This week, the New Orleans Saints will head Nashville to face the 3-12 Tennessee Titans in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season—once again, a game with significant draft-position implications.
The player to watch has quietly put together a solid season for the Black and Gold and will be relied upon heavily with Bryan Bresee (knee) likely to miss some time: DT Nathan Shepherd.
After another strong game on Sunday against the Jets, with two total tackles (one solo), two pressures, a stop and a strip sack recovered
by Chase Young, Shepherd earned an 81.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus on the day, including a 90.3 pass-rush grade.
Without Bresee, who ranks second on the team with 30 total pressures, Shepherd, who ranks fifth with 26, will have his work cut out for him. The Titans are currently tied for third in most sacks allowed league-wide with 51 as they continue to struggle protecting first-overall pick Cam Ward. Shepherd has proved that his impact goes beyond the stat sheet, disrupting offenses despite recording just three sacks this season.
The 32-year-old may not get the media attention he deserves, but he plays a crucial role on the interior of the Saints’ defensive line. I expect another strong outing from him on Sunday against the Titans.
