The New Orleans Saints may have found the foundation of their future in the 2025 draft class - and that future is arriving faster than expected.
It’s still early, but five rookies - Kelvin Banks Jr., Tyler Shough, Jonas Sanker, Quincy Riley, and Devin Neal - have already made meaningful contributions in their first year, a rare feat for any draft class. These aren’t just flashes in preseason or garbage time. These are real, in-game reps - and real impact - from players who look like they belong.
Let’s start with the headliner: Tyler Shough. The rookie quarterback came in with pressure baked into his selection.
Not only was he a potential franchise pick, but he was taken while Shedeur Sanders was still on the board - a name that had plenty of Saints fans buzzing. That kind of spotlight can be overwhelming, but Shough hasn’t blinked.
His performance doesn’t just justify the pick - it elevates the entire class. If he pans out, this group could be remembered as the one that launched a new era in New Orleans.
And make no mistake - this is a new era. Kellen Moore is in his first year as head coach, and this class feels like the first true building block of his tenure.
It’s hard not to draw parallels to the Saints’ 2006 draft, when Sean Payton took over and the team landed a franchise-defining group of rookies. Whether this class ultimately reaches that level remains to be seen, but the early signs are encouraging.
Kelvin Banks Jr. has been a rock on the offensive line since Day 1. That kind of plug-and-play reliability at such a critical position is rare, and it’s already paying dividends for the Saints’ offense.
Jonas Sanker, who stepped into a starting role by Week 2, has brought a steady presence to the secondary. He and Banks were among the first to make their mark, but they’re far from alone.
Quincy Riley wasted no time making his presence felt - forcing a fumble before even cracking the starting lineup. Devin Neal had to wait a little longer for his shot, but when injuries opened the door, he stepped in and didn’t miss a beat.
That’s the theme with this group: readiness. These rookies didn’t just show up - they showed up prepared.
Sanker summed it up best earlier this week: “Kelvin and I were some of the first two to be able to have an impact early, but a lot of those other guys have been ready this whole time. Now being able to see them go out there, make plays, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” That’s not just teammate talk - it’s a reflection of a group that’s bought in, locked in, and already making plays that matter.
Even Danny Stutsman, who came into the season as one of the most hyped rookies, has found himself in more of a rotational role behind Pete Werner. But that’s less about Stutsman underperforming and more about the strength of the Saints’ linebacker room.
In most rookie classes, a third-round pick not cracking the starting lineup wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. But when you stack him next to this group, it stands out - not as a knock on Stutsman, but as a testament to how involved and effective the rest of the class has been.
There’s still a long road ahead, and nothing is guaranteed in this league. But if you’re looking for signs of where the Saints are headed under Kellen Moore, look no further than this rookie class.
It’s not just about potential - it’s about production. And so far, this group is delivering both.