Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
This year’s eight-player New Orleans Saints draft class has already sparked quite a bit of excitement. The team focused on loading up on weapons and speed, including some players that will have an immediate impact upon arrival.
While all rookie players have development ahead of them, there are a few from the Saints’ draft class that are set to be difference-makers during their rookie campaigns.
WR Jordyn Tyson
Nothing surprising here. The rookie wideout is set to arrive in New Orleans as a top option in the passing game right away. Alongside veteran wideout Chris Olave, Tyson will immediately become one of the top options for quarterback Tyler Shough. He’ll have impactful value as a receiver that can attack all three levels and make some highlight grabs in the process.
TE Oscar Delp
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end with 4.49-second 40-yard dash speed isn’t going to take long to catch eyes on the football field. Despite joining a tight end group with two starter level players on the roster, Delp’s ability to block in-line as a true-Y tight end will help him see early snaps. Being able to then pass out of similar looks will likely get him involved early in the passing game, where his explosive athleticism will be showcased. Delp may quickly become one of head coach Kellen Moore’s favorite tools.
WR Barion Brown
Even if Brown doesn’t get overly involved on offense right away, it won’t take long for him to contribute. Likely to be one of the team’s opening day return specialists, the former LSU Tigers wideout is expected to make quite the impact in the hidden yardage game and as a threat to score on kickoffs. He had six kickoff return touchdowns in college, one shy of the NCAA record. Bringing that skill set to New Orleans will help to get over the loss of wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, whom the team traded last year.
The big-bodied defensive tackle will be an important piece to the Saints’ run defense next year. His 7.4% run stop rate with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2025 was impressive. He’s a pocket pusher and strong finisher when he gets a hold of a ball-carrier. But he also has a lot of untapped potential as a pass rusher. Even if it takes a moment before he reaches the apex of his pressure potential, his contributions to the run game will be vital.
