Canal Street Chronicles
With the 2025 NFL regular season now come and gone, and playoffs will be ramping up soon for those teams fortunate enough to clinch spots in the postseason. However, for those teams and players that have since wrapped up play for this year, another season has passed, and the rookies’ inaugural time in the league is complete. Let’s take a look at how the New Orleans Saints’ most recent draft class performed in their rookie year.
Kelvin Banks Jr.- Round 1, Pick 9- OT, Texas
The Saints’ first selection of the draft last offseason proved to be a valuable and worthy pick, although a safe option. New Orleans had been through a rotating door with offensive linemen, especially tackles, over the last five years. Following the departure of Terron Armstead in 2021 and the retirement of Ryan Ramczyk in June 2025, the Saints were in desperate need of a dependable blindside blocker. Kelvin Banks answered that bell and then some. He managed to play over 1000 snaps this year and started every game for New Orleans. He certainly has a bright future ahead in the league.
Tyler Shough- Round 2, Pick 40- QB, Louisville
After a competitive position battle that lasted through training camps and preseason, quarterback Spencer Rattler was ultimately named the Saints’ starter to begin 2025. Although a best effort was put forth, he was unable to muster any momentum or bring juice to an otherwise lifeless New Orleans offense. The keys were turned over to the rookie backup QB in the third quarter of week 8’s game versus Tampa Bay, and Shough never looked back. He would go on to finish the season with 2,384 passing yards, ten touchdowns, and six interceptions. Shough added 186 yards and three more scores on the ground, and gave Who Dat Nation a chance to be confident in a quarterback once more.
Vernon Broughton- Round 3, Pick 71- DT, Texas
Unfortunately for Broughton, his rookie season came to a close much sooner than he, or anyone else, likely anticipated. After making his debut in New Orleans’ week 2 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the rookie defensive tackle landed on IR after a “significant hip injury.” He would not see the field again in 2025, but should be a favorite to make an impact along the Saints’ front seven next season.
Jonas Sanker- Round 3, Pick 93- S, Virginia
The rookie defensive back from Virginia may be the gem of the draft for New Orleans. After projected starting safety Tyrann Mathieu retired before the start of the season and injuries derailed the beginning of Justin Reid’s year, Sanker saw the field early and often in his career. Although thrown into the fire, Sanker held his own in coverage under Brandon Staley’s defensive scheming. He would finish the season with 80 tackles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and six passes defensed. Fans should expect to see a lot more of Sanker in 2026.
Danny Stutsman- Round 4, Pick 112- LB, Oklahoma
Although...
