The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the New Orleans Saints, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
New Orleans Saints 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
New Orleans took a risk with Jordyn Tyson (first round) due to injury concerns and inconsistent production, but he perfectly fits the mold of the type of receiver the Saints have typically targeted. Tyson played in just 33 games over four years at Colorado and Arizona State due to a variety of injuries, most notably to his knee and hamstring. The Saints were undoubtedly attracted to Tyson's combination of size, speed, and physicality, which will allow him to thrive as their big slot weapon but also produce when lined up on the outside. To reach his potential, however, Tyson needs to become a more reliable pass catcher. Based on route-adjusted numbers, Tyson’s career catch rate was 1.1% below expected. That is less than ideal if the Saints hope to develop him into a high-volume weapon.
Christen Miller (second round) adds to the Saints' interior line depth in the short term but will be expected to win a starting role in 2027. Nathan Shepherd and Davon Godchaux are both set to hit free agency after the season, clearing a path for Miller. Miller is probably better suited for Godchaux’s nose tackle role, though he’s more than just a pure space eater. Shepherd lines up at nose tackle occasionally, as well, so Miller’s versatility could be valuable in either role.
Oscar Delp (third round) has the athleticism the Saints like from their tight ends, though he never came close to living up to expectations after taking over for Brock Bowers in Georgia’s offense. Delp took on a larger role in his final two seasons following Bowers’ departure, but generated a route-adjusted catch rate 3% below expected, which likely discouraged Georgia from feeding him the ball as often. For comparison, Bowers was 3% above expected over his final two years. There is no questioning Delp’s ability to make an impact once he catches the ball, though, as he generated 49.8% more yards after catch than expected.
Jeremiah Wright (fourth round) will be a 25-year-old rookie after spending six years at Auburn and failing to win a starting job until his redshirt-senior year. He was a surprising selection due to his age and the Saints' depth on the interior offensive line. Dillon Radunz, David Edwards, and Cesar Ruiz are all under contract through the 2027 season, so Wright probably won’t even be the primary backup until the 2028 season unless injuries force him into action.
Bryce Lance (fourth round) is a developmental prospect with exciting traits, but limited experience throughout the route tree likely hinders his ability to get on the field. In the short term, Lance could be used in a small role to occasionally stretch the field, but he likely spends most of his rookie year on special teams.
Lorenzo Styles (fifth round) is an undersized nickel corner who also has some experience at free safety. The Saints likely drafted him for his elite athletic traits in hopes they can refine his fundamentals, but his career 18% missed tackle rate is a red flag that may even limit his ability to contribute on special teams.
Barion Brown (sixth round) was a four-year starter at wide receiver for Kentucky and LSU but will likely be limited to return specialist duties in New Orleans. As a receiver, Brown’s route-adjusted catch rate was 7% below expected for his career, and he never had a single season in which it reached an above-expected rate. As a kick returner, however, Brown took 6 kicks to the house and reached the end zone at least once in each of his four seasons.
TJ Hall (seventh round) was a ball-hawk in the Iowa secondary, but limited athletic traits caused him to be available much later than his production would indicate. Expect Hall to primarily play on special teams, but Brandon Staley’s heavy use of zone coverage makes the Saints a good fit for a less athletic ball-hawk like Hall.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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