In the aftermath of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints are focused on integrating their first-round pick, Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive lineman from Texas. Banks has drawn comparisons to five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, showcasing his potential to be a significant asset in pass protection. Scouts regard Banks as a clear top-10 talent, despite mock drafts placing him lower, indicating a consensus on his capabilities. With similar physical attributes to Tunsil, including size and a track record of strong performance against SEC competition, Banks aims to establish himself quickly on the field.

The New Orleans Saints have taken a strategic approach to fortify their offensive line, selecting Kelvin Banks Jr. as their left tackle. This move enables Taliese Fuaga to return to his natural position at right tackle, enhancing their offensive line stability. Banks boasts a remarkable record with the lowest pressure rate among Power Five tackles, which should provide a solid foundation for the team's future quarterback.

In a surprising twist, the Saints opted for Tyler Shough in the second round as their quarterback, despite his injury history and age, making him the third quarterback to be chosen. His 87.7 PFF passing grade last season indicates potential, though concerns linger due to the decision to bypass other high-profile quarterback prospects during the first round. The Saints also added depth in their backfield with Devin Neal, while Vernon Broughton is set to compete for a role in a crowded defensive line.

The New Orleans Saints have made headlines with their decision to draft Tyler Shough, a quarterback who will turn 26 in September, raising eyebrows about their rookie age. However, the Saints' 2025 draft class isn't as old as some may think, averaging 22.78 years, placing them sixth in the NFL rankings for rookie age.

Among their nine draftees, Shough is the outlier. The roster includes younger talents like first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. and running back Devin Neal, both 21 years old, alongside a mix of 22 and 23-year-olds. This strategy reflects a thoughtful balance, as many NFL players hit their peak in their late 20s.

Fans may ponder the importance of age in drafting, especially for a position like quarterback. The unique nature of Shough’s experience might serve him well, but the Saints’ success will hinge on how effectively these players contribute on the field.

The New Orleans Saints have made strategic selections for their rookie class, which includes nine draft picks and eleven undrafted free agents. Notably, they sourced talent from various college football conferences to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.

Three schools contributed multiple players: Texas sent offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. and defensive tackle Vernon Broughton; Louisville provided quarterback Tyler Shough and cornerback Quincy Riley; and Virginia brought in safety Jonas Sanker and wide receiver Chris Tyree. Among the 20 rookies, 13 hail from high-profile conferences, including the SEC and ACC, while only two players participated in the previous season's College Football Playoffs.

The New Orleans Saints had a standout performance in the recent 2025 NFL draft, with five of their nine selections making it into ESPN's top 100 picks, showcasing their strategic drafting prowess. The headliner was OL Kelvin Banks Jr., who ranked as the 13th best pick overall, noted for his potential to solidify the Saints' offensive line. His pairing with Taliese Fuaga offers a dynamic duo that addresses the team's need for an identity up front. In the later rounds, CB Quincy Riley and RB Devin Neal also garnered praise for their potential impact, especially with Riley's ability to step in as a rookie slot cornerback.

Furthermore, QB Tyler Shough, despite being considered a reach at pick 40, brings much-needed experience to the quarterback room, especially with Derek Carr's injury concerns. Lastly, LB Danny Stutsman rounds out the list, recognized as a culture-building leader on defense, which could prove vital for the Saints in the upcoming season. Overall, the buzz around the Saints' draft choices reflects a hopeful outlook as they gear up for the season, with each player contributing to a more robust roster.