Tyler Shough seems set to be the next starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints and hopefully the next great Saints quarterback. It's a lot of pressure to place on the first-year player, but if you value the opinion of Drew Brees, it may be warranted.
It's been since Brees retired in 2020 that Saints fans could say they have been satisfied with quarterback for an entire season. As the greatest quarterback in franchise history, naturally he was asked about the Saints second round daft pick on WWL SportsTalk.
What does Drew Brees see in Tyler Shough?
Brees described Shough as a “big strong guy who’s tough, who will stand in the pocket, who will take hits. Obviously, a great athlete for his size as well." Those are just the physical traits.
At 6 feet 5 inches, Shough will be the tallest quarterback the Saints have seen recently. He should have no problem seeing over the offensive line. He does also show the ability to move better than guys his size typically do.
Beyond physical stature, Brees is complimentary of Shough's arm talent. "You see him making some throws that are pretty rare, pretty unique." Brees sees a quarterback who throws with "great anticipation, good arm strength."
Brees and Shough's shared history with Jeff Brohm
Tyler Shough spent his final year in college at Louisville under Jeff Brohm. This is a move Brees believes will ultimately prove to be very beneficial to Shough in the long run.
"I think spending that last year in Louisville with Jeff Brohm, I think was probably that tipping point for him where he was able to combine his experience and all he had to battle through," Brees said of Shough's final season. "All of sudden, being with a coach who is a great developer of quarterbacks
This praise is nothing new. Brohm was the head coach at Brees' alma mater, Purdue, from 2017-2022. In that time, Brees said, "there's no better coach to coach quarterbacks in college football than Jeff Brohm."
Brees clearly has a high view of Brohm's development skills and Shough's raw ability. The mixture of the two could bode well for the Saints.