The New Orleans Saints entered the 2026 NFL Draft with more hope than any season in recent memory, and now it’s time to grade their picks and see if they made the most of their opportunities. Second-round Tyler Shough looked like the real deal down the stretch and gives New Orleans a legitimate shot to win the NFC South and potentially go on a deep playoff run. However, while quarterback is the game’s most important position, it takes a full team to become a legitimate contender.<\/p>\n
The Saints kicked off their draft with perhaps the most high-risk, high-reward player on the board. Nobody can deny Jordyn Tyson’s natural ability, and New Orleans desperately needed another set of hands. However, Tyson’s extensive injury history makes him a considerable risk for such an early selection. The Arizona State product missed significant time throughout his collegiate tenure, which suggests his body simply cannot handle the game’s physical nature. The NFL season is longer than college, and everyone is bigger, faster, and stronger. Only time will tell if he can endure a 17-game schedule, but it’s a risky gamble to make.<\/p>\n Saints Draft Grade: C+<\/strong><\/p>\n Jordyn Tyson NFL Draft Profile<\/a><\/p>\n The Saints tradition of investing in defensive tackles continued in the second round with Georgia’s Christen Miller. Miller isn’t a versatile lineman that can slide over to the edge, but he knows how to take up space in the interior. Weighing in at 6′-4″ and 231 pounds, Miller is next to impossible to move in the trenches and should help New Orleans shut down opposing rushing attacks. He won’t rack up sacks, but he can also collapse the pocket and make life uncomfortable for the opposing quarterback. Ultimately, he’s an old-school football player whose impact will go far beyond the box score.<\/p>\n Saints Draft Grade: B+<\/strong><\/p>\n Christen Miller NFL Draft Profile<\/a><\/p>\n The New Orleans Saints desperately needed another tight end, ans Oscar Delp has the potential to be this team’s long-term answer at the position. While Juwan Johnson will remain the team’s primary receiving tight end, Delp brings plenty of value as a traditional in-line tight end. In the short term, look for Delp to spend most of his time clearing lanes in the running game and keep quarterback Tyler Shough upright. However, he has the potential to be a solid receiving option and could earn a larger role in a year or two when Johnson starts slowing down.<\/p>\nNew Orleans Saints Draft Grades: A Pick-by-Pick Breakdown<\/h2>\n
First Round (8th Overall): Jordyn Tyson, WR<\/h3>\n
Second Round (42nd Overall): Christen Miller, DT<\/h3>\n
Third Round (73rd Overall): Oscar Delp, TE<\/h3>\n