I want to start this week’s report by talking about this class. Like many, I have seen it ranked very low on lists of the best and worst classes from 2026. I don’t disagree with those lists, and really, who can? Injuries, players being behind veterans, or some still needing to develop have kept this class from doing much, but you shouldn’t lose faith in this group.
The players who have been in the game have made plays that are good starting points, and although development matters, it’s not like those
players have been bad. Jordyn Tyson’s injury is annoying to say the least, but hopefully we can forget about that once he’s back. Do I think this class is going to be like 2025? No, but in hindsight, I think he could be a nice, middle-of-the-road draft class.
Now onto the players:
DT Christen Miller
Finally, Christen Miller was able to get into the game on Sunday, and eventhough the Saints could not win, he did well in his short time. Miller made big plays against the run, took up blocks from offensive linemen to open up holes for other defensive linemen and the linebackers to stop the run, and in my opinion, proved he should be the starting nose tackle. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough for the Saints to play him more.
This should hopefully be the case against the New York Giants, and to stop RB Cam Skattebo, you need a big defensive lineman that can prevent him from carrying the pile.
TE Oscar Delp
With the Vikings sending blitzes nearly every play, Delp had to step up as a blocker, and he did. The Giants are also at the top of the league in blitz rate, so Delp will be a primary blocker once again. I do hope the Saints utilize him as a receiver, because Noah Fant has had pre-snap issues this season, and prioritizing youth should be the plan moving forward.
Try something new.
OG Jeremiah Wright
Speaking of trying something new, I wish Jeremiah Wright would get some snaps, but now that pressure is on the organization to win, a Cesar Ruiz trade feels less likely due to the risk. If a coaching change is made, I hope the next staff will give Wright a chance.
WR Bryce Lance
Last week, I said that it’s clear Lance is not ready for WR3, and the Vikings game only reinforced that. The Saints need to make the move and put him at WR4 moving forward so he can learn. I know I have said to prioritize youth, but I also want to prioritize Tyler Shough’s development, and Lance is negatively affecting that.
WR Barion Brown
Brown is a similar spot to Lance, but it’s also clear he needs to figure out the return game as well. His fellow former LSU Tiger, Zavion Thomas, is in nearly the exact same spot with the Bears, but due to their offensive struggles with Caleb Williams being out, they have begun to utilize Thomas more. In addition, Thomas has improved as their main return man. Hopefully, the same can happen for Brown.
RB CJ Donaldson
Donaldson was thrown to the wolves trying to block the Vikings blitz, and although I felt he did a decent job, he did have a holding call on one of the plays. As a rusher, Donaldson did exactly what I thought, picking up tough yards that did help the Saints in their run game. Against the Giants, I want him to be included once again.
OT Mason Murphy
In probably the most confusing moment of the game, which is saying a lot, the Saints put in Mason Murphy on a random drive, then subbed him out for Asim Richards the next. At first, I thought Richards got injured, but Moore said after the game that it was planned. I actually thought Richards did better than usual, and Murphy wasn’t great when he came in.
I don’t think the Saints will make this substitution again.
DB Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Styles Jr. was back last game, which was nice to see, but his involvement was limited. I wouldn’t be shocked if that changes after Jayden Price’s release being cut, so Styles Jr. could be the return man next to Brown against the Giants.
Injured players:
- WR Jordyn Tyson
