For a majority of the 2025 season, it looked like the New Orleans Saints were going nowhere. However, over the second half of the season, something changed.
As their second-round rookie, Tyler Shough, took over the starting quarterback job, the team went on a strong run to close out the season. Now, one analyst wants them to build on that momentum by adding a premium weapon for their budding star.
New Orleans Saints Find Tyler Shough Another Weapon
The Saints’ overall playmaking group is nothing to scoff at. Between Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, they already have a strong one-two punch, despite trading Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline.
However, the upside Shough showcased might propel them to add further pieces around him. Ranking at number 23 on PFSN’s QB Impact, he really came into his own over his final nine games.
Throwing for more than 2,200 yards in that span, he recorded 13 total touchdowns against five interceptions, while New Orleans had a 5-4 record, including a 4-game winning streak over that stretch.
As a result, there is optimism that he could be the guy for the Saints, particularly if he can continue to build on a solid foundation. However, Ryan Moran of PFSN believes the young quarterback is going to need more help to take that jump.
In his latest mock draft of 2026, he explained, “The New Orleans Saints could look to give their second-year quarterback, Tyler Shough, a talented pass catcher with their first-round pick.” For Moran, that choice was rather straightforward in Makai Lemon out of USC.
The ninth-ranked prospect in the entire draft, per PFSN, Lemon had a spectacular final season with the Trojans, recording 1,156 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. As a result, he’s made a believer out of Moran.
“He is an elite competitor who can thrive at the catch point despite his undersized measurables. Lemon is an advanced route runner with reliable hands and great run-after-catch ability. He is fearless operating over the middle of the field. With Lemon alongside Chris Olave, Shough would have a promising tandem to grow with.”
Olave, despite uneven quarterback play for half the season, finished at number 24 on PFSN’s WR Impact and added 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. With another wideout threat, he will have more space to operate and potentially put up even better numbers.
With not a lot of quarterback options in the draft or free agency, it is likely that the Saints stick with Shough for the time being. But to get an accurate measurement of his talent level, surrounding him with elite players might be the best choice for the franchise.
