2026 New Orleans Saints Rookie Preview

The Saints spent most of 2025 searching for answers and found one in the most unexpected place: a rookie quarterback nobody expected to start. Tyler Shough's late-season surge turned a lost year into a legitimate reason for hope in the Big Easy, and now Kellen Moore's front office has doubled down by surrounding him with young talent. This rookie class brings speed, size, and a heavy dose of Georgia pedigree to a roster that needs all three. Here's a look at the newcomers who could shape whether 2026 becomes the start of something real in New Orleans.

Team Snapshot

Conference: NFC South
Head Coach: Kellen Moore
2025 Record: 6-11
Key Games: Carolina, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Green Bay

Season Outlook

New Orleans started the 2025 campaign 1-8, and the outlook was grim to say the least. Then during the latter part of the schedule, quarterback Tyler Shough became the starter, and the Saints won five contests. That has made HC Kellen Moore, along with the front office personnel, rethink whether he can be their franchise QB.  His play galvanized the locker room and the Louisville alum emerged as “the guy.” New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley (former Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach) found a way to squeeze every ounce of juice out of a unit that was short of star power, and special teams were good enough to keep the team in games.

2026 Prediction: Projected Record: 6-11

The Saints finished the 2025 campaign going 4-4 with three road triumphs. The biggest question for the team to answer is whether Tyler Shough is the franchise quarterback to lead New Orleans into the future. 

The defense lost two big pieces in Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis, both of whom were leaders on and off the gridiron. The roster looks better than last year, but is lacking in top-tier talent. New Orleans must win at least as many games as last season to show the franchise is on the right track.

Rookie Prospects To Watch

Jordyn Tyson-WR-6’2”-203-Arizona

Tyson is coming off a couple of injury-shortened seasons (hamstring in 2025 and shoulder issues in 2024). And while he was not impressive in workouts, he’s been outstanding on the gridiron, scoring 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He’s an exceptional route runner who uses his length to his advantage on 50-50 balls. Tyson’s productive, moves the chains, and has proven to be extremely dynamic, especially in big games. As an aside, his brother Jaylon, plays in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Christen Miller-DT-6’3”-321-Georgia

Another in the long line of interior defensive linemen produced by the Dawgs, Miller continues the tradition. He combines physicality with intelligence and plays with good balance. He’s athletic and powerful, but it would not hurt to get bigger if the projection is for playing time at nose tackle. 

Oscar Delp-TE-6’4”-245-Georgia

Another Bulldog prospect who sat behind NFL starters Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington. While he may not be at their level, he’s athletic and catches anything he gets his hands on. Delp can block but is more of a receiving target.

Jeremiah Wright-G-6’5”-331-Auburn

Wright spent six years with the Tigers and has experience in the trenches on the defensive side of the pigskin. He’s a true road-grader who relies on power for almost every occasion. While he must get better at pass protection, he plays with an edge. He will need some seasoning, but potential is there for him to start long term in the Big Easy.

Bryce Lance-WR-6’3”-204-North Dakota State

Lance is the younger brother of QB Trey Lance. He’s blazing fast (4.3), and that kind of talent can’t be coached. The majority of his targets in college were deep ones to maximize his speed, so he will need to develop his route running and timing as he eases into the pro game.  

Lorenzo Styles Jr.-S-6’0”-194-Ohio State

Brother of linebacker Sonny Styles, he was mostly a reserve player at Notre Dame (did play some wideout) and Ohio State. He’s another speed merchant who will need to contribute on special teams to catch a spot, and will need time to learn, but he has a whole lot of upside.

Barion Brown-WR/RS-5’11”-177-LSU

Brown is a special teams return expert (6 career kick returns to the house) with elite speed. He did well at Kentucky before transferring to the Tigers for the 2025 campaign. While more of a sprinter than a wide receiver, Brown must expand his route tree, but he will get a long look as a kick return specialist. 

TJ Hall-CB-6’0”-189-Iowa

Hall has been injured for significant parts of his seasons with the Hawkeyes, but 2025 was his best. He’s not as fast as the other cornerbacks, but he makes up for it with balance and a high football IQ. He should be a special teams standout. Hall is better in zone coverage, but he’s not afraid to come up and make a tackle.