The New Orleans Saints sent a clear message during the 2026 NFL Draft: they are fully committed to giving quarterback Tyler Shough everything he needs to become the franchise signal-caller. What started as a weekend many expected to be dominated by defensive selections quickly turned into an offensive masterclass, as the front office loaded up on playmakers to support their young QB.
Heading into draft weekend, Saints fans anticipated a defensive-heavy class. Key veterans like Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor had moved on, and after the team used the No. 8 overall pick on Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the assumption was that the remaining picks would go toward bolstering defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's unit. But as the rounds progressed, that assumption was completely flipped on its head.
New Orleans didn't stop with Tyson. The Saints added two more wide receivers, using a fourth-round pick on North Dakota State's Bryce Lance and a sixth-rounder on LSU's Barion Brown. Together, this trio injects a much-needed dose of speed into the receiving corps. Brown, already a fan favorite in Baton Rouge, showed his "get away from the cops" speed all season for the Tigers, even taking the opening kickoff to the house for a touchdown in the 2025 Kinder's Texas Bowl against Houston. Lance—the younger brother of Chargers QB Trey Lance—blazed a 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and led the Bison in all major receiving categories, averaging an eye-popping 21.16 yards per reception. Both are true burners who should help stretch the field in Kellen Moore's offense.
The Saints also used their third-round pick on Georgia tight end Oscar Delp, further underscoring the front office's commitment to upgrading the offensive arsenal. Delp is a proven playmaker who has been on college football fans' radars for a while, but the pick still came as a surprise to many who expected the Saints to target an Alontae Taylor replacement. With the benefit of hindsight—knowing that they landed Lorenzo Styles Jr. in the fifth round—this selection is aging like fine wine. The departure of Foster Moreau left a void at tight end, and Delp's combination of size, athleticism, and hands makes him an ideal fit for Moore's system.
For a team clearly building around their young quarterback, the Saints' draft strategy was a bold and welcome shift. Whether it's stretching the field with speed or adding reliable targets over the middle, New Orleans has given Tyler Shough the weapons he needs to succeed. Now, it's time to see if those pieces can come together on the field.