Day 3 of the Draft is Here, Trust the Process. They Have Earned It.
Anthony Parker • April 25, 2026
The Draft still has a lot of great Talent left, and the Saints have five selections to make. Trust that they will continue to do well.
The first two days of the draft have gone by, and while some fan bases are still trying to comprehend their teams’ plans, the Saints have been pretty straightforward with theirs.
The Saints have embraced the fact that they are “not one player away” — Mickey Loomis.
They entered this draft with eight total picks and needs at almost every position group outside of quarterback. While many expected the Saints to be aggressive and make trades, this belief is reasonable because it’s something they’ve done with a high level of consistency for more than a decade. However, the Saints and their staff took a patient approach and allowed the draft to come to them.
And not just come to them, but they drafted positions that many knew were needs, yet weren’t anticipating the Saints to value at the time of selection.
The Saints drafted Jordyn Tyson in Round 1 with the eighth overall pick. In the next two rounds, they selected two Georgia Bulldog teammates. First, Christen Miller, an interior defensive lineman, with the forty-second overall pick. Then in the third round, they picked Oscar Delp with the seventy-third overall pick.
On the surface, these are not picks that will set the internet on fire. These are not headline-grabbing selections, but for the Saints, these are franchise-forward moves.
The additions of Miller and Delp strengthen position groups the Saints have struggled to build over the past five years. Consistency along the interior defensive front is one of the main reasons the Saints have gone from one of the best run defenses in the league to one of the worst.
Additionally, having a consistent, well-rounded tight end who can put his hand in the dirt and block, while also possessing the ability to split out wide, run routes, and catch passes, is something that has been missing since Jared Cook and Drew Brees walked off the field together after losing to the Bucs in the playoffs.
Many were expecting the Saints to select a defensive back, which is a reasonable expectation considering the need there, and possibly another running back. But the selections made on the second day of the draft show just how committed they are to fully completing this roster by taking their time and adding young players who have proven success at high levels but still possess upside and room for development.
With Day 3 of the draft now here, Saints fans should expect the same approach — being patient and striking when it’s most advantageous for the team.
Do not be worried. There is still plenty of high-level talent remaining on the board, and the Saints have done nothing but earn more confidence that they will select the best players available for the position groups they feel need to be addressed.
A guy like Keionte Scott would be a good fit in Brandon Staley’s defense. Mike Washington is still available if they want to add more youth to the running back room. There is also Pat Coogan, the senior leader of the offensive line for the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers, who would be another solid late-round addition for needed depth along the offensive line.
The process for the Saints has been clear: get younger, get more explosive, and build around Tyler Shough.
The approach has been great, and while many may see this draft class as average, this could end up being another 2017 class — and that draft class was a pass interference call away from playing in another Super Bowl.
A quick share helps us a lot!
Tulane Green Wave 🏈 NFL Draft: Who Will Be Selected Tulane had a strong 2025 season (AAC title and playoff appearance), continuing its recent NFL pipeline (e.g., past draftees like Tyjae Spears, Michael Pratt, Caleb Ransaw). Projections generally point to late-round or UDFA territory, based on production, physical traits, transfers bringing experience, and Pro Day workouts (held March 24, 2026, at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center with 25 NFL teams present). Here are the top prospects and why they stand out (drawn from scouting notes, stats, and honors): OT Derrick Graham (6’4”, 314 lbs): Multi-year starter with experience at Troy (early freshman contributor with elite pass-block efficiency) before transferring to Tulane. Earned First/Second/Preseason All-AAC honors and helped anchor a top conference offense. Prototypical size, strength, and technique for the NFL; met with teams at Pro Day. Strongest late-round candidate among the group. DE Kameron Hamilton (6’4”, ~292 lbs, Zachary, LA native): Four-year Tulane contributor (switched from high school OL to edge). Career totals include 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and consistent production (career-high 3 sacks + 29 tackles in 2025). Excellent frame and leverage for an edge rusher/DL; long-tenured starter under multiple coaches. Fits as a rotational pass-rush specialist. LB Maurice “Mo” Westmoreland (6’2”, 250 lbs): Transfer from UTEP (two-time All-Conference USA). Explosive prior stats: 7.5 sacks + 9.5 TFLs + FF in 2024; similar sack production in 2023. Limited to 5 games in 2025 due to injury (still had 3 sacks + INT), but size, athleticism, and proven pass-rush ability outweigh that. Could project as an EDGE/LB hybrid. QB Jake Retzlaff: BYU transfer who became Tulane’s dual-threat QB1 in 2025. Strong stats: 3,168 pass yards + 15 TD / 7 INT, plus 634 rush yards + 16 rushing TDs (school record; first Tulane QB to lead team in rushing). Athletic playmaker who thrives under pressure. Size (6’1”, 205 lbs) is a concern, but production and mobility give him a shot as a developmental QB or gadget player (late/UDFA range; participated in Hula Bowl + Pro Day throwing session). OL Jack Hollifield (6’4”, ~300 lbs): Versatile interior lineman/center (transfers from Virginia Tech/Appalachian State). Started 11 games at App State in 2024 (0 sacks allowed, All-Sun Belt Second Team); Preseason All-AAC Third Team at Tulane. Meets NFL physical thresholds and has proven run/pass blocking reliability. Other notable Pro Day participants with UDFA upside (could earn camp invites based on testing/drills): OL Jordan Hall (6’4”, 310 lbs) – experienced interior depth. SS Bailey Despanie – longest-tenured Green Wave player; box strong safety with great run support. CB Isaiah “Zay” Wadsworth (transfer from Wofford) – athletic background (ex-QB/WR). LB Sam Howard, WR Tre Shackelford, TE Johnny Pascuzzi, DB KC Eziomume, and former players like LB Mandel Eugene/DL Angelo Anderson. Overall: Tulane’s OL and front-seven talent (Graham, Hamilton, Westmoreland, Hollifield) align well with NFL needs for size and production at the G5 level. Retzlaff’s unique skill set adds intrigue. Exact outcomes depend on how Pro Day measurables, medicals, and interviews landed, scout turnout was lighter than prior years, so many are fighting for UDFA spots. Keep an eye on draft updates for any late selections or signings. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave
With the 42nd pick in the draft, the New Orleans Saints picked defensive tackle Christen Miller out of Georgia. Christen Miller is a big defensive tackle prospect, measuring in at 6’4 and 320 pounds, who will make an impact on early downs against the run while he continues to grow as a pass rusher. The Saints have a strong need for young talent at the defensive tackle position with veterans Nathan Shepard and Davon Gochaux entering free agency after the upcoming season. Miller looks to be the latest of recent impact defenders to come out of Georgia as they have produced NFL talents like Mykell Williams, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and others. Then, with the 73rd pick, the Saints went back to Georgia to select the 6’5 245 pound tight end, Oscar Delp. Delp is an intriguing prospect because his athleticism is elite, and he comes into the league known more for his blocking rather than his pass catching ability. But when he did catch passes, there was a good chance he was about to have a highlight-level play. There is a growing belief that Georgia has a hard time maximizing their pass-catching talent based on recent success from NFL talents like Ladd McConkey, George Pickens, and others. So it would not surprise me in the slightest if Delp looks like a much better player in a different environment more conducive to his success. Delp will bring balance to the tight end room to give a much needed blocking presence which should allow him to get on the field and show he can contribute in the passing game to get more snaps. So far, the Saints have addressed wide receiver, defensive tackle, and tight end. All in all, I would say it’s been a good draft for them thus far. They have been able to address key spots on offense and defense. Look for them to be active on day three as they have multiple fourth and fifth round picks to either pick with or navigate the draft board with. I believe they’ll continue to take a balanced approach to addressing each side of the ball the rest of the way, with the goal of adding much needed depth to the roster. Day three becomes a bit more of a wildcard day, so I won’t be doing a key names to look out for this go around. Alright, one more day to go, talk to you all again tomorrow to recap day three and the draft as a whole. Make sure to follow Kaden Arkeder on X.