DRAFT REVIEW

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and the New Orleans Saints just added a group of young players that has me genuinely excited for the future of this franchise. As we head into the Madden season, I can’t wait to get these guys in the building, put them through the system, and start developing them into the core of what we’re trying to build.

We came into the draft with a clear vision: surround Tyler Shough with weapons, add toughness up front, and inject pure speed and athleticism across the roster. Mission accomplished.

The Headliners

Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 is the one that has me most energized. A long, smooth separator with big-play ability and the kind of contested-catch skill that jumps off the tape. Pairing him with Chris Olave gives us two guys who can win at all three levels. I already see the deep shots and the intermediate chain-movers. He’s got the tools to be a feature piece, and I can’t wait to coach him up and unlock everything he has.

Christen Miller in the second round brings that Georgia trench pedigree we love. Big, physical, and disruptive against the run. He’s going to help us control the line of scrimmage and free up our linebackers. Developing him into a reliable early-down force is high on the priority list.

Then there’s Oscar Delp in the third. The athleticism is real. He’s a tight end who can block, move, and create mismatches. We’re going to have fun moving him around and finding ways to get the ball in his hands.

The Day 3 Speed Merchants and Depth Builders

Bryce Lance might be the steal of the class for us. Size, elite speed, and production against FCS competition that translated on tape. He’s a vertical threat who can stretch the field immediately and force defenses to respect the deep ball.

Jeremiah Wright gives us a massive, experienced guard we can develop behind the current group. Interior line depth and competition are never a bad thing.

Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Barion Brown bring pure juice. Styles is a converted receiver with elite speed who can contribute on special teams and in the secondary right away with 97 speed. Brown is another burner with return ability and the kind of suddenness that creates big plays. These are the types of guys who change the energy of a roster.

And TJ Hall in the seventh gives us a competitive corner with good ball skills and footwork. Depth and developmental upside at a premium position.

The Vision

This class is built for development. We’ve got high-upside skill players, athletic trench pieces, and speed everywhere. In Madden, the launch ratings give us a solid foundation to work with—Tyson and Miller already looking ready to contribute, with the rest carrying that classic Day 2/Day 3 upside that rewards good coaching and opportunity.

I’m looking forward to the process. Installing the scheme. Finding the right packages. Watching these young players grow from raw talent into reliable producers. That’s the fun part of this league for me—taking a group like this and building something that lasts.

The Saints are loading up with young, hungry players who fit what we want to be. I can’t wait to get to work with them.

Who Dat. Let’s build.