Winning streaks ignite draft position debates. This podcast argues why embracing current success, not future picks, fuels sustainable franchise growth and reveals true talent.
On this episode of The State of the Saints Podcast, TJ Jones tackles the debate that always shows up when a rebuilding team starts winning: is New Orleans’ three-game win streak actually hurting the franchise by sliding the Saints down the 2026 NFL Draft board? TJ doesn’t ignore the concern, but his stance is clear — fans should stop staring at draft slots and start paying attention to what’s happening right now, because the Saints are finally playing their best football of the season.
The draft panic is real, but TJ doesn’t buy it
TJ acknowledges why some fans are frustrated: a few more wins can be the difference between a top-three pick and picking later. But he pushes back hard on the idea that a top-three selection automatically fixes anything. He argues that obsessing over draft position can be a trap — and that “drafting high forever” doesn’t guarantee a turnaround, pointing to franchises that live in that range year after year without escaping the cycle. His bigger point: one player rarely changes everything by himself, and sustainable improvement comes from strong drafts and productive free agency classes, not a single lottery ticket. (3:39–14:37)
Tyler Shough is the real storyline, not draft math
TJ frames the streak as meaningful because it’s happening with a quarterback who’s giving the Saints something they haven’t had in a while: real hope. He says Shough has earned another look because he keeps showing the traits you want to build around — toughness, arm strength, and an ability to elevate the offense when things aren’t perfect. In TJ’s view, Shough’s emergence changes the entire franchise conversation from “find a quarterback” to “build around the quarterback you might already have.” (4:45, 7:44–8:21, 19:43, 24:58)
The Saints are winning with vets and youth, and that matters
One of TJ’s strongest points is that this isn’t a fluky streak built on one or two lucky bounces. He highlights how the Saints are winning because of a mix of veteran steadiness and young talent stepping up, naming players like Urnis Sinker, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Elante Taylor as examples of the youth movement actually showing something. TJ emphasizes that this current stretch is answering important roster questions in real time — you’re learning who can play, who can handle pressure, and who belongs in the long-term core. (6:16–6:47, 9:56)
The roster still needs help, especially in the run game
TJ doesn’t pretend everything is fixed. He touches on the Saints’ running game issues and makes the case that New Orleans needs a durable back to complement Alvin Kamara. He floats Breece Hall as a potential target if the Saints can’t land Jeremiah Love, framing it as the kind of move that would help stabilize the offense around Shough. (15:52, 18:19, 25:58)
Day 2/Day 3 draft targets: pass rush help
Later, TJ gets into potential pass rushers the Saints could look at outside the very top of the draft, mentioning Anthony Smith (Minnesota) and Nadane Tucker (Western Michigan) as names to watch for later-round value. (32:59, 33:53)
The bottom line: enjoy the wins, then build it the right way
TJ closes by reinforcing that the Saints still have problems, but the emergence of a quarterback who can legitimately spark belief changes the entire direction of the rebuild. The priority now isn’t tanking for a number — it’s building a supporting cast that helps Shough keep growing and gives New Orleans a real foundation for sustained success. (38:46)