Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints have drafted an LSU player for the first time since the 2018 season.
With their No. 190 overall selection in the sixth round, New Orleans drafted LSU wide receiver and explosive return specialist Barion Brown.
Brown (5-foot-11, 177 pounds) is an elite kick return with a whopping six career return touchdowns, one shy of the NCAA record. Five of those were cashed in while returning for the Kentucky Wildcats, a school record and all six returns were of more than 99 yards.
New Orleans traded away special teams ace Rashid Shaheed at last year’s trade deadline and now Brown has a clear spot to step into alongside No. 172 overall selection Ohio State defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Brown ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, but plays even faster on the football field. He also added value on offense with 53 receptions for 532 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. His 21 career drops will have to be worked on at the next level, but such a development need is typically achievable getting to the pros.
The 22-year-old receiver and returner is the third wide receiver the Saints have taken in this draft class, the most they’ve taken in a single year since 1989.
The last time the #Saints selected 3 WRs in a single draft class was 1989:
Floyd Turner in the sixth (No. 159)
Fred Hagley in the eighth (No. 213)
Mike Cadore in the 12th (No. 327)— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) April 25, 2026
The Saints have one more selection in Round 7.
