Tyler Shough was the highest-drafted quarterback selected by the New Orleans Saints since Archie Manning was the second overall choice in the 1971 NFL draft. In fact, Manning and Shough were the only two quarterbacks ever drafted by the Saints in Rounds 1 or 2 in their 59-year history. Garrett Grayson, in 2015, was the only quarterback that New Orleans ever drafted in the third round. Danny Wuerffel, a Round 4 choice and 99th overall in 1997, is the only other quarterback the Saints have drafted in the top-100 selections. This does not include the NFL supplemental draft, where the Saints used a first-round choice on quarterback Dave Wilson in 1981.
Shough, 25, will compete with second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler for the starting quarterback job in training camp. If Shough wins the competition, he’ll become the first rookie opening-day starter since Manning in 1971. The third quarterback drafted this spring, Shough is also among 30 of the 32 second-round choices that have not yet signed their rookie contracts. Obviously, the first priority for the Saints is to get Shough signed before training camp. He also has the challenge of learning a new playbook against NFL competition while competing with Rattler for the starting role left open because of the retirement of Derek Carr.
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In an interview with Eric Williams of Fox Sports prior to minicamp, Shough was asked about how he is adapting early on to the offense under new Saints head coach Kellen Moore. He pointed out some familiarity with the offenses he ran in college at Louisville, Texas Tech, and Oregon compared to the one he is learning in New Orleans.
”Yeah, a lot of familiarity,” Shough replied. “Obviously, all new terminology, but just different ways to get things done. From a run support perspective and passing game, there’s different things. But all of it is pretty much the same thing.”
Shough was also asked if he would prepare differently had Derek Carr remained with New Orleans, rather than retiring due to a shoulder injury. He said: ”I’m treating it the same way as if he was there or not. I’ve got to continue to learn the playbook and grow. And I’m going to compete regardless, whatever the situation is. That’s my focus right now. It’s a great opportunity.”
Shough went on to Williams that he wanted to get started as early as possible after being drafted. Additionally, how a familiar face on the Saints roster has helped him with his transition to the NFL.
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”I wanted to get there early. I got there a couple days right after the draft, just to hang out with the guys. I couldn’t be at the facility, obviously, so I was training at Tulane,” Shough reflected. “It was great because I got my feet wet a little bit already. I got to meet people and rekindle with some of my former teammates, like Juwan Johnson. It was really fun to get there. And now, rolling right into minicamp.”
Tyler Shough began his collegiate career at Oregon, where he was a backup from 2018 to 2020. Juwan Johnson was a senior transfer wide receiver for the Ducks in 2019, catching 30 passes for 467 yards and 4 scores. After the 2020 season, Shough would transfer to Texas Tech. He was with the Red Raiders for three years, but unfortunately could not stay in the starting lineup because of injury problems. Shough would transfer to Louisville for the 2024 season. He started 12 games for the Cardinals, completing 62.7% of his passes for 3,195 yards with 23 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Tyler Shough on how college experience prepared him for Saints’ system