Five Saints who stood out on Day 5 of OTA practices
05/30/2025
By Ross Jackson
Another week of OTAs are almost in the books for the New Orleans Saints. After a second practice open to the media, a handful of players caught eyes.
A young wide receiver showed off his development, an unknown cornerback made some big plays, and both signal callers provided the wow-factor.
QB Tyler Shough
Shough looked a lot more comfortable this week than he did during the first week of OTAs. That’s progress that’s to be expected, but a positive sign. As he gets more familiar with the system, the NFL speed and the players around him, settling in will get easier.
Shough was the big stand out at quarterback this week after showing off his undeniable arm talent. He launched a pair of deep passes down the left sideline for would-be touchdowns to wide receivers Bub Means and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Both passes were perfectly placed and anticipated, hitting receivers in stride.
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He also had another impressive touch pass to the opposite side of the field that he was able to get to tight end Jack Stoll, just over the top of linebacker Danny Stutsman who leapt, arms outstretched, underneath the play.
Shough did throw an interception later, which was an excellent effort from the corner, but that shouldn’t put a damper on an otherwise productive and impressive day.
QB Spencer Rattler
While Shough had more big plays, Rattler didn’t take a step back from his fast start from last week. He looked just as quick and decisive. He also had a nice couple of tight-window passes and attempted a deep back down field to Rashid Shaheed that fell incomplete.
He made good decisions with the football and moved well while getting the ball out quickly. Rattler has made clear progress since last year.
CB Rejzohn Wright
Wright was the cornerback that picked off Shough to wrap up 7-on-7 drills for the day. He also had a pass breakup earlier in the session.
The former Oregon State Beaver entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023, landing with the Saints during the 2024 offseason. He was placed on injured reserve in late August last season, but was brought back as a future/reserve signing for camp this season.
He impressed during the preseason last year, allowing just four receptions on his 10 targets. He allowed no touchdowns and had two pass break ups during the exhibition games. That’s a big part of the reason the Saints brought him back for another opportunity.
During Thursday’s practice, he proved he can still be disruptive at the catch point.
WR Bub Means
When it comes to first to second year progression, Means is showing a lot of promise.
Not just because he caught a deep pass from Shough, but because he has shown some impressive development as a route-runner, while maintaining his speed despite a lower leg injury last year.
Means’ clear attention to the details has helped him jump off the field immediately this offseason.
DE Chase Young
The returning defensive end looks so fast and so fierce in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme. His ability to scream off the edge with speed and bend is hard to miss. His physicality, even in non-contact practices, reflects his determination, and his leadership presence at a premium position speaks volumes.
Young should be a disruptive force in this defensive scheme, which will demand a lot of him. But the edge rusher has what it takes now to bring all of that No. 2 overall potential with him to New Orleans. He has the talent, the opportunity, and now the scheme to deploy him with his strengths.
After finishing the season with 73 pressures (No. 6 in the NFL per Next Gen Stats), Young should be able to follow up with an impressive and impactful 2025 in a more effective defensive scheme.