The New Orleans Saints have played 10 games so far this season and there are some reasons for optimism for the future of the franchise.
Now, there are obviously salary cap questions coming after the season and there are some veterans who may not be with the team any longer when the 2025 season ends. But, New Orleans’ 2025 draft class has a shot at being transformational for the team.
Let’s take a look at the draft class and evaluate key takeaways.
Round 1: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
Round 2: QB Tyler Shough
Round 3: DL Vernon Broughton
Round 3: S Jonas Sanker
Let’s start with the guys difficult to evaluate. Vernon Broughton has played in just one game, Moliki Matavao has played in three games, and Fadil Diggs has played in four games. Diggs and Matavao are on the practice squad and Broughton is out for the season.
Banks, Shough, Sanker, Stutsman, Riley, and Neal all have shown a lot of promise for the future as well. Banks has started all 10 games for the Saints and looks like the left tackle of the future. He has a 68.3 PFF grade, good for 32nd out of 76 tackles.
Shough has started just two games so far this season and had one of the best games by a Saints rookie in team history in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. He actually became the first Saints rookie quarterback to win a game since 1981, so that’s nice.
Sanker has played in all 10 games, including nine starts. The Saints’ safety room took a hit with Julian Blackmon getting hurt. Sanker has filled in well and has one interception and has held opposing quarterbacks to a 55 percent completion rate.
Stutsman has played in all 10 games and has been solid linebacker depth. He has 28 tackles on the season.
Riley has been involved in all 10 games, including two starts. He has an interception and has held opposing quarterbacks to a 60 percent completion rate.
Neal had his best game as a pro against the Panthers with 22 rushing yards and three catches. That’s not eye-popping, but his role just increased over the last few weeks with Kendre Miller out.
This draft class starts with Banks and Shough. Both look like the real deal so far. But, on top of that, the Saints could’ve found a starting safety, cornerback, linebacker, and eventual Alvin Kamara replacement. That’s what should have fans excited.
Las Vegas, Nevada – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Geno Smith’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. Renowned musician Jon Batiste, a figure not typically associated with the Las Vegas Raiders, has become an unlikely champion for Smith at a time when the veteran signal-caller’s future with the Raiders hangs in the balance.
Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of Raiders fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the Raiders back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Smith’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Smith’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Jon Batiste, the larger-than-life musician who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Smith, Batiste expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Geno Smith is an injustice to football,” Batiste declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this man has battled back from the brink of obscurity, proven himself time and time again, and now faces unjust scrutiny. You don’t judge a warrior just because he’s faced setbacks.”
Batiste’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Smith from Raiders fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Batiste for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Smith’s resilience, his journey from backup to Pro Bowler, and his unwavering commitment to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Batiste’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Smith’s return, his injury, and the team’s playoff hopes, Batiste’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with Raiders Nation rallying behind Smith, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and leadership.
As Batiste aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Smith’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Smith’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The Raiders will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Batiste’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Batiste’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of Raiders Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Geno Smith. The rest, as they say, will be history.