Saints UDFA Isaiah Stalbird hopes many talents, desire lead to roster spot

The New Orleans Saints scouting department has displayed a propensity for discovering productive undrafted free agent linebackers in the past.

Contributors like Jo-Lonn Dunbar (2008-’13), Jonathan Casillas (2009-’12) and Keith Mitchell (1997-2001), who played in 79 league games and collected 373 tackles, are just three examples.

One player who arrived as a classic ‘tweener’ after playing linebacker, Rover and safety at USC parlayed his skill set into a bonus when he signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997. In six years at safety with New Orleans, he enjoyed a fine career, culminating with his enshrinement into the Saints Hall of Fame. His name?

Starting 89 games with the Saints, Knight racked up 570 tackles, 28 interceptions and 5.0 sacks.

Following the most recent NFL Draft, the Saints added another ‘tweener’ to the preseason ’24 roster, Isaiah Stalbird out of South Dakota State.

The 6’0″, 221-pound Stalbird began his college football journey as a walk-on at Nebraska (2018-2019), spending much of his time on special teams. In ’19, he recorded 13 stops and a blocked punt.

The native of Kearney, Nebraska, sought a new location where he could demonstrate and expand his skills, and FCS power South Dakota State provided those opportunities. The former high school wide receiver moved from safety to linebacker in 2021 after landing at South Dakota State.

Stalbird turned heads of NFL scouts before the draft with a 37.5″ vertical, 10’7″ standing long jump, and an impressive 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash.

The NFL hopeful understands that it will be a challenging path to the NFL but maintains that underdog, walk-on mentality.

“This is where I wanted to be, I’m fired up,” Stalbird stated before the rookie symposium at the Saints facility this weekend.

The second leading tackler on the FCS National Champion Jackrabbits squad in 2023 made 80 stops, 3.0 sacks and five passes broken up. He had a solid performance in the 2024 Hula Bowl as well.

Stalbird feels he has the required skills to land a spot on the final roster with the Saints.

“One of my strengths is my speed, versatility, and how I go about the game. I play it the right way. I can run to the ball, always in the right spot. As a linebacker, I have coverage skills that a secondary guy would have. I can run with any tight end or running back.”

Having spent a short time as a linebacker, he is still negotiating the learning curve, which is now expanded at the NFL level. Stalbird will be a keen observer of Saints veterans safety Tyrann Mathieu and linebacker DeMario Davis.

“By me transitioning, I’ve been watching Honey Badger since he was at LSU. It’s a great resource to learn from those guys. I’m just going to soak it all in and give it my best.”

Stalbird has lined up at strong-side linebacker, nickel, dime and slot for South Dakota State, who finished 15-0 this past season including a dominating 23-3 decision over Montana in the FCS title game on January 7.

The more he can do, the better he can improve his NFL chances.

“I feel comfortable playing both,” Stalbird said. “I can be utilized in a few positions wherever they ask me, I’ll do it. I want to show them that I belong. I can play multiple positions (defense) and on special teams. I was a physical safety. I had no problem being in the box. It felt comfortable, it was natural. Leading up to the national championship game, (coaches) said they were going to use me at SAM linebacker. I learned everything in a week, I have split time between SAM and safety, at slot, dime and nickel. It was easy since I had knowledge of what the DBs were doing behind me.”

Stalbird is ready to learn from his new linebackers coach Michael Hodges, in his 6th season at that spot for New Orleans. Hodges is recognized among the very best in the league at developing talent.

“I’m excited to work with him. One of the great minds in the NFL. Being able to use him as a resource, pick his brain, I’m really excited,” Stalbird stated.

Arriving as an undrafted rookie means your back is against the wall to make the team. Stalbird carries a blue-collar mantra as an NFL walk-on. He will earn his spurs on special teams.

“That’s important. That’s how I started my career in college. I’ll always play with a chip on my shoulder. I began my career as a walk-on and got my chance on special teams. Essentially, I’m doing the same thing all over. I love special teams.”

The NFL has made significant rule changes regarding kickoffs to bring more of the return game back to the forefront. Guys like Stalbird know that provides added opportunity to make themselves indispensable.

“The new rules will help because there will be a lot of tight ends and linebackers in that group. Teams are looking for players like that.”

Isaiah Stalbird will look to make versatility his calling card for NFL employment.