Tyler Shough, Cam Ward, Kelvin Banks Jr., Quincy Riley, and Jonas Sanker headline ESPN's 2025 All-Rookie Team, showcasing the Saints' burgeoning young talent.
The New Orleans Saints have had quite the turnaround in the last few weeks. The switch has been flipped with Tyler Shough's promotion to starting quarterback. The Saints' 2025 draft class has looked very promising, and ESPN's Benjamin Solak agrees, naming several Saints to the 2025 All-Rookie team.
Solak named Cam Ward as the top rookie quarterback, but Shough made the second-team.
"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."
Rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks, Jr was named the top offensive tackle over Kansas City's Josh Simmons.
"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."
Another Louisville rookie made the team, cornerback Quincy Riley was named as one of the top two cornerbacks with Will Johnson.
"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."
Rookie safety Jonas Sanker was named as a top safety to complete the list with Nick Emmanwori of Seattle.
"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."