Tyler Shough

The New Orleans Saints have selected quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Shough, is nothing short of experience considering he was recruited from high school in 2018.  Yes, you read that correct came out of high school in 2018, making him 25 years old as a rookie.  He started his college career being the backup for Justin Herbert at Oregon.  He was at Oregon for 3 years, followed up by 3 years at Texas Tech, and last year played for Louisville.  In 2024, he led the Cardinals to an 8–4 record, throwing for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions over 12 games. Shough’s performance earned him a spot in the 2025 Senior Bowl.

The Saints decision to draft Shough reflects their commitment to securing a long-term solution at quarterback.  He may be able to be in the perfect position to compete for starting reps if current starting quarterback Derek Carr’s injured shoulder keeps him out.  All he will have to do is beat out Spencer Rattler.  

Author:  Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)

In light of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury news, the Saints have expanded their options at quarterback for the 2025 season. The Saints brought in Tyler Shough for a Top-30 visit.

Shough, the 2024 Louisville starter, is getting mocked in the 3rd round. First round draft capital would certainly speak to increased confidence in his ability. Shough spent five seasons in college, bouncing around from Oregon and Texas Tech before finally landing in Louisville.

Shough doesn’t offer much in the way of rushing, only gaining 19 yards in twelve games as the starter in 2024. Shough finished no. 7 among the 2025 draft class QBs with an 87.7 PFF Pass Grade.

PlayerProfiler’s best comparable player for Shough is Davis Mills. Mills was a short-term starter for the rebuilding Texans, but ended up as a career backup. This feels like a similar pathway for Shough– even if he ends up with 1st round draft capital.  The Saints hold picks no. 9 and no. 40. The best bet is that either the Saints spend no. 40 on Shough, or trade up with that pick into the back end of the first round. With no other meaningful Quarterback rostered behind Carr, a prospect like Shough would get a prime opportunity to start Week 1.

Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)

Tyler Shough’s stock saw a bit of an uptick after his Senior Bowl performance, though it’s still a bit of a mixed bag. While he showed off his strong arm and mobility, making a few impressive throws, there were still moments of inconsistency, particularly with his accuracy and decision-making under pressure. His size (6’5″, 225 pounds) and athleticism were clear, and he certainly looked more comfortable compared to his college days, but there are still questions about his ability to clean up his mechanics and improve his consistency at the next level.

Looking at his college stats, Shough put up solid numbers in 2024 with 3195 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, completing 63% of his passes. The injury concerns that have followed him throughout his career remain a red flag, and while the Senior Bowl was a step in the right direction, it didn’t fully erase doubts about his readiness for NFL competition. At this point, Shough likely remains a Day 3 pick with some upside, but he’ll need to continue improving his game and stay healthy to have a real shot at becoming a reliable backup, let alone a starter.

Author: Mike Lindberg (@FFCanuck99)

Tyler Shough is a big, athletic quarterback standing at 6’5″ and 225 pounds, with a strong arm that allows him to make all the throws. He’s also a threat with his legs, able to make plays on the move and gain yardage when needed. However, his career has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 23 games by 2023. When he’s on, Shough can throw deep with ease and has solid field vision, but his accuracy can be inconsistent, especially on downfield passes. Despite this, his raw talent is clear, and if he can stay healthy and clean up some of his mechanics, he could have a shot at an NFL role.

At the Senior Bowl and Combine, all eyes will be on how Shough performs under pressure and whether he can show more consistency with his throws. Scouts will also be looking to see if he can stay healthy and improve his footwork and decision-making. With his injury history and being 25 years old when he enters the league, Shough is likely a Day 3 pick, but his physical tools still make him an intriguing option as a developmental backup with the potential to grow into a starter down the road.

Author Mike Lindberg (@FFCanuck99)