The New Orleans Saints stuck with defense in the 4th round, selecting Cal outside linebacker Khairi Fortt at 126th overall. Sean Payton envisions Fortt competing at inside linebacker for the Saints.

Fortt, who spent his first two years of college at Penn State, has a good reputation in run defense, playing his best when the initial read goes directly to him. He has trouble reading play fakes and must improve his tackling to succeed in the Saints defense.

Fortt transferred from Penn State to Cal after his sophomore season, redshirting his first year with the Golden Bears due to a knee injury. In one season at Cal, Fortt was a Butkus Award semifinalist, starting in 9 games and playing in 11. He missed the final three contests with a biceps injury.

Fortt possesses prototypical size for an NFL linebacker. At 6'2, 248 pounds, he's an extremely gifted athlete. Khairi has a good opportunity to make a big impact on special teams, a role he could thrive in for the Saints. He ran an impressive 4.7 in the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine.

Last season for the Bears, he finished sixth on the team in tackles with 62 (3.5 for loss, 0.5 sacks). Here is a highlight reel of his best plays from last season.

 

 

More From 103.3 The GOAT