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Apr

25

Tony from the Westbank: Saints Draft Grade = B (And Here’s Why)

“I’m giving it a solid B… and I’m not mad about it.”

Look, if you came into this draft expecting fireworks, you probably feel a little underwhelmed. No big-name splash, no headline pick everybody’s arguing about on TV.

But if you actually watched what they did?
This feels different.

This feels like they’re trying to build a football team again.


🧱 It Starts in the Trenches

  • Jeremiah Wright
    “331 pounds. SEC. Nasty. That’s how you fix an offense—stop getting pushed around.”

This is the kind of pick that doesn’t trend… but shows up in November.


⚡ They Added Speed (Finally)

  • Barion Brown
    “This one I like. Real speed. Return game. LSU kid. That’s instant juice if they use him right.”
  • Bryce Lance
    “Big body at 6’3”. Either this is a steal… or we’re gonna be asking why he’s not ready. No in-between.”

They didn’t get a “name”—but they added tools.


🛡️ Defense Got Deeper (and Tougher)

  • Lorenzo Styles Jr.
    “Ohio State DBs? I’ll take my chances. Athletic, flexible—coaches are gonna move him around.”
  • TJ Hall
    “Iowa DB. You already know—tackles, discipline, no nonsense.”

No stars here—but fewer weak spots.


🧠 Tony’s Real Take

“This draft ain’t winning no Instagram poll.”

“But it might win you a couple ugly games in December.”

You got:

  • Bigger up front
  • Faster on the edges
  • More reliable on defense

That’s how teams quietly get better.


📌 Final Grade: B

“Could it be an A? Yeah—if one of those receivers hits big.”

“But right now? Solid B.”

“Only thing missing…
who’s scoring when you need 30?”

Apr

25

Saints Draft Recap: Not Flashy—But This Looks Like a Football Team Again

The New Orleans Saints didn’t chase headlines with this class—they built something that looks a lot more like identity.

No splashy “win the draft” pick. No viral moment. Just size, speed, and players who fit what this team has been missing.


🧱 Building the Foundation

  • Jeremiah Wright (OG, Auburn)
    6’5”, 331 lbs. This is a tone-setter. Interior help was needed, and this is a move toward getting physical again up front.
  • Bryce Lance (WR, NDSU)
    Big frame at 6’3”. Developmental, but brings size the receiver room lacks. Boom-or-bust type with upside.

⚡ Adding Speed and Playmakers

  • Barion Brown (WR, LSU)
    Immediate impact potential. Elite speed, return ability, and familiarity for the fanbase. This is your spark plug.

🛡️ Reinforcing the Defense

  • Lorenzo Styles Jr. (S, Ohio State)
    Athletic and versatile. A modern secondary piece who can be moved around.
  • TJ Hall (CB, Iowa)
    Physical, disciplined, and reliable. Not flashy, but exactly the kind of depth championship defenses need.

🧠 The Big Picture

This class tells you exactly what the Saints are trying to do:

  • Get bigger in the trenches
  • Add speed at receiver
  • Build depth and toughness on defense

It’s a shift away from chasing stars—and toward building a complete roster.


📌 Final Take

This isn’t the class that wins draft grades in April.
This is the kind that wins games in December.

The only real question left:
Do the Saints now have enough firepower to keep up when it turns into a shootout?

Apr

24

From the Westbank: Oscar Delp — Saints Keep Building the Offense

Alright… the picture’s starting to come together.

The Saints take Oscar Delp, and now you can clearly see what they’re doing in this draft.

They’re not dabbling.
They’re committing to the offense.


What This Pick Says

You don’t take:

  • Jordyn Tyson (WR)
  • and now Oscar Delp (TE)

by accident.

This is the Saints saying:
👉 “We’re giving this offense weapons.”

Delp gives you:

  • a big target in the middle of the field
  • a guy who can block and catch
  • flexibility in formations

He’s not just a pass catcher — he’s a complete tight end, and that matters.


Why It Makes Sense

Let’s be honest — tight end has been up and down for the Saints.

You need someone who can:

  • help in the run game
  • be reliable on 3rd down
  • give the QB a safety valve

Delp checks those boxes.

And coming from Georgia, you know:

  • he’s played against top competition
  • he understands physical football
  • he’s been coached at a high level

How It Fits With the Other Picks

Now step back and look at this draft so far:

  • Tyson (WR) → speed and explosiveness
  • Miller (DT) → physical presence on defense
  • Delp (TE) → balance and reliability

That’s not random.

