Saints Find Future QB and Tackle in First Two Days of Draft
As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the future, their draft decisions in the first two days have made a clear statement about where they see their next wave of success coming from. With new head coach Kellen Moore at the helm, the team has focused on securing a franchise quarterback and a reliable offensive tackle to anchor their offense for years to come. Moore, known for his creative and high-powered offensive schemes, is shaping his identity around these pivotal positions. The selections made by the Saints at quarterback and offensive tackle are seen as key building blocks for the team’s long-term vision. In this article, we’ll break down the players the Saints have chosen and why they’re expected to become cornerstones in New Orleans for years ahead.
Kelvin Banks Jr.
First up is the Saints’ selection of offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. from the University of Texas with the number nine overall pick. This bold and calculated move reflects a long-term vision for building a physically dominant, balanced offense. Banks, widely regarded as one of the most polished and pro-ready tackles in the draft, brings a rare combination of athleticism, size, and technical skill that should allow him to start immediately on the left side of the line. He also fills a position of need after the retirement of a former player. His ability to mirror speed rushers, anchor against power, and finish blocks in the run game gives the Saints a much-needed boost in protecting their quarterback and opening lanes for the ground game. When paired with Taliese Fuaga, last year’s first-rounder who has already shown promise on the right side, New Orleans now boasts what could become one of the NFL’s most formidable young tackle duos. Head Coach Kellen Moore has spoken about his desire to “build the team inside and out,” and this move solidifies that identity, starting in the trenches with a player who not only fits the mold physically but also brings the leadership and work ethic to be a cornerstone of the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Tyler Shough
Next is the Saints’ second-round selection of quarterback Tyler Shough, taken 40th overall, a pick that underscores how serious the team is about finding their future leader under center. Most analysts expected New Orleans to go quarterback on Day 2; the real question was who Kellen Moore, with his quarterback-savvy background, would handpick to build around. That answer came in the form of Shough, a six-foot-five, signal-caller whose college journey spanned between Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. Despite battling multiple injuries, Shough enters the league as an experienced, mature player with a high football IQ and flashes of NFL-level arm talent. His size, mobility, and deep ball accuracy offer intriguing upside in Moore’s offense, which emphasizes vertical routes and timing-based concepts. Shough’s time at three Power Five programs exposed him to different systems and locker room dynamics, preparing him for the challenges of a pro-environment. While he’ll face competition for the starting job, the Saints see him as more than just a developmental prospect. They believe he has the potential to grow into a long-term starter. For a franchise looking to turn the page at quarterback, Shough represents both immediate competition and future hope.
With the selections of Kelvin Banks Jr. and Tyler Shough, the Saints have made bold moves to secure the future of their offense, building a foundation in the trenches and taking a swing on a potential franchise quarterback. These picks reflect head coach Kellen Moore’s vision of constructing a tough, dynamic unit from the inside out, with long-term stability at two of the most critical positions in football. Just as important, the Saints quietly added valuable depth in the later rounds of the draft, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, bolstering a unit that remains the backbone of the team. Altogether, this draft class represents a balanced and forward-thinking approach as New Orleans transitions into a new era. If things go according to plan, this could be the draft that sets the tone for years of sustained success.
