“He did an incredible job”

The New Orleans Saints signed Anfernee Orji as an undrafted free agent last year and kept him all year. This offseason, Orji had an opportunity to move up the ranks, and he took advantage.

After the Big 3 of Demario Davis, Pete Werner and Willie Gay, the linebacker position is wide open. Nephi Sewell is still out with an injury, and Orji has looked like a prime candidate for the role of backup and key special teams contributor.

Orji was one of the stars of the Saints' second preseason game and received one of Pro Football Focus' highest player ratings, an improvement recognized by Davis, the leader of the defense.

Davis compared what he's seen from Orji this year to last year: “I think it's the biggest improvement you can make in a player. … You've seen glimpses of what he could potentially be. He's done an incredible job of not only putting in the work, but incorporating it into his game.”

Consistency has been and will continue to be the difference maker for Davis. Davis believes Orji has a lot of potential if he can continue to deliver the quality of practice and games he has this year. Orji's final hurdle comes on Sunday in the final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.