Offseason workouts can be a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and analysts alike. We've all seen players light up the field during OTAs, only to fizzle when the regular season rolls around.
But sometimes, the hype is real, and a player truly emerges as a star. ESPN has taken a stab at identifying each team's biggest surprise player, and unsurprisingly, many of these are receivers, given the nature of the drills.
So, who stands out for the New Orleans Saints?
Last season, Tyler Shough, Devaughn Vele, and Chase Young were the talk of the town. Chase Young had a standout year, Vele started to show his potential, and Shough was instrumental in several key victories for the Saints at the tail end of 2025.
Enter Bryce Lance, the rookie wide receiver and brother of a former number three overall pick. Katherine Terrell, ESPN's go-to for all things Saints, has named him the team's biggest surprise. And with good reason.
During minicamp, Lance seized his opportunity to shine. With Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson limited and other wideouts sidelined, Lance stepped up.
He made his mark in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, catching touchdowns from both Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. While his reps might dwindle once the receiving corps is back to full strength, Lance's performance is a promising start for the rookie.
The buzz around Lance might be tempered by the presence of first-round pick Jordyn Tyson and the rise of Olave as the team's go-to receiver. Yet, Lance's ability to stretch the field and create defensive mismatches is undeniable. You can bet that Kellen Moore is already devising strategies to get the ball into Lance's hands.
For Tyler Shough, having a versatile receiving trio is a dream come true. Opposing defenses will struggle to focus on just one player or route, making the Saints' offense a thrilling prospect for 2026. With these playmakers in the mix, expect New Orleans to bring some serious excitement to the field this season.
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Broughton was cleared to resume normal activities in March, and now the attention shifts to whether the rookie can turn all that rehab-time preparation into something real on the defensive line. The Saints are expected to count on him alongside fellow rookie Christen Miller, and the appeal is obvious: a pair of young interior pieces developing while the units veteran core starts to age into a different phase. For a team that got by just fine in his absence, the next question is whether Broughton can turn a lost year into an early payoff. [Read more 🡒]