The New Orleans Saints appear to have hit a mini stride of late by winning their last two games, which has helped reassure fans in need of some hope for the future that second-round rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has the playmaking chops to get this team back on track.
Shough has led the Saints to a 3-3 record in his six starts, throwing six touchdowns against just four interceptions while running for two more. Considering the slander Shough and the Saints had to endure when he was picked higher than most expected, his success has to feel good for this organization.
Pro Football Focus illustrates just how good Shough has been this season, as he ranks fourth among all rookies. The only ones above him are Colston Loveland, Cam Skattebo (who played in eight games), and backup tight end Jackson Hawes.
Shough ranks 11th among all quarterbacks in the league in the eyes of PFF, ahead of names like Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson. His fellow rookies in New York's Jaxson Dart, Tennessee's Cam Ward, and Cleveland's Shedeur Sanders rank 27th, 39th, and 42nd, respectively.
Saints QB Tyler Shough ranked as PFF's 4th-best rookie
Shough was expected to be the closest thing to instant coffee in this rookie class, as you don't draft a rookie who is 26 years old with the expectation that he is going to marinate on the bench for a very long time. While things haven't been perfect, Saints fans have to be extremely encouraged by his performance so far.
Playing alongside a poor interior offensive line with minimal wide receiver talent outside of Chris Olave, Shough has found himself in full control of Kellen Moore's passing game. The touchdown pass numbers may be low, but he is ripping off several high-difficulty throws every game.
Armed with what is still likely to be a Top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and more financial freedom than they have had in past seasons, the Saints have enough resources to build a competent offense around Shough as he takes the next step in his development. With 2026 looking like a weak quarterback class,
Shough will need to show that his solid finish to 2025 wasn't a fluke next year, but he is laying the foundation for a very successful tenure as the starting quarterback in New Orleans. With Moore at his side, expect his development to continue.