Talent to thrive at the NFL level has never been the question for Saints 2017 3rd round pick Alex Anzalone, but durability has. He dealt with shoulder issues in college that have also been a problem in two of his three seasons with the Saints. Last year, Anzalone went down in week 2, which was the same infamous game in LA against the Rams that Drew Brees injured his thumb. But, Anzalone never returned to the lineup.
The 25-year-old has flashed his playmaking ability in training camp coming back from shoulder surgery and looks ready for the season opener against Tampa Bay that is less than 2 weeks away.
“I feel really good,” said Anzalone. “Obviously as camp goes on, I think everyone will tell you they feel a little sore. That's just part of building volume to get ready for the season. As we're starting to get closer to the end of camp, I think that we're turning the corner, going to finish camp strong and head into week one.”
New Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges began his Black & Gold career at the same time as Anzalone. Hodges was hired by New Orleans in 2017 as a defensive assistant and was just promoted to LB coach following Mike Nolan’s departure to Dallas. What are some things that have stood out to Hodges about Anzalone?
“I think he's more and more of a pro over the last four years,” answered Hodges. “It's been fun. He's the one guy that I've been able to literally watch every snap that he's taken since he's gotten into the NFL. He's doing a good job and constantly asking good questions and trying to get better. So, there's still room for growth there. We've got another week to really try to develop him a little bit more just to be ready to be his best. But, he's doing a good job and working hard every day.”
Is there any specific thing Hodges is trying to get more out of Anzalone?
“I don't know if there's one particular area,” Hodges answered. “We're going to put them in some man coverage situations, we're going to continue to work on that. But, he's also the MIKE linebacker in the in the box; there's a lot of fighting going on in there too. So, he's got to work on that as well.”