Tyler Shough, an early favorite for Rookie of the Year, could join select company in Saints franchise history.
New Orleans Saints draft choice Tyler Shough was the third quarterback chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft. Shough was only the second quarterback the Saints have ever selected in the first or second round in their 58-year history.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward was picked first overall by the Tennessee Titans. The New York Giants then traded back into the first round to nab Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart at 25th overall.
New Orleans grabbed Shough with the eighth pick of the second round, 40th overall.
Shough, who turns 26 in September, isn't expected to be automatically named the New Orleans starter. Because of his draft status, he's the early frontrunner in what will likely be a competition with second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Shough is also among the (very) early favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Immediately after the draft, Shough was installed as having the seventh-highest odds for Rookie of the Year by Fan Duel Sportsbook.
In place since 1967, the Saints have had four players win Rookie of the Year honors, with three on the offensive side.
George Rogers, RB (1981)
Oct 18, 1981; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back George Rogers (38) in action against the Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
After winning the 1980 Heisman Trophy with South Carolina, Rogers was selected first overall by the Saints in the 1981 NFL Draft. It is the only time in their franchise history that New Orleans selected first overall.
Rogers would have a historic campaign for the Saints as a rookie in 1981. He led the NFL with 1,674 rushing yards and 378 rushing attempts, with his 13 rushing touchdowns finishing second in the league.
Rogers still holds the franchise record for both rushing yards and attempts in a single season. He won the 1981 Offensive Rookie of the Year award by taking 65 (77.4%) of the potential Associated Press votes.
Rueben Mayes, RB (1986)
Oct 9, 1988; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Rueben Mayes (36) in action against the San Diego Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
After rushing for 2,873 yards over his last two seasons at Washington State, the Saints selected Mayes in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft. Rogers had been traded by New Orleans two years before, so the door was left open for Mayes to grab a primary role in the backfield.
Mayes was one of the surprises of the 1986 season, rushing for 1,353 yards to lead New Orleans and finish fourth in the league while adding 8 touchdowns. He became only the third back in Saints franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards and remains one of just seven backs to do so.
Mayes was the 13th running back drafted in 1986 and second by his own team behind second-round choice Dalton Hilliard. He'd go on to win the 1986 Rookie of the Year by taking 88.1% of the votes, with no other player getting more than 1 vote to his 74.
Alvin Kamara, RB (2017)
Nov 19, 2017; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs through the Washington Redskins defense. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Saints coach Sean Payton fell in love with Kamara during the 2017 pre-draft process and took the Tennessee product with a third-round choice. After a slow start to his rookie year, Kamara caught fire and has become one of the most popular players in franchise history.
As a rookie, Kamara rushed for 728 yards and added 81 receptions for 826 yards while scoring 12 touchdowns. His 1,901 all-purpose yards was third in the league as he led all rookie backs in receiving production.
The 2017 NFL Draft was rich in running back talent, but Kamara has been the best all-around threat of the group. He was the fifth back chosen that season and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award by narrowly edging out fellow running back Kareem Hunt. Kamara took 28 of 50 possible votes, with Hunt taking 21.
Marshon Lattimore, CB (2017)
Nov 5, 2017; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore breaks up a pass to Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK
Lattimore was an instant sensation. He'd almost immediately become one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL and remained so for several years. In 2017, he intercepted 5 passes and broke up 18 others while elevating the defense by bottling up many of the league's top wideouts.
Lattimore took 45 of a possible 50 votes (90%) for 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year. He remains the only defensive player for New Orleans to take the honor.
