When Tyler Shough was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 40th-overall pick, he wasn’t a popular selection in the eyes of fans or analysts. Many Saints fans were vocal about their desire for other prospects, and analysts even argued that Shough was drafted much higher than expected. That has all led to a bunch of criticism coming the rookie quarterback’s way, but to his credit, he’s been working with his head down, not acknowledging any of the noise.
Now, with Shough on the field for the Saints in OTAs, the conversation around him is starting to change for the better. In a recent Bleacher Report article by Brent Sobleski, naming eight rookies who already look like draft-day steals, Shough was the first player named. The reason the quarterback quickly went from a player that was drafted quicker than expected to a possible steal is because of what he has shown in OTAs.
Sobleski highlighted a report from NOLA.com’s Luke Johnson to detail that.
"The rookie can absolutely spin it… Given about 15 plays in a seven-on-seven period, Shough made several attention-grabbing throws that showed off a varied skillset as a thrower."Luke Johnson (NOLA.com)
Tyler Shough is already looking like a steal according to Bleacher Report
One of those attention-grabbing throws made the rounds on social media after the Saints included it in a recap video with several other plays. In a 7-on-7 period, Shough, threw the ball right over the out-stretched arms of Demario Davis to connect downfield with tight end Juwan Johnson.
This is a well-placed throw by Shough pic.twitter.com/4TlfJ9XHKN
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) May 28, 2025
Plays like that are why people are starting to say maybe the Saints just saw what everyone couldn’t see yet. It’s also going to take many more plays like that this offseason for Shough to claim the starting quarterback spot. Following the surprising injury and retirement of Derek Carr, Shough is in a wide-open quarterback competition with Spencer Rattler (year two) and Jake Haener (year three).
If Shough can beat out the other two young quarterbacks, and take advantage of starting for a solid offensive unit when healthy, he may be able to quickly make everyone eat their words.