That’s building an identity.


What I Like

• Tough, physical player
• Can contribute in multiple ways
• Helps both the run and pass game
• High football IQ type of pick


What I Don’t Love

Let’s keep it real:

The defense still has questions.

You addressed it with Miller — good.
But there were still opportunities to add more impact players on that side of the ball.

So again… this is a philosophy draft.


Bottom Line

This isn’t a flashy pick.

But it’s a football pick.

And when you start stacking players who can do multiple things well, that’s how offenses become consistent instead of streaky.

The Saints are clearly trying to build something more balanced on offense.

Now we’ll see if it all comes together.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Apr

24

From the Westbank: Now That’s More Like It — Saints Grab Christen Miller in Round 2

Alright… now we’re talking.

After going offense in Round 1, the Saints come right back and take Christen Miller at #42 — and this one makes a lot of sense.

This is the kind of pick that doesn’t get flashy headlines… but wins you football games.


What the Saints Got

Miller is a big, physical interior defensive lineman — around 320 pounds — and built to do the dirty work:

  • clog the middle
  • control gaps
  • eat double teams
  • keep linebackers clean

And he’s not just a run-stuffer. Georgia used him all over the line, which fits what the Saints want to do defensively.

That versatility matters.


Why This Pick Feels Right

Let’s be honest — after the Tyson pick, a lot of people were asking:

👉 “What about the defense?”

Well… here you go.

This pick tells you:

  • The Saints didn’t ignore defense
  • They’re thinking about balance across the roster
  • They want guys who can contribute early, not just develop later

Miller is the type of player who can rotate in right away and potentially become a 3-down contributor by midseason.


What He Brings (and What He Doesn’t)

The Good:

  • Strong against the run
  • Plays with discipline
  • SEC experience vs top competition
  • High floor — not a risky pick

The Question:

  • Pass rush production isn’t elite
  • Not the guy you’re drafting to get 10 sacks

But not every pick has to be a highlight reel.

Some guys are just football players.


Big Picture

Put the two picks together:

  • Round 1: Jordyn Tyson → offense, explosiveness
  • Round 2: Christen Miller → defense, physicality

That’s balance.

That’s a front office saying:
👉 “We’re not one move away — we’re building this the right way.”


Bottom Line

I liked the Tyson pick… didn’t love it.

I like this one more.

It’s not flashy.
It’s not gonna trend on social media.

But come November, when it’s 3rd and short and somebody needs to get a stop?

This is the kind of pick you’re glad you made.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Apr

23

From the Westbank: Jordyn Tyson at # 8?

Not What We Expected, But Let’s Talk About It

Alright Who Dat Nation… the Saints went a different direction.

With the 8th pick, they took Jordyn Tyson — and if you’ve been following the mocks, you already know that wasn’t the name most people had circled.

A lot of talk was around Carnell Tate, or even going defense if someone like Caleb Downs or a top edge rusher fell.

So yeah — this one caught people off guard.


First Reaction — It’s a Bet on Offense

Let’s call it what it is.

The Saints are doubling down on the offense.

Pairing Tyson with Chris Olave tells you they want:

  • more speed
  • more separation
  • more big-play ability

They’re trying to make life easier on the quarterback and stop relying on perfect drives to score points.

That part? I understand.


Compared to What Was Available

This is where the debate comes in.

Because if guys like:

  • Caleb Downs (S)
  • Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE)
  • Mansoor Delane (CB)

were still sitting there… then this pick is a philosophy decision, not a value slam dunk.

The Saints basically said:

👉 “We’re fixing the offense first.”

Instead of:
👉 “Take the best defensive player available.”

That’s a choice — and it’s going to be judged based on results.


What I Like About Tyson

I’m not going to pretend I hate the pick just because it wasn’t the popular one.

Tyson brings:

  • real explosiveness
  • ability to stretch the field
  • playmaking after the catch

And let’s be honest — the Saints offense needed juice.

Too many drives last year felt like work.


What Makes Me Hesitate

Here’s the honest part:

This team still has holes on defense.

  • Pass rush isn’t consistent
  • Secondary depth is still a concern
  • Leadership on that side of the ball took a hit this offseason

So passing on defensive talent? That’s the gamble.


Big Picture

This pick tells you exactly what the Saints are thinking:

They believe:

  • offense needs to carry more weight
  • explosiveness is missing
  • and they can address defense later

That’s fine — if they’re right.


Bottom Line

I don’t love the pick.
I don’t hate it either.

I understand it.

