The New Orleans Saints’ rookie class has been nothing short of a revelation - and Kellen Moore deserves a ton of credit for that. From top to bottom, this group has delivered early and often, with several players not just contributing, but standing out as foundational pieces in their first year. The national spotlight is catching up, too, with Todd McShay’s recent re-draft shaking up the board and putting a bright, well-earned spotlight on New Orleans' rookie haul.
Let’s start with quarterback Tyler Shough. Originally the third QB taken and a second-rounder in the actual draft, Shough leaps all the way to No. 1 overall in McShay’s re-draft.
That’s a massive jump - and a testament to just how impressive he’s been in limited action. Only six starts under his belt, yet he's already shown the poise, arm talent, and command of the offense that teams spend years searching for.
When a quarterback moves up two full rounds and becomes the top pick in hindsight, it’s not just hype - it’s production meeting potential in real time.
Then there’s Kelvin Banks Jr., who’s looking every bit the part of a franchise left tackle. In McShay’s re-draft, he becomes the first offensive lineman off the board, landing with the Patriots.
That’s a huge nod to his instant impact and long-term ceiling. Banks has brought stability and edge to the Saints’ offensive line, and that’s not something you often say about a rookie tackle - especially one facing NFL pass rushers week in and week out.
Jonas Sanker has also made his presence felt, rounding out a trio of rookies who’ve helped reshape the Saints' identity. But it’s not just about New Orleans. The entire NFC South is getting a facelift, and this rookie class could be the turning point for a division that’s been stuck in neutral for the last few years.
Let’s be honest - the NFC South hasn’t exactly been a gauntlet lately. The Buccaneers have won four straight division titles, but outside of Tom Brady’s final run, those crowns didn’t carry much weight.
The depth just hasn’t been there. But this draft class?
It might be the jolt the division needed.
McShay’s re-draft features at least one player from each NFC South team in the top 11. That’s not just a coincidence - that’s a sign of a division loading up on young, elite talent.
Emeka Egbuka cracks the top 11 and was in the early-season mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year. And then there’s Tetairoa McMillan, the current favorite for that award, who somehow ends up back in Carolina in the re-draft.
He’s been electric for the Panthers - the kind of weapon fans in New Orleans were hoping to see in black and gold. McMillan’s blend of speed, route running, and big-play ability has made him a nightmare for defenses and a dream for a young quarterback.
And while the Saints didn’t get their original first or second-rounders in this hypothetical redo, they still came away with a player who’s been on a tear: James Pearce Jr. He’s now suiting up for Atlanta, but in this re-draft, he lands in New Orleans - a perfect fit for a team still looking to solidify its edge rush.
Pearce leads the Falcons with 8.5 sacks and has notched at least half a sack in seven straight games. That kind of consistency off the edge is rare, especially for a rookie, and it’s exactly what the Saints’ defense could use.
Speaking of Atlanta, their other first-rounder, linebacker Jalon Walker, goes third overall. That means five players now in the NFC South are considered top-11 talents from their class - and three of them are in the top four. That’s not just impressive - it’s a blueprint for a divisional resurgence.
For the first time in years, the NFC South feels competitive again. No, there isn’t a clear-cut Super Bowl contender in the bunch just yet.
But the foundation is being laid - and fast. If these rookies continue on their current trajectory, we could be looking at a return to the days when the NFC South was one of the most feared divisions in football.
Think late 2010s, when every team had a legit quarterback and playoff aspirations.
Bottom line: the Saints crushed this draft, and they’re not alone. The NFC South is waking up - and the rest of the league better be paying attention.