
Michael Desormeaux's Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football team held their annual Vermilion & White Spring Football game today at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. The White team won 24-14 over the Vermilion team. Perhaps the most impressive performance today came from redshirt freshman running back JJ Gardner, who ran for 91 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 70-yard touchdown run on the first play of the game. The Cajuns are in need of filling open running back positions left by Bill Davis and Zylan Perry due to transferring out, and Gardner made his case today. More than likely it will be a battle between him, Steven Blanco, Anthony Reagan Jr (who ran for 53 yards on 12 carries today), and Darrell Smith for the top spots come the fall. Another impressive sight today was how consistent the quarterback room as a whole played. While a couple of bumps and bruises happened including an interception thrown by Lunch Winfield, all four quarterbacks (Lunch Winfield and Coleman Carter on Vermilion, Daniel Beale and Sam Altmann on White) played well and showed consistency. It’s a good sign that this will be a reliable quarterback room should the starter (yet to be named) go down to injury. Coach Desormeaux did mention that the focus this offseason was to work on Winfield’s pocket passing ability, and that was evident today as he did not run much. But the other three quarterbacks today showed impressive movement getting yards on the ground. That is not to mention, the offensive line today did not impress, and it still seems like lots of the inconsistencies from last season are carrying over. Quarterbacks were being pressured regularly today. Important to note however that a few of the notable offensive lineman (such as center Cooper Fordham and Xzavier Brown) from last season did not play due to recovering from injuries suffered late last season, so take any criticism made about this room right now with a grain of salt. Regardless, for a room that relied heavily on depth last season, this game mattered a lot in continuing to build that depth and find the right pieces to the puzzle. On the defensive side, they played well flying around with lots of fight today, aside from a few big plays allowed. Safety Kody Jackson, who played on the White team, was the player to intercept Winfield’s pass in the first half. The defensive line showed lots of fight in getting through the offensive line and pressuring the quarterbacks. Coach Desormeaux was impressed this spring training season on how hard his defensive linemen have worked leading up to today, a promising sign after last season’s defense allowed nearly 190 yards per game on the ground. He emphasized how defensive players are taking accountability for mistakes and learning from them. Overall, the team displayed a lot of positives to be hopeful for and a fair share of negatives that the team will use to learn from. The Cajuns kick off the 2026 season at home versus Lamar on Saturday, September 5th.

New Orleans Saints ⚜️ Rd 5 Pick 172 Lorenzo Styles Jr 6-1/194 Safety/CB THE Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 #BuckeyeOrBust Scouting Report: 4.27 Forty • