The most important player from the New Orleans Saints 2025 NFL Draft class is finally making his starting debut. Tyler Shough taking over as the Saints starting quarterback means we'll have officially seen all of the Saints draft picks touch the field. In Kellen Moore's first year at the helm, the Saints made all of their selections, with names like Kelvin Banks Jr., Jonas Sanker and Quincy Riley standing out so far.
It's Shough's turn now, and he'll be the deciding factor of if this class will be viewed as great. It hasn't taken long for many to form an opinion around the other draftees, and the same will be true for Shough. Matter of fact, many have already formed their opinion on who Shough is and isn't.
It's a pick that was heavily criticized in the moment by fans. An ugly combine throw mixed with the longing for Shedeur Sanders had many saying "this guy???" when Shough was drafted. That's not a belief that just disappeared. It just moved to the background because he hasn't played.
Tyler Shough will make or break the perception of the Saints 2025 NFL Draft class
Under most circumstances, your draft class is typically judged by the first round pick. In this case, that would be Banks. These aren't normal circumstances though. Most teams don't draft their potential franchise quarterbacks in the second round, but here we are.
The Saints 2025 draft class has the potential to be an all-timer. If Shough is a dud, that will be the talk of the draft class. The Saints will likely reinvest in the position next year, and they will have wasted a top-50 pick on someone who doesn't factor into the long term plans. If Shough hits, though, the Saints have their franchise quarterback. The weight of that position may even take it above the 2017 draft.
It's too early to stamp that and possibly too early to even talk about it. So far, Kelvin Banks Jr. looks like a bookend tackle. The fact we've barely talked about him this season is a testament to how well he's played at left tackle.
Sanker has flashed playmaking ability and could even become a Pro Bowl player. He's strong in coverage and effective coming down to play the run. His running mate in the secondary, Riley is a difficult one to judge. He's played well, but it still feels like the Saints may have to add a top cornerback. That could result in Kool-Aid McKinstry moving down to the second corner spot and bumping Riley out of the way.
Those are the biggest early contributors, and the jury is still out on players like Devin Neal and Vernon Broughton. They've shown some good things, but it's just not enough tape on them yet. None of it will matter if Shough is a dud. The talent and success of those players will play second fiddle to the Saints' search for their franchise quarterback.