The New Orleans Saints added muscle to the middle of their defensive line on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller with the No. 42 overall pick. It may not have been the flashiest move on the board, but it quickly became one of the most talked-about picks on PFSN’s live draft coverage. For a team looking to reshape its defensive identity under a new coaching vision, Miller brings a skill set that stands out from the start.
Why the Saints Bet on Power With Christen Miller
At 6-foot-4 and over 315 pounds, Miller profiles as a tone-setter inside. And while his raw production at Georgia did not always jump off the stat sheet, the traits have long made him a favorite among evaluators. That showed up again during PFSN’s “Football Debate Club,” where analysts zeroed in on the value and physical upside tied to the selection.
“I don’t know if it’s a need, but this dude sort of breaks the mold with this type of value,” said PFSN NFL draft analyst Ian Cummings. “And you look at what the Saints have at defensive tackle, kind of their nose tackle. But Brandon Staley can run some odd front, front, it’s multiple, right? But they got Davon Godchaux, a veteran, kind of a journeyman, who’s starting to pass his prime a little bit. So they have Bryan Bresee at the other DT spot, I think getting an even front nose like Christen Miller.
“It was one of the top needs on our board, and it still is. And I think helping you know the edge talent as well that you’re going to get later in the class. Obviously, there were EDGE guys on the board like Zion Young that I think could have garnered consideration, but Christen Miller, to me, kind of like Hayden McDonald. Super heavy-handed. He’s got cinder blocks for hands. He backs, he punches and extends, pointable and utter violence.”
That quote captures the core of why this pick resonated. Even if defensive tackle was not the most glaring hole, Miller’s physical profile and play style give the Saints something they simply did not have enough of up front. His ability to anchor, absorb contact, and reset the line of scrimmage fits what teams want from interior defenders in today’s NFL.
According to PFSN’s CFB DT Impact Metrics, Miller graded out at a C with a 75.9 score. That may not scream elite, but it reflects a player whose value is rooted more in disruption and physical control than box-score production. For New Orleans, that kind of presence can free up edge rushers and stabilize early downs.
Christen Miller’s PFSN Scouting Report Highlights a High Floor
PFSN’s scouting report on Miller reinforces why the Saints were comfortable making this investment in Round 2. While he may not match the recent run of elite Georgia defensive tackles, his defining trait gives him a clear path to early NFL snaps.
Miller’s power profile is the headline. With high-end natural leverage, burst, and length, he consistently resets the line of scrimmage against the run.
The heavy hands that Cummings highlighted, often described as “sledgehammer” strikes, allow him to collapse blockers one-on-one and control gaps. That alone gives him a strong floor as a run defender.
There are still areas to develop. As a pass rusher, Miller remains a work in progress. His production has been limited, and much of his success comes from raw power rather than a deep arsenal of moves.
Still, flashes late in the 2025 season showed encouraging signs. His short-area quickness and hand torque began to translate into more consistent pressure.
There are some physical limitations, particularly with hip flexibility, that could cap his ceiling as a pass rusher. But the overall package remains appealing. His ability to stack, shed, and react quickly makes him a reliable presence, and his linear athleticism gives him room to grow in passing situations.
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For the Saints, this pick is about identity as much as talent. Miller brings a brand of football built on strength, leverage, and control. If that translates early, New Orleans may have landed one of the more quietly impactful defenders from Day 2.
