2026 NFL Draft Grades: New Orleans Saints

Everything about the Saints' offseason points to boosting the offense around Tyler Shough in an important year for the QB's long-term evaluation. It goes back to November, when the Saints traded Rasheed Shahid but opted not to move receiver Chris Olave, despite him entering his fifth-year option season and a trade making sense on paper. New Orleans also signed guard David Edwards (the offensive line was 29th in pass block win rate last season at 56%) and running back Travis Etienne Jr. (Alvin Kamara is going to be 31 years old, and his performance has dipped).

Next up is taking a contested-catch X factor in Jordyn Tyson. Teams wondered about his durability in the pre-draft process, as he missed a third of his college games and the combine. But he was my No. 1 receiver for what he put on tape when he was on the field. Tyson had 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 when he played 12 games, and he was well on his way to similar numbers in 2025 if not for a hamstring injury. The injuries are a factor. But with his ability to emerge from smothering coverage with the football and come down with high-point passes in the end zone, this potential pairing of Tyson and Olave has a high ceiling. And going back to the original point, he is exactly what Shough needs in Year 2.

Oscar Delp and Bryce Lance help, too. Delp can develop behind Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant. Lance sells his routes well, displays good body control and can make things happen after the catch.

On defense, Christen Miller is going to push the pocket from inside. But I was hoping the Saints would bring in a young edge rusher to develop before the end of Round 3, considering Cameron Jordan might not be back (and is 37 years old). During the draft, New Orleans traded for Tyree Wilson, but he has never really put it together since being picked No. 7 overall by the Raiders in 2023.

GM Mickey Loomis, the league's senior GM, probably doesn't get sufficient credit for the job he's done over the past quarter-century — and make no mistake, this team seems well positioned to take off in 2026. Loomis took the plunge on WR Jordyn Tyson and his checkered injury history in Round 1 — and that could be a home run pick ... as long as he and WR1 Chris Olave stay in the lineup together. Day 2 Georgia Bulldogs Christen Miller, a nose tackle, and Oscar Delp, a tight end, should have immediate roles. Whether or not they're impact players is another question. Fourth-round WR Bryce Lance, Trey's brother, could be a steal who routinely takes the top off defenses. Fifth-round DB Lorenzo Styles Jr., Sonny's brother, also has the benefit of a good gene pool — but the converted receiver still needs to prove he can survive as a nickel.

Best Pick: Their first pick, receiver Jordyn Tyson, gives the offense a dynamic playmaker. Only injuries held him back in college. Quarterback Tyler Shough had to love that pick.

Worst Pick: Third-round tight end Oscar Delp was just OK in my book. I thought they could have addressed other positions there or even a different tight end.

The Skinny: In Tyson and second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller, the Saints added two players who will make an immediate impact. The rest of their draft wasn't great, although fourth-round guard Jeremiah Wright has a chance to start eventually.

I'm excited to see how Tyler Shough and the Saints' offense grows in Year 2 under Kellen Moore after a draft class that gives him four new pass-catchers, starting with Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall. Tyson's struggles with durability have been well documented, but he's a proven difference-maker when healthy.

The production has not been as consistent with the other pass-catchers GM Mickey Loomis drafted this year, but I love the upside offered by tight end Oscar Delp and Day 3 wideouts Bryce Lance and Barion Brown.

It wouldn't be a Loomis-led draft without reinforcements along the line of scrimmage. Christen Miller is one of my favorite prospects in this class, and I'm intrigued by the size and physicality of former Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright, as well. I also like the contrast between Combine superstar Lorenzo Styles Jr. and T.J. Hall, who might lack Styles' straight-line speed but makes up for it with instincts.

This isn't the splashiest draft — and I think the Saints could've used more help on defense — but this was one of the better all-around classes this year.

The Saints offense is quickly becoming extremely dangerous as they will now field two number one wide receivers in Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson.

Christen Miller gives their defense a much-needed big, stack and shed artist that disrupts both the run and pass.

Bryce Lance has game-changing vertical speed and should be able to hold down a number four wide receiver role. Day three felt like a lot of special teamers in rounds six and seven, but that's not uncommon. I really like how the Saints were able to improve on both sides of the ball in this draft.

Here's why: I thought the Saints did a really nice job of boosting their pass catchers for Tyler Shough. Jordyn Tyson is a twitchy athlete who can win inside and out, and his game complements Chris Olave well. Bryce Lance, a top-50 player on my board, is older and still raw, but he has truly elite speed and athleticism in a good frame. His hands are also more consistent than you typically see with deep threats. He ended up in an ideal spot where he doesn't have to be "the guy" right away and where his speed can open up space for his teammates who are so dangerous underneath.

Christen Miller had real flashes when he was able to line up and go. His length and strength make him a good run defender, and his experience slanting and working on the move fits in Brandon Staley's defense. Day 3 cornerbacks don't usually end up starters, but I appreciated the Saints trying to add depth to their defensive back room, especially considering how cornerback was a weakness at times last season.

Most interesting pick: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

The Saints didn't just add a couple of wide receivers to help out their passing attack, they also selected Delp in the middle of the Day 2 tight end run. Delp, my TE4, was not overly productive in college, but he almost certainly will be a better pro than college player. He has the speed and athleticism to stretch the field along with the size and strength that gives him a chance to stay in-line as a Y tight end. His game complements Juwan Johnson and also opens up formational and personnel flexibility for Kellen Moore.

The Saints got Tyler Shough a shiny new toy in the form of playmaking receiver Jordyn Tyson, who could be a perfect complement to Chris Olave. Tyson needs to prove he can stay healthy, but he's a twitchy mover with natural separation skills. Christen Miller felt like a bit of a reach at no. 42 overall, but he should provide some ballast in the middle of the line on early downs, where his run-stuffing skills can come into play. And Oscar Delp is a supremely athletic developmental tight end with untapped upside as a pass catcher. He could earn snaps early in his career and become the successor to Juwan Johnson in the Saints offense. It's worth keeping an eye on fourth-round receiver Bryce Lance, too. The brother of Trey Lance, he brings lid-lifting speed on the outside and could work his way into WR3 duties before too long. There's nothing too sexy in this group outside of Tyson, but I like what New Orleans did to give Shough more support.

Analysis: New Orleans made the wise decision not to pass on Tyson, even though the team had bigger needs along the defensive front. If Tyson can get past his injury history, he'll likely develop into a savvy route runner who can easily get open for quarterback Tyler Shough. With coach Kellen Moore calling the plays, the Saints could be a fun offense to watch with Shough, Tyson and Chris Olave. And the Saints did end up addressing a defensive need with the second-round selection of Miller, a rugged run-stopper who can play nose tackle.