Saints UDFA Signing: Tywone Malone Jr.
Patrick Harkness • May 1, 2026
New Orleans Saints UDFA
THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Tywone Malone Jr
6-4/305
DT
Scouting Report:
He brings good size, length, power, and improved consistency from a late-blooming college career at Ohio State (after transferring from Ole Miss). At 23 years old, he is a developmental depth piece with starter-level traits in the run game but limited proven pass-rush production.
- Run Defense & Point of Attack:
- Plays with outstanding leverage/pad level inside or outside. Strong hands, long arms, and core strength to stack-and-shed, move linemen laterally, and hold the point. Excellent feel for working off blocks, countering, and locating the ball. Quick reactor with balance and backside pursuit speed.
- Power & Bull Rush:
- Wins with speed-to-power, leg drive, and violent hands. Can push blockers back and disrupt gaps as a bull rusher.
- Athletic Upside & Versatility:
- Impressive burst for size; can threaten the edge occasionally. Shows quickness in drills (reinforced at pro day). Fits multiple fronts; has experience on edge and inside.
- Intangibles:
- Late-career surge via dedication/film work and consistency; praised by Ohio State coaches (Ryan Day) for coming into his own. Two-time college national champion (football + baseball).
A quick share helps us a lot!
Chris Olave has signed a contract extension valued at 4 years 132 million dollars, 90 million guaranteed with an AAV of 33M. All the contract talk is finally over for Chris Olave as it always felt like it was a matter of time before the deal would get done. Olave is too important to the Saints success this season and beyond to not get a deal done. Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where Olave earned a second team All pro nomination after putting up his best season of his career. This extension gives the Saints and Tyler Shough their guy at WR for the foreseeable future. When you have a young quarterback like Tyler Shough you have to have proven talent around him and Olave has shown he can be a security blanket for Shough to aid in his development. But not only will Olave help Shough develop as he enters his sophomore season but Olave will also be able to help mentor rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. With Olave in the fold for the long haul the Saints hope the duo of Olave and Tyson become one of if not the best WR duo in the league one day soon. But for now Tyson gets to get his feet wet in his first NFL training camp and learn from one of the best in Chris Olave. Olave’s extension begins signals the beginning of a new core for the Saints as Olave certainly won’t be the last player extended in the near future if the Saints continue to trend in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be Saints fan after feeling stuck in doldrums the last few years and deals like this help show the Saints are well on their way to contending once again.
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X