There's no player more impactful to a how a draft class is viewed than the first round pick. However, Oscar Delp has the ability to swing how the New Orleans Saints draft class will be seen more than any prospect other than Jordyn Tyson. As a top-100 selection, Delp will also be the second most watched player in this class.
Pro Football Focus gave the Saints a B, and Delp clearly brought the grade down. "Delp is an intriguing athlete with a high-effort play style that should get him drafted. However, his limited receiving impact and lack of feel in that area project him as a TE3 or TE4 option." If Delp ends up as a TE3 or TE4, this pick was a big miss.
Of the first three picks, Tyson feels like a slam dunk with questions on the medicals. Christen Miller's projected role as a run stuffer is a thankless job tends to be overlooked anyway. Still, his frame suggests he can be a space eater, at least. Delp, however, is a projection. And projections make questions.
Oscar Delp could make or break the Saints' draft class
Once you go beyond Delp, the conversation around those draftees changes. There’s still hopes and expectations, however, those picks not working out would be talked about significantly less.Â
The three big names selected after Delp who are believed to make an impact on the team are Jeremiah Wright, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown. If Wright doesn’t pan out as the next right guard, it isn’t like he’s another first round pick on the offensive line that didn’t pan out. Brown’s resume is filled with displays of him as dynamic kick returner, but a sixth round pick is rarely the talk of the town.Â
Of the bunch, Lance has the most expectations, but Jordyn Tyson was the first round pick at the same position. The attention will largely go that way. Delp, on the other hand, is receiving a large amount of hype as a potential steal. He’s already getting the George Kittle comparisons.Â
Delp didn’t have a lot of receiving production in college and many analysts have spent the time justifying it and saying to look beyond the numbers. His numbers don’t scream third round pick, but his traits scream growth. He’ll need to grow into the player many believe he can be to make the pick worth it. If he doesn’t become that, it’ll be a reach based on potential.
As a top-100 pick, Delp's production will be held against the Saints or used to champion them. If he goes on to be every thing the Saints and believers believe he could be the Saints have their long term tight end. That will likely get the Saints better than a "B" when they revisit the class years from now.
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