Rutgers Linebacker Tyreem Powell May Be An Undrafted Gem For Saints Defense

Since the New Orleans Saints signed linebacker Demario Davis in 2018, he has been the face of their defense and one of the best all-around defenders in the NFL.

Davis is now 36 and entering his 14th NFL season. He’s still an outstanding player, but the Saints have little else to complement him at linebacker outside of the steady Pete Werner.

With new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley expected to switch to a 3-4 base scheme, the Saints need more depth at linebacker.

New Orleans spent a fourth-round choice on Oklahoma thumper Danny Stutsman. Perhaps they’ll also get rapid development from second-year linebackers Jaylan Ford or Isaiah Stalbird.

One underrated name to watch will be joining Stutsman on the team as a rookie but slipped under the radar in going undrafted.

Tyreem Powell, LB (Rutgers) Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Tyreem Powell (22) in action against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Tyreem Powell (22) in action against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

A three-star recruit at Vineland High School in New Jersey, Powell stayed in-state with his collegiate choice of Rutgers. He wouldn’t play until his sophomore year of 2021, intercepting a pass and recovering a fumble in limited action.

By 2022, Powell was a regular starter for the Scarlet Knights. His 3 sacks finished second on the team, as he also contributed 6 tackles for loss among his 71 total stops while breaking up 4 passes.

Injuries hampered Powell over his last two seasons. He played only eight games in 2023, then had a late start to 2024 because of an offseason Achilles injury. In 18 games over his last two years, Powell still managed 2 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 5 passes broken up, and 2 fumbles forced.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Tyreem Powell (22) intercepts a ball against the Indiana Hoosiers. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Powell looks the part of a traditional in-the-box linebacker. He has just average lateral agility, which was particularly evident last year after the Achilles injury. He’ll need to improve his pursuit angles to make up for this shortcoming.

Against the run, Powell can be caught out of position by play fakes or misdirection. In pass coverage, he has trouble staying with athletic or shifty tight ends. He’ll need to show much better awareness in zone coverages, especially with a lack of short-area quickness that leaves him vulnerable.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Jackson Acker (34) is tackled by Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Tyreem Powell (22). Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

At nearly 6’5″ and 240-Lbs., Powell is a well-built and physical defender with old-school prototype size. He has the strength to stand up blockers and power to step into the gap to consistently stuff running plays.

Powell gets good depth on his zone drops in coverage. He also has a tremendous wingspan, somewhat making up for lateral agility and allowing him to make plays within intermediate passing lanes.

Tyreem Powell has the potential of a three-down linebacker. He’s a force against the run on the inside. A year removed from his Achilles, Powell’s mobility should be better. This will be crucial, as he must show that he can make plays against the run on the outside.

Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) is tackled by Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Tyreem Powell (22). Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Powell has the size to cover tight ends in man duties. His length and depth in zones may be enough to prevent him from being a liability in coverage. He’s also an underrated blitzer, giving the defense an interior pass rush option.

Powell will have the opportunity to earn a roster spot with New Orleans. There is little proven depth at linebacker behind starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner.

Additionally, new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has always preferred big and physical inside linebackers. This is a profile that Tyreem Powell most certainly fits.

Rutgers Linebacker Tyreem Powell May Be An Undrafted Gem For Saints Defense

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