Saints bet big on Georgia's SEC-tested physicality, adding Miller and Delp. Is it a safe identity play or a missed chance for explosiveness?
The New Orleans Saints have never been a franchise to shy away from a "type." Whether it’s the pursuit of versatile offensive linemen or an obsession with high-sparq defensive ends, Mickey Loomis and the front office tend to lean into what they know. On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, what they knew was simple: the Georgia Bulldogs.
By selecting defensive tackle Christen Miller (No. 42) and tight end Oscar Delp (No. 73), the Saints didn't just add talent; they imported a specific culture of physical, SEC-tested dominance. But as the dust settles on the second and third rounds, the question remains—is this a safe foundational play or a missed opportunity to get more explosive?
The Trenches: A Familiar Ritual
For the fifth consecutive year, the Saints used a premium pick on a defensive tackle. Christen Miller is a 321-pound mountain who embodies the "Saints way" in the interior. He is a high-floor prospect who excels at eating double teams and freeing up linebackers—a necessity in a division where the ground game still dictates terms.
However, there is an argument to be had about the opportunity cost. While Miller provides stability, the Saints’ pass rush has often felt like it’s one elite "twitch" player away from being terrifying. By passing on more pure edge-rushing upside at 42 to secure the interior, New Orleans is betting that their existing rotation will find a second gear if the pocket is collapsed from within.
The Delp Factor: Evolution at Tight End
The selection of Oscar Delp in the third round is perhaps the most intriguing move of the weekend. Delp isn’t just a blocker. He’s an elite athlete with a background in lacrosse and a frame built for modern "12 personnel" schemes. Some fans questioned a tight end selection, but with Foster Moreau picked up by the Texans, the tight end void is filled with Delp.
With Jordyn Tyson (the Saints' first-round burner from Arizona State) stretching the field vertically, Delp serves as the intermediate safety valve. It’s a clear signal that the offensive staff wants to move away from the "all-or-nothing" aerial attacks of the past and toward a more methodical, physically imposing system. Delp’s versatility to align as a H-back or split out wide gives Kellen Moore a Swiss Army knife that the roster has lacked since the prime Jimmy Graham years.
Day Two Analysis
Critics will point out that the Saints didn't address the secondary until Day 3, or that they doubled down on a school (Georgia) rather than scouting for diverse skill sets. But looking at the Day 2 haul through a wider lens, the strategy is clear that toughness is the priority.
- Christen Miller ensures the run defense won't be bullied.
- Oscar Delp ensures the middle of the field is a contested-catch nightmare for opposing safeties.
The Saints came into Day 2 with a checklist focused on size and pedigree. They didn't just check those boxes, they hammered them. In an era where many teams are chasing the next "unicorn" athlete, New Orleans is banking on the idea that winning in the NFL is still about who has the biggest, meanest players from the best conference in college football.
It’s a traditionalist’s approach to a modern game. If Miller and Delp hit their ceilings, the Saints will have successfully rebuilt their spine. If they don't, the "Georgia Pipeline" might be remembered as the moment the front office got a little too comfortable with the familiar.