Analysts may not be in love with the Saints draft but they selected multiple players who will have a major impact next season. Here are three players who will make the biggest impact in their rookie year.
Tyler Shough
Kellen Moore selected his quarterback of the future in the second round with Tyler Shough. Although there is still a possibility Spencer Rattler will start Week 1, Shough has the inside path to the job. It’s hard to envision the rookie not getting the start, barring a disappointing offseason.
Shough had a breakout year at Louisville in 2024, throwing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns. Last season was the first year he remained healthy from start to finish. His durability is going to be paramount to his success in the NFL. He has all of the skills needed to be a starting quarterback. The question is if he can remain on the field.
Undoubtedly, Tyler Shough will have a massive impact for the Saints next year. There may be a steep learning curve to start the year, but what’s important is how he develops over the season. Shough has the potential to raise the team to a win or plummet them to a loss.
Quincy Riley
Cornerback is a major positional need for the Saints. Going into 2024, their two starters on the outside were Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. Now, Lattimore is on the Commanders and Adebo is on the Giants. They still have Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry plus they reunited with Isaac Yiadom, however, drafting Quincy Riley was a necessity for Brandon Staley’s defense.
Riley likely will play major snaps this season and could start. He has some experience playing in the slot but, in all likelihood, will be an outside cornerback at the next level. In addition to his defensive prowess, Riley will be an impact player on special teams. He will be valuable as either a punt returner or a gunner.
Quincy Riley will be an important player in two different aspects of the game. He will be a key piece in the success of Brandon Staley’s defense. Riley will have an opportunity to exceed all expectations of a fourth rounder in his rookie season.
Kelvin Banks
The Saints used their first pick of the draft on offensive lineman Kelvin Banks. This selection wasn’t flashy but necessary for their future success. Banks played left tackle exclusively in college but has the versatility to play on the interior.
The biggest question fans have about Banks is where he will play. However, that question is being blown out of proportion. The important thing is getting the best players on the field. It doesn’t matter if either Banks or Penning moves to guard; getting the top players on the field is pivotal.
Regardless of where he plays, Banks will have a major impact in pass protection. It’s important for Tyler Shough to have time to operate in the pocket, especially with him being a rookie. Banks has only surrendered four sacks in his career. He is a smooth mover with the power to anchor down and not be bullied by the edge rusher.
Kelvin Banks will have a huge impact on the Saints, especially with a rookie or second year quarterback starting. The Saints have to find a way to get their best offensive lineman on the field, that will determine where he plays. Regardless, expect Banks to improve the Saints offensive line.