Saints Rookie Minicamp Kicks Off: Eyes on Shough, Veterans, and the 2025 Draft Class

The New Orleans Saints have officially opened their 2025 rookie minicamp, and all eyes are on the influx of fresh talent arriving at a pivotal moment for a franchise in transition. With a promising draft class and a handful of intriguing veterans fighting to make the 53-man roster, this minicamp offers early glimpses into how the team’s future may shape up.

At the center of attention is second-round pick Tyler Shough, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback out of Louisville. Saints fans are eager to see what the strong-armed signal-caller brings to the table. Known for his smooth mechanics, prototypical size, and leadership, Shough has been touted as one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the 2025 class.

Former NFL executive and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick has been particularly bullish on Shough, noting his “high football IQ and big-play ability.” Deion Branch, now the wide receivers coach at Louisville and a Super Bowl MVP, has repeatedly praised Shough's poise and timing, saying, “He’s the kind of quarterback that makes everyone around him better.”

After transferring from Texas Tech to Louisville, Shough completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,412 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions in 2024. Now, the Saints are hoping he can translate that production to the next level—perhaps even pushing for a future starting role.

The Saints didn’t just add Shough; they made quality picks at several positions of need. Here’s a look at the full rookie class:

• Round 1, Pick 9 – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas A plug-and-play left tackle with elite footwork and strength. Banks allowed only one sack over the past two seasons at Texas and projects as a long-term anchor on the line.

• Round 2, Pick 40 – Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville Strong arm, NFL size, and advanced field vision. A lot of eyes will be on the Rookie Quarterback.

• Round 3, Pick 71 – Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas A disruptive interior presence with a knack for shedding blocks. Broughton posted 5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024.

• Round 3, Pick 93 – Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia Physical safety with range and versatility. Sanker recorded 95 tackles and 3 interceptions last season.

• Round 4, Pick 112 – Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma The heart of the Sooners defense, Stutsman led the Big 12 in tackles (126) and added 3 sacks and 2 picks.

• Round 4, Pick 131 – Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville A feisty cover corner with excellent instincts. Riley broke up 14 passes and grabbed 4 interceptions in 2024.

• Round 6, Pick 184 – Devin Neal, RB, Kansas A compact, dual-threat back who rushed for 1,280 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 325 receiving yards.

• Round 7, Pick 248 – Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA A raw but athletic tight end with size (6’6", 255) and red zone upside. Posted 28 catches for 370 yards and 5 TDs.

• Round 7, Pick 254 – Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse High-motor edge rusher with bend and burst. Recorded 7 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in his final college season.

While rookies are drawing headlines, veteran wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is also in the spotlight. A 2020 sixth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns, Peoples-Jones has flashed moments of brilliance in the NFL. He had a breakout year in 2022, catching 61 passes for 839 yards and 3 touchdowns. His size (6’2", 212 lbs) and downfield ability could provide valuable depth behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

Peoples-Jones spent time with both Cleveland and Detroit before arriving in New Orleans. If he can build chemistry with the new crop of quarterbacks—including Shough—he may find himself a key part of the receiving rotation.

This minicamp offers a preview of the battles to come in training camp. The Saints are looking for offensive line stability, defensive playmakers, and possibly their quarterback of the future. With players like Kelvin Banks Jr. likely to step into a starting role quickly and Shough drawing strong praise from respected football minds, the early outlook is optimistic.

For fans, this is a time to watch dreams take shape—and perhaps witness the beginning of a new era in New Orleans.

Certainly! Here's a detailed look at the New Orleans Saints' 2025 rookie minicamp roster and an updated depth chart, highlighting where key rookies and veterans fit in as the team begins preparations for the upcoming season.

The Saints have assembled a 41-player roster for their rookie minicamp, featuring all nine draft picks, 11 undrafted free agents (UDFAs), and several tryout players. This camp offers a first glimpse at how these newcomers might integrate into the team's existing structure.