Shough impressed by 2026 Saints rookie class

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints focused their offseason on building around quarterback Tyler Shough. Whether adding weapons at skill positions or bolstering the protection in front of him, the quarterback’s offensive firepower will look significantly different going into his second season as the team’s starter. 

One of the biggest building mechanisms the Saints used in order to achieve their new look was through the draft. For the first time since 1989, New Orleans selected three wide receivers in the same draft class. In addition, adding an explosive though untapped talent at tight end in Georgia’s Oscar Delp. 

For Shough, reps on the field may be seldom available at this point in the offseason, but the quarterback is still impressed by what he has had a chance to see from the class. 

“They’ve just been great people,” Shough said of the rookie class during the Saints’ Hall of Fame Celebrity Golf Classic. “I’m getting to know those guys. Wanted to make sure I talked to every single one of them and just make them feel welcome, because obviously I was in their shoes last year. So, a lot of change, and I think the biggest thing is (that) they’ve done a really good job putting in the work. They haven’t really said much, we’ve been in separate groups, but when we’ve done the competitions together when we’re working out with them, they’re super, super receptive. And they’ve been learning the playbook really well.”

That rookie class is headlined by first-round pick and who many consider the draft’s top wide receiver, Jordyn Tyson. It’s safe to say that, even though their on-field exposure is limited, the wideout has still made an impression on his new signal caller. 

“I think his body control and his separation is what stands out to me,” said Shough. “He’s an elite separator, and then also his hands have been really, really exciting to see close up now. He’s so sure-handed, he’s got this great kind of feel, he’s very friendly to the quarterback, I would say. And then obviously his big play abilities are what shows up all over tape.”

Along with an impressive draft class, the Saints hope to have added an impactful list of free agency acquisitions. Running back Travis Etienne Jr., guard David Edwards and tight end Noah Fant were the standout additions on offense, all of which add some promising upside when it comes to loading up around Shough. 

“They’re amazing,”  he said of the team’s new free agency additions. “I’m locker buddies with David (Edwards). They’ve been awesome to get to know, and then also they’re elite-level players. I think that’s the coolest part for me as a quarterback. I have so much trust in those guys, and they directly affect the success of our team.’

The Saints hit the field for OTAs next week, as phase three of the offseason gets under way. The time will be used to prepare for training camp (although the NFL maintains its weeks-long break in between the two events) but will also provide early opportunities for the newly configured and exciting roster to get more acclimated with one another.