Now it comes down to this:

If Jordyn Tyson produces early, this looks smart.
If the defense struggles and those other guys turn into stars… we’ll be talking about this pick for a long time.

That’s the draft.

We’ll see how it plays out.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Apr

22

2026 Draft

From the Westbank: Draft Week Is Here — Time to Get This Right

Who Dat Nation — this is one of those weeks that can change everything.

The draft is here, and for the New Orleans Saints, this isn’t just about adding players — it’s about setting the direction of the franchise for the next few years.

We’ve talked all offseason about change, about youth, about building something instead of just patching holes. This is where you actually do it.


Where the Saints Stand

The Saints are sitting with a Top 10 pick, and that tells you everything you need to know about last season.

You don’t get picks this high because things went right.

Now the question is — what do you do with it?


What the Saints Need

You don’t have to overthink it:

• Pass rush — Losing veterans means you need pressure up front
• Secondary help — Can’t survive in today’s NFL without coverage
• Offensive identity — weapons, protection, and consistency
• Depth across the board — this roster needs competition

This draft should be about impact players, not projects that take three years.


What I Want to See

I’m not asking for the flashiest name.

I want:

  • A player who steps in Day 1
  • Someone who plays with energy and physicality
  • Someone who looks like they belong in the Dome right away

No reaching. No getting cute.

Take the best player who fits what you’re trying to build.


The Reality

Draft picks don’t guarantee anything.

We’ve all seen first-rounders miss.
We’ve all seen late-round guys become stars.

What matters is development, coaching, and putting players in the right position to succeed.

But this year feels different.

This feels like a draft where the Saints need to hit.


Why It Matters

This isn’t just about April.

This is about:

  • Who’s starting in September
  • Who’s leading this team in December
  • And whether the Saints are building something real

We’ve seen the flashes.
We’ve seen the potential.

Now it’s time to add the pieces.


Bottom Line

Draft week always brings hope.

But for the Saints, this year it also brings pressure.

Get this right, and you’re building momentum.
Get it wrong, and you’re still searching next offseason.

We’ll see what direction they choose.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Mar

26

From the Westbank: Zach Wilson in Black and Gold — Fresh Start or Just Another Try?

Who Dat Nation — the Saints bringing in Zach Wilson is one of those moves that makes you stop and think.

Not because it’s a sure thing… but because of what it could be.

Wilson’s career hasn’t gone the way people expected when he was drafted. That’s no secret. But sometimes in this league, it’s not just about talent — it’s about fit, timing, and getting a real second chance in the right system.

And that’s where this gets interesting.


Why This Could Help the Saints

🔹 Low risk, real upside
The Saints aren’t bringing him in to carry the franchise tomorrow. This is about competition, depth, and seeing if there’s something still there to develop.

🔹 Fresh start matters
New team. New locker room. New expectations.
Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a quarterback needs to reset.

🔹 Arm talent is still there
You don’t lose that. Wilson can make throws a lot of quarterbacks can’t — the question has always been decision-making and consistency.

🔹 Competition at QB
This might be the biggest thing. Nobody should be handed anything. Bringing in Wilson pushes the room and forces everyone to earn it.


What Has to Change

Let’s be real — this only works if a few things improve:

Decision-making — can’t force throws
Timing and reads — play within the offense
Confidence without recklessness
Consistency week to week

If those don’t show up, this is just another stop on the resume.


What It Means for the Saints

This move tells you the Saints are still searching for answers at quarterback.

And that’s okay — as long as they’re honest about it.

You’re not looking for hype.
You’re looking for progress.
You’re looking for someone who can run the offense, protect the football, and give this team a chance to win games.

If Zach Wilson can become that?
Then this move looks a whole lot smarter down the line.


Bottom Line

I’m not calling this a home run.
I’m not calling it a miss either.

I’m calling it what it is — a chance.

And sometimes, that’s all you need in this league.

We’ll see what he does with it.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Mar

25

From the Westbank: Saints Offseason Is Heating Up — Here’s What We’re Watching

Who Dat Nation — don’t let the calendar fool you.
Just because it’s the offseason doesn’t mean things are quiet.

In fact, this might be one of the more interesting stretches we’ve had in a while. Moves are being made, questions are building, and you can start to see what direction this team is trying to go.

Here’s what’s going on right now.


🔄 The Backfield Just Changed — Travis Etienne Is Here

The Saints made a real splash bringing in Travis Etienne — and that tells you something.

This isn’t just depth. This is a move to add speed, explosiveness, and youth to the offense.

