The New Orleans Saints’ rookies continue to settle into their roles as the team moves toward the middle of the season.

After a hard-fought game last weekend, the group showed both progress and growing pains in the loss to the New England Patriots.

As New Orleans heads to Chicago to take on the Bears, a few first-year players are trending in the right direction, while others still have ground to make up.

Rising Rookies

LB Danny Stutsman

Danny Stutsman is quickly emerging as the most promising of the Saints’ rookies on defense. His role continues to grow week by week, and the defensive snaps are starting to show results.

Against the Patriots, Stutsman had fewer read mistakes and displayed better anticipation and pursuit, reading the run effectively and cleaning up plays that would’ve gone for extra yards earlier in the year.

His tackling technique remains firm, and coaches have praised his communication, per Morning Break.

Still, Stutsman needs to close more plays behind the line—TFLs and pressures would really boost his profile.

LT Kelvin Banks Jr.

Kelvin Banks Jr. has quietly become one of New Orleans’ most dependable rookies.

After early growing pains, he’s settling in at left tackle and showing why the team invested in him.

Against New England’s disciplined front, Banks allowed minimal pressure and looked composed against stunts and late blitzes.

His footwork has noticeably improved since Week 1. Banks is staying square, anchoring better, and using his hands with more control.

Offensive line play rarely gets headlines, but consistency matters, and Banks is giving the Saints just that.

He’s expected to face a more aggressive Chicago pass rush this weekend, which will test his communication with the guards on twists and disguised pressure. A clean performance there could firmly establish him as a long-term cornerstone up front.

When New Orleans picked Banks in the first round, head coach Kellen Moore spoke highly of him, not just for his on-field traits, but his demeanor. Moore said of Banks, “he is everything you want your organization to represent … you meet him and you’re quickly gravitated to him as a person," per SI.

Flat or Falling

DB Quincy Riley

Quincy Riley continues to make his mark on special teams. His technique and awareness are there, but he hasn’t yet broken into the defensive rotation.

Coaches trust him in kick coverage, and he’s doing the small things right, but he needs to have a moment like a pass breakup or takeaway to truly stand out. 

QB Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough remains a long-term project. He’s shown maturity in preparation and has earned quiet praise for his command of the playbook, but he hasn’t logged regular-season snaps. With the quarterback room stable, his best path forward is continued growth behind the scenes until an opportunity for him opens up. 

Outlook Against Chicago

The matchup with the Bears gives the Saints’ rookies a chance to reinforce momentum, but they're also going to have the opposing rising rookies on their hands.

As the Saints head into Chicago, they’ll face a pair of talented first-year playmakers in Caleb Williams and Colston Loveland who can change a game in a hurry.

Stutsman’s range will be tested against Chicago’s ground game and quarterback movement, while Banks will face one of his toughest pass-pro assignments yet. Riley will again look to make an impact on special teams, and Shough will stay in development mode.

Discipline on defense and poise up front will decide whether the Saints’ young core continues to rise or gets taught a hard lesson by another team’s rookies. If Banks and Stutsman continue trending upward, New Orleans can feel confident that its 2025 class is starting to pay off.