The New Orleans Saints selected Georgia tight end Oscar Delp with the 73rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. On the surface, this pick may confuse fans, as his stats are average at best. However, he wasn’t utilized fully at Georgia and his value extends far beyond that. Delp will be an impactful player immediately in the NFL and a primary option for Tyler Shough.
Delp tallied 20 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He’s the perfect example of how stats don’t tell the entire story. When diving into his film, an entirely different player is there. One whose athleticism, suddenness, and blocking make him arguably the best player on the field.
To put it simply, Delp was misused at Georgia. He wasn’t given the opportunity to showcase his athleticism and pass catching upside, instead being forced to primarily be a blocker. Expect this to change with Kellen Moore calling the plays.
Oscar Delp gives Tyler Shough another dynamic, reliable weapon
The theme this offseason has been surrounding Shough with playmakers. They’ve signed Travis Etienne Jr., drafted Jordyn Tyson, and now selected Oscar Delp. If it wasn’t evident before, it is now: Shough has zero excuses heading into 2026. Mickey Loomis has done an excellent job of acquiring talent.
Delp is a constant mismatch for opposing defenses due to his athleticism. Despite not competing at the NFL Combine, he posted a 9.82 RAS score at his pro day, running a blazing 4.49 40-yard dash and posting an impressive 38” vertical at six-foot-four, 245 pounds. He’s too fast and shifty to be covered by linebackers and far too big and physical for safeties. As a result, Shough will always have him as a reliable option.
Saints fans can’t let the stats dissuade them; Oscar Delp was a superb selection in the third round. He wasn’t utilized correctly at Georgia, resulting in subpar numbers. However, his athleticism, pass catching upside, and run blocking make him an elite prospect. Delp will be an impactful offensive weapon and a playmaker for Tyler Shough.
![Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp (4) indicates a first down pickup during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp (4) indicates a first down pickup during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_1191,y_0,w_3632,h_2043/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/15/01kq16bzqasys3aqtscw.jpg)