Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
When he was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Vernon Broughton wasn’t a widely known name. The New Orleans Saints, however, had some inside knowledge of his collegiate progress, character and potential.
The Inside Track
The Saints hired Bo Davis as their defensive line coach this offseason. Davis spent years working with Broughton as a member of the Longhorns coaching staff. The reunion of the two puts the defensive tackle in position to land a meaningful role early in his career.
Broughton’s Standout Traits
Broughton enters the league with one of the most desirable achievements among prospects. He got better each year in college with his best coming last.
The 6-foot-5, 311 pound tackle went from having 2.5 sacks over his first four years to four sacks in 2024. He also added 10 tackles for a loss over the last two seasons. As his role grew in Austin, Texas, so did his production.
He also brings versatility to the Saints’ reimagined defensive approach. He can play all along the defensive line from 0-tech nose tackle to 3-tech penetrator to 5-tech defensive end and run defender. All of which will be welcome in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system.
He’s also got some very promising ability as a pass rusher.
VERNON BROUGHTON IS HIM, I TRIED TO LET YALL KNOW pic.twitter.com/EaXViKIzcx
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) December 1, 2024
Biggest Immediate Potential Impact
Beyond the basics like standard stats and where he can line up, the advanced analytics are on his side as well.
Average depth of tackle measures the number of yards a ball carrier has gained on average before a defender makes a tackle.
Broughton’s mark of 2.7 average depth of tackle may not be as high a mark as some of his draft classmates, but only two Saints interior defenders had better marks last year, per Pro Football Focus.
Saints defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd and John Ridgeway finished the 2024 season with better marks of 2.4 and 2.6 average depth of tackle respectively. Other players came in well behind: Bryan Bresee notched 3.3 and Khalen Saunders wins listed with 4.2.
This is an area where Broughton can be of considerable help if he can translate his game from college to the pros, which is an element where Davis becomes vital as his coach.
Broughton’s trajectory, versatility and impact in the run game along with his underrated interior pass rush potential should allow him to earn a meaningful role early with the Saints.
