The New Orleans Saints’ selection of quarterback Tyler Shough Saints draft with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has raised eyebrows across the league. Given Shough’s injury-plagued college career and underwhelming combine performance, many are questioning the rationale behind choosing him over other available quarterbacks with more consistent track records.
A History Marred by Injuries
Shough’s collegiate journey was riddled with setbacks. During his tenure at Texas Tech, he suffered a broken collarbone in 2021, re-injured the same collarbone in 2022, and endured a broken fibula in 2023, limiting his playtime significantly. These injuries prevented him from completing a full season, casting serious doubts on his durability at the professional level.
Combine Performance Raises Concerns
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Shough’s performance did little to alleviate concerns. One clip showed Shough missing his target by a long shot with no pressure on him, which pretty much summed up his combine performance. He ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, which was only the second-fastest among the three quarterbacks who participated, and his overall showing was widely considered underwhelming. Such results have led analysts to question his athleticism and readiness for the NFL stage. To be fair, history has shown that a poor combine or lukewarm scouting reports don’t always predict failure. Some of the game’s greatest quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, famously slipped through the cracks on draft day before proving everyone wrong. Still, counting on another miracle story is a risky bet for a team desperate for stability.
Overlooking Proven Talent
The decision to draft Shough becomes even more perplexing when considering the quarterbacks who were still available. Shedeur Sanders, despite a stellar college career with 14,347 passing yards and 134 touchdowns, somehow remained undrafted through the first three rounds. Similarly, Jaxson Dart, known for his leadership and consistent performance at Ole Miss, was selected later by the New York Giants. Both quarterbacks offered more consistent play and far fewer injury concerns than Shough, yet the Saints passed on both.
Implications for the Saints’ Quarterback Room
The addition of Shough adds even more complexity to the Saints’ quarterback situation. With veteran Derek Carr’s long-term status growing more uncertain, and the presence of Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler already crowding the depth chart, it’s unclear where Shough fits in. His selection suggests a lack of full confidence in the current options, but his own injury history and inconsistent performances raise real questions about whether he can realistically be counted on to lead the team.
Kellen Moore’s Vision Under Scrutiny
Head Coach Kellen Moore’s endorsement of Shough appears to be based largely on the quarterback’s resilience and leadership qualities. However, these intangible attributes may not compensate for the very tangible concerns regarding his health, mechanics, and decision-making under pressure. Moore and the Saints’ scouting department seem to have prioritized upside over reliability, a decision that looks increasingly risky given the other quarterbacks still on the board.
The Saints’ choice to draft Tyler Shough in the second round appears to be a gamble that may not pay off. By passing on quarterbacks with proven records and far fewer health concerns, the team has taken a significant risk on a player whose college résumé is marked more by missed opportunities than consistent excellence. Only time will tell if Shough can overcome his past injuries and justify the Saints’ controversial faith in him. Speaking as a lifelong Saints fan, I hope more than anything that Tyler Shough Saints draft proves every doubt wrong — including mine. There’s nothing I want more than to see him succeed in black and gold.
