The Saints Took Two Big Swings in the Draft — But Only One Miss Could Haunt Them for Years
Quarterback or Left Tackle? The Saints Can’t Afford to Get This One Wrong
The New Orleans Saints approached the 2025 NFL Draft with urgency, knowing full well that the team’s future depends on addressing the two most critical positions in football — quarterback and left tackle.
With their first two picks, the Saints selected Kelvin Banks Jr., a premier offensive tackle prospect, and Tyler Shough, the quarterback many believe could be the team’s next long-term leader under center. But as draft excitement settles, reality takes hold: both players hold immense promise, but a miss on either — especially Banks — could haunt the Saints for years to come.
Two High-Stakes Picks, Two Very Different Risks
Drafting a quarterback is always a gamble, and Tyler Shough is no exception. A second-round pick with plenty of upside, Shough enters the fold with tempered expectations but undeniable opportunity. Kellen Moore, the Saints’ offensive coordinator, handpicked him for a reason — and that alone gives Shough a legitimate shot to be the Week 1 starter.
But as history reminds us, second-round quarterbacks who don’t pan out don’t tend to cripple franchises. If Shough falters or Spencer Rattler wins the job outright, the Saints can pivot quickly — and many believe they’ll be in position to draft another quarterback high in 2026 if needed.
Shough is a calculated risk. A miss on him stings, but it doesn’t set the organization back long-term.
Why Kelvin Banks Jr. Carries Even More Weight
The real gamble lies with Kelvin Banks Jr., the Saints’ first-round investment at left tackle — a position where New Orleans simply cannot afford another misstep.
Recent history hasn’t been kind to the Saints’ first-round offensive line selections. From Trevor Penning’s struggles and constant position changes to Cesar Ruiz’s inconsistency at right guard, the Saints have battled a revolving door of uncertainty across their offensive front.
Banks is supposed to be different. A rock-solid, franchise-caliber left tackle who protects the quarterback’s blindside and anchors the line for the next decade. But if Banks follows the pattern of previous disappointments, the consequences won’t be temporary — they’ll be structural.
Unlike quarterbacks, first-round offensive linemen are often given every opportunity to succeed, even when early results are disappointing. That patience can lead to years of average — or worse, below-average — play at a position critical to offensive success.
The Saints’ Offensive Line Gamble: Boom or Bust
The Saints finally appeared to break their streak of offensive line woes with last year’s selection of Taliese Fuaga, who’s quickly becoming a staple on the right side. But they can’t afford to regress.
If Kelvin Banks Jr. doesn’t pan out, the Saints risk entering a familiar and dangerous cycle — patchwork protection, stalled offensive rhythm, and wasted potential from whoever lines up at quarterback, whether that’s Shough, Rattler, or a 2026 draft pick.
In short, Banks needs to be the real deal. The team’s success depends on it.
The Verdict: One Pick Shapes the Future
The Saints’ 2025 draft class will be judged on both Banks and Shough, but only one miss carries the weight of long-term consequences. If the quarterback doesn’t work out, there are contingency plans. But if the left tackle falters, it’s back to square one — and the ripple effects could derail offensive progress for years.
The Saints took two big swings this offseason. Now, all eyes are on how — and where — they connect.