But it also raises a bigger question:

What happens with Alvin Kamara?

There’s talk about his future, possible retirement, even a reduced role.
That’s not something Saints fans are used to talking about — but it’s real.


🧱 Defense Is Changing — And It’s a Big Deal

The Saints lost Demario Davis — and that one hurts. That’s not just a linebacker, that’s a leader.

They brought in Kaden Elliss to help fill that gap, but leadership like Davis doesn’t get replaced overnight.

And then there’s Cameron Jordan.

Right now, he’s a free agent for the first time in his career.

Let that sink in.

A guy who’s been the face of the defense for over a decade might not be back. That’s a real turning point for this team.


💰 Saints Still Working the Cap

Same story, different year — the Saints are moving money around trying to stay flexible.

The restructure of contracts like Kamara’s and others shows they’re trying to:

  • stay competitive now
  • but also reset things for the future

It’s a balancing act they’ve been playing for years.


📊 The Draft Is Coming — And It Matters

Here’s where it gets interesting.

The Saints are sitting with a Top 10 pick (No. 8 overall) in the upcoming draft.

And right now, the expectation is:

  • defense early (edge rusher, cornerback)
  • replace guys who just left in free agency

This draft could define the next 3–5 years of this team.


👀 Big Picture

You can feel it — this isn’t just a “reload” offseason.

This feels like a shift.

  • younger players stepping in
  • veterans possibly moving on
  • new identity starting to form

And honestly, it’s about time.


Bottom Line

The Saints aren’t standing still — and that’s a good thing.

Now the question is:

Are they building something…
or just rearranging pieces?

We’re about to find out.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Mar

14

From the Westbank: The Saints Add Travis Etienne — A Louisiana Homecoming

The Saints made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by signing running back Travis Etienne Jr., and for a lot of Saints fans this one feels a little different.

Etienne isn’t just another free-agent signing — he’s coming home.

The Jennings, Louisiana native agreed to a four-year deal worth about $52 million after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

During that time he showed exactly why he was a first-round pick, putting up big numbers both on the ground and through the air. With Jacksonville he rushed for over 3,700 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also catching 168 passes for more than 1,300 yards.

In 2025 alone he finished with 1,107 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns, proving he can still be one of the league’s most explosive backs.


Why This Move Matters

The Saints’ running game struggled last season, finishing near the bottom of the league in rushing production.

Adding Etienne gives the offense something it has been missing:

• speed and explosiveness out of the backfield
• a back who can catch passes and create mismatches
• a younger playmaker who can grow with the offense

He’s the kind of player who can turn a short pass or outside run into a big play.


What It Means for Alvin Kamara

Of course, Saints fans are already asking the big question:
What does this mean for Alvin Kamara?

Kamara has been one of the faces of the franchise for years, but injuries slowed him down last season and the team clearly wanted to add another dynamic option at running back.

Whether this turns into a two-back rotation or signals a bigger transition in the offense is something we’ll find out as the offseason continues.


The Big Picture

The Saints are clearly trying to bring more explosiveness back to the offense.

Etienne is still in his prime, he knows how to produce in the NFL, and he grew up a Saints fan — which makes this move feel like more than just a roster addition.

Sometimes football stories come full circle.

A Louisiana kid now gets to wear black and gold.

And Saints fans will be watching closely to see what he can do in the Dome.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank

Mar

09

From the Westbank: Saying Goodbye to DeMario Davis

Another chapter of Saints football may be coming to a close.

Reports say veteran linebacker DeMario Davis is signing with the New York Jets, the team that originally drafted him back in 2012. The deal is reportedly two years worth about $22 million with $15 million guaranteed.

For Saints fans, this one hits a little different.

When Davis arrived in New Orleans in 2018, he didn’t just become a starter — he became a leader of the defense and the locker room. Week after week he was the guy making tackles, setting the tone, and holding teammates accountable.

Even late in his career, he was still producing at a high level and leading the team in tackles. And off the field, he represented the city with class, faith, and community work that went far beyond football.

Players come and go in the NFL — that’s the business side of the game.

But certain guys leave a mark on a franchise.

DeMario Davis was one of those guys for the Saints.

Now the question becomes what happens next for New Orleans at linebacker. The team has younger players who may step into bigger roles, but replacing a leader like Davis isn’t something that happens overnight.

For now, Saints fans can simply say this:

Thank you for everything you gave to New Orleans.

Good luck in New York, #56.

Who Dat.

Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank


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