment and resources proven to increase equitable access to healthy meals. I am grateful to our committed and purpose-minded supporters for helping us tackle youth food insecurity and create a lasting impact in the 2025 Super Bowl host community, Louisiana." Stephanie Loup, M.P.H, R.D., L.D.N., Executive Director of Nutrition, Louisiana Department of Education, added "Alternative school meal delivery models like Grab and Go can help improve nutrition operations and increase access to and participation in school meals. I am here today at Benjamin Franklin High School to celebrate the culmination of Super School Meals. I thank GENYOUth and its supporters, and honor NOLA Public Schools, for working to ensure all students are well-nourished and able to thrive every day with good nutrition." NOLA Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore said, "We are excited to see the impact of Super School Meals in our school district. This high-impact community initiative is helping to remove barriers and ensure all students get the nutrition they need to succeed academically in school and beyond. Thank you to GENYOUth and purpose-driven supporters for their continued commitment to our childrens' health and overall well-being." "Frito-Lay, Quaker, and the PepsiCo Foundation are committed to supporting schools with equitable access to nutritious meals and other critical resources as a way to combat hunger in underserved communities," said C.D. Glin, President, PepsiCo Foundation, and Global Head of Social Impact at PepsiCo. "We are proud to support the Super School Meals and Taste of the NFL initiatives, and the tangible impact we'll be making across the New Orleans community." "We have long recognized that if a student is hungry, they can't unlock their full potential. Our commitment to student health and well-being is reflected in our Domino's Smart Slice Pizza, a delicious and nutritious meal that is served in schools across America," said Joe Jordan, President of U.S. and Global Services, Domino's. "Super School Meals, which is a key element in Domino's community outreach, is working to address the issue of food insecurity in our communities. Domino's is proud to be a supporter of GENYOUth since the organization's inception." Nancy Dalton, Director, Amazon Access, shared that "Amazon Access believes everyone should have access to healthy food, and your ability to access food should not be dictated by where you live. We are proud of our work collaborating with GENYOUth on Super School Meals to ensure all students in Louisiana school districts and parishes have access to quality school meals, and what they need to live healthy lives." "The New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, with the support of Entergy, is proud to be a partner of the Super School Meals program. With Super Bowl LIX just a few days away, we thank GENYOUth and all supporters who are prioritizing the health and well-being of Louisiana students today and every day," said Jay Cicero, President and CEO, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation/Super Bowl LIX Host Committee. Keira Lombardo, CEO, Dairy MAX, said that "Dairy farmers in Louisiana and throughout the nation are committed year-round to the health and well-being of our nation's children. We are proud to be partnering with GENYOUth and other purpose-driven organizations on Super School Meals to grow school meal participation and to provide equitable access to nutritious dairy products." "Seeing the benefits that Super School Meals is bringing to schools like Benjamin Franklin High School is very inspiring. As a professional football player and father, I understand the crucial role school nutrition plays in the lives of students. We must all do our part to ensure students have access to school meal and physical activity programs," said Demario Davis, Linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. For more information on Super School Meals and to purchase tickets to Taste of the NFL, visit and To help GENYOUth End Student Hunger, visit ¹ Feeding America About GENYOUthGENYOUth is a 501c3 national nonprofit dedicated to helping school children thrive by living a well-nourished and physically active life. A catalyst for youth health and wellness, GENYOUth has supported over 77,000 U.S. schools to equip them with the resources needed to ensure millions of children have equitable access to nutrition and physical activity. Founded by America's dairy farmers and the NFL, GENYOUth convenes a network of private and public partners, including Fortune 100 companies and foundations to ensure all children are nourished and active to be their best selves. With a commitment to end student hunger, GENYOUth provides nutrition grants to increase access to healthy school meals among food insecure students. GENYOUth is the official charitable partner of Taste of the NFL, a purpose-driven Super Bowl culinary experience that raises awareness and generates funds to fight hunger and food insecurity to support the organization's commitment to end student hunger. To learn more and support GENYOUth visit and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host CommitteeThe New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, is responsible for planning, executing, and hosting the City's record-tying 11th NFL Championship game on February 9, 2025. The Host Committee works in partnership with the National Football League to deliver a successful Super Bowl LIX while driving lasting social and economic impact in the Greater New Orleans area. Learn more about the New Orleans Super LIX Host Committee at About USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceUSDA's Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS's report, "Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service," highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration's National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit and follow @USDANutrition. About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo. About the PepsiCo FoundationThe PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we're focused on helping communities obtain access to food security, safe water and economic opportunity. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to effect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. About Domino's Pizza®Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world's top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 21,000 stores in over 90 markets. Domino's had global retail sales of over $18.9 billion for the trailing four quarters ended September 8, 2024. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 99% of Domino's stores as of the end of the third quarter of 2024. In the U.S., Domino's generated more than 85% of U.S. retail sales in 2023 via digital channels and has developed several innovative ordering platforms including seven unique ways to order Domino's. Order – Info – Assets – About Amazon AccessAmazon Access is a one-stop-shop for customers to explore programs, discounts, and features that make shopping on Amazon even easier and more affordable, like payment with SNAP EBT, Access Discounts, and Prime Access – Amazon's discounted Prime membership program for recipients of qualifying government assistance programs. Grounded in convenience equity, Amazon Access strives to reduce barriers for lower income individuals to access what they need to live healthy lives. Visit to learn more. About EntergyEntergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at and connect with @Entergy on social media. About Greaux HealthyGreaux Healthy is a public service initiative powered by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in partnership with the State of Louisiana, focused on preventing and treating childhood obesity in the state. Drawing from over 35 years of scientific research, Greaux Healthy creates evidence-based tools, resources, and programs that promote better health for children of all ages. Each component of the initiative serves as a guide to empower families, educators, healthcare providers, and communities with proven practices to prevent and treat childhood obesity. By fostering collaboration and providing practical solutions, Greaux Healthy is working to create a healthier future for Louisiana's children. Learn more at About the Pennington Biomedical Research CenterThe Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. The Center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus of the LSU System. The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a state-of-the-art research facility on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge. For more information, see About Dairy MAXFounded more than 40 years ago, Dairy MAX is one of the leading regional dairy councils in America – representing more than 900 dairy farmers and serving communities in eight states: Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. A nonprofit organization, Dairy MAX is part of a nationwide effort to promote American agriculture, support dairy farming and drive impact for every dairy farmer. The organization operates five audience outreach programs: business development, consumer marketing, health and wellness, industry image and relations and school marketing. For more information about Dairy MAX and its team of experts, visit Dairy resources and delicious recipes are available at About NOLA Public SchoolsNOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 67 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman in the District's 181 years to serve as its permanent superintendent. For more information, visit For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps, and X @NOLAPSchools. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GENYOUth
