4 Saints on ESPN All Rookie team

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Quaterback
Second team:
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints. Shough became the betting favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Saints' come-from-behind win over Ward and Tennessee in Week 17. I kind of get it -- the Saints have won their past four games, and Shough has looked better with each passing week. But while I see quality play from Shough, I don't see the sort of jaw-dropping, math-changing potential I see in Ward.

Shough has checked every box you could hope for out of a rookie: poise, creativity, execution of the offense, a short memory for mistakes. He needs to cut down on the sacks and sprays, but he looks like a clear hit for general manager Mickey Loomis and a Saints team in need of a rookie contract starter at quarterback


Left tackle
First team

Kelvin Banks Jr., New Orleans Saints

2025 stats: 16 starts, 87.7% pass block win rate, 76.1% run block win rate
Drafted: Round 1, No. 9

One of the quieter first-round picks, Banks has slid easily into New Orleans' left tackle spot and taken on a veteran's workload with aplomb. Rarely given tight end or chip help, Banks has been an above-average pass protector and has the quickness and flexibility that elite pass protectors often have. Those movement skills translate into the running game, where Banks has been a high-impact blocker as a puller and climber. The Saints got a good one.


Cornerback

First Team


Quincy Riley, New Orleans Saints

2025 stats: 31 tackles, 1 interception, 8 passes defensed
Drafted: Round 4, No. 131

A fourth-round pick out of Louisville, Riley got his first significant action in Week 3 and his first start in Week 5. But he took the starting job with both hands and refused to give it back. A sticky downfield corner with surprising physicality, Riley has impressive production at the catch point despite his size (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), detailing a highly encouraging future. Riley was only the No. 3 corner for the Saints this season and had some classic rookie mental snafus, but with Alontae Taylor being a rising free agent in 2026, Riley might end up a starter in all packages next season. He has earned it


Safety
First team

Jonas Sanker, New Orleans Saints

2025 stats: 78 tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defensed
Drafted: Round 3, No. 93

One of my favorite rookies independent of position or draft capital, Sanker has shined in Brandon Staley's defense as a premier communicator and coverage player. He takes great angles, rarely false steps and doesn't get fooled by route distributions. Sanker looks like a 10-year vet but has the spry legs of a rookie, which allows him to make plays sideline to sideline. Sanker is also a reliable tackler at the third level and prevents explosive runs from becoming house calls. He is a rising star to watch.