The New Orleans Saints found themselves in rare company this week, with two of their rookies-quarterback Tyler Shough and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.-earning spots on the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) All-Rookie Team. That’s not just a nice feather in the cap for the front office; it’s a strong indicator that the Saints may have struck gold in this year’s draft.
Only six teams had multiple players land on the All-Rookie Team, but the Saints were the lone squad to feature two offensive players. That’s a big deal, especially for a team that’s been searching for long-term answers on that side of the ball. And make no mistake: Shough and Banks didn’t just sneak onto the list-they earned their spots, standing out among their peers in a league that doesn’t hand out accolades lightly.
For New Orleans, this marks the first time since 2019 that more than one Saint has made the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and the first time anyone has done it at all since Chris Olave’s standout rookie campaign in 2022. That kind of drought makes this moment even more meaningful. It’s not just a sign of progress-it’s a sign that the Saints are starting to build something sustainable.
Let’s start with Shough. The rookie quarterback came into the league as the third player selected at his position, and now he’s been recognized as the top-performing rookie QB in the NFL.
That’s no small leap. The last two quarterbacks to earn this honor-CJ Stroud and Jayden Daniels-both went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
That doesn’t guarantee anything, but it certainly puts Shough in elite company and gives him a legitimate shot at joining that exclusive club, even with players like Jaxson Dart and Tetairoa McMillan also in the mix.
Then there’s Kelvin Banks Jr., who stepped in and solidified the left side of the Saints’ offensive line from day one. Like Shough, he was the third player taken at his position in the draft, and like Shough, he’s now being recognized as the best rookie at that position league-wide.
For a franchise that’s had its share of struggles up front in recent years, Banks’ emergence is a game-changer. His ability to protect the blind side gives the Saints a foundational piece to build around, especially with a young quarterback under center.
What makes this even more encouraging for New Orleans is the context. The NFC South is wide open.
There’s no juggernaut in the division, no team that looks untouchable heading into next season. That gives the Saints a real opportunity to make noise-and with two cornerstone rookies already making a major impact, they’ve got a solid foundation to do just that.
The takeaway? The Saints’ 2025 draft class is already paying dividends.
With Shough and Banks both showing they can be high-level starters, the future in New Orleans is starting to take shape. And if their rookie seasons are any indication, that future might be arriving sooner than expected.