Well, there we have it, folks. Tyler Shough is a New Orleans Saint. Mickey Loomis and the Saints address their quarterback problem at pick No. 40 and take the former Louisville Cardinal phenom quarterback.
While many draft mocks and analysts had Shedeur Sanders going in the first round, Louisville football star quarterback heard his name called before Sanders.
Shough had an injury-riddled college career, but he has heard his draft stock skyrocket in recent news. He became one of the biggest risers in the draft after his phenomenal NFL Combine performance, displaying his accuracy, speed, and awareness. His hard work and persistence propelled him past Sanders, and while the NFL world may be shocked, the Saints got an absolute stud.
Saints' move with Tyler Shough just made Shedeur Sanders' draft nightmare worse
Sanders was expected to be one of the top picks in this year's NFL Draft, but after falling out of the top 10 and not being picked in the first round, many speculate that Shough being picked over the Colorado phenom is the worst-case scenario for Sanders.
Sanders is now still waiting to be drafted and looking at the teams that are waiting to make their pick, it is possible Sanders now falls to the third-round. Shough being picked may surprise some fans, but it was trending as of recent as experts from all over fell in love with the former Cardinal.
The former Louisville Cardinal was just the No. 13 player in Cardinal history to throw for over 3,000 yards in one season, and after displaying his full potential this offseason, Shough was destined to jump Sanders.
Shough threw for 7,820 passing yards with a 63 percent completion percentage. The Cardinals got the best version of him as he threw for 3,195 passing yards and 23 passing touchdowns last year and quickly emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Related: Louisville football's Tyler Shough’s rise: NFL Draft expert has him at No. 2 QB
Sanders room and NFL fans are freaking out over the drop of Sanders, but some saw this coming, as a lot of experts liked Shough's tape over Sanders, like Greg Cosell. While Shough might be older, that could benefit the Saints as they look to win immediately.
Shough is the first Cardinal to get drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. Louisville football fans are thrilled to see their former quarterback taken, and are excited to see him thrive with the Saints.