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 many may have expected a larger role for Stutsman in year one, the rookie linebacker found himself on the sideline more often than not, thanks in large part to a crowded depth chart. The retention of Pete Werner in New Orleans certainly took potential snaps away from Stutsman, but he should see an expanded role in 2026. He finished with 53 tackles this year.
Quincy Riley- Round 4, Pick 131- CB, Louisville
New Orleans made Riley the last of four consecutive defensive selections. The rookie corner carved out a nice role for himself as the primary nickel corner of the Saints. He closed the 2025 season with 35 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception. Riley defended ten passes this year while contributing to what would finish as a top-ten defense in the league. If Alontae Taylor is not on the roster next season, fans should feel comfortable with Riley stepping in to fill that void.
Devin Neal- Round 6, Pick 184- RB, Kansas
After starting the year as RB3 on the Saints’ depth chart, Neal would go on to play in ten games in his rookie season. Following an injury to tailback Kendre Miller in week 7, Neal would take on a larger role in the Saints’ offense behind Alvin Kamara. Neal would tally 206 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while adding another 104 receiving yards on 17 receptions before being placed on IR himself, appearing last in week 10.
Moliki Matavao- Round 7, Pick 248- TE, UCLA
Matavao had a quiet season after spending time on the Saints’ practice squad. The 6’6” tight end really never got a chance to break into the offense and be utilized efficiently. Starting TE Juwan Johnson had a career season and did not relinquish many targets to players behind him. That, of course, did not stop Moliki from earning his first two career receptions and picking up ten total yards.
Fadil Diggs- Round 7, Pick 254- EDGE, Syracuse
Like Matavao, New Orleans’ final draft selection of 2025, Fadil Diggs, spent significant time as a member of the practice squad this season. Diggs had a strong showing during the preseason, but ultimately was left off the Saints’ roster this year. While it will not be clear until late in the upcoming offseason, I would expect for Diggs to make a push once more for being named to the roster this summer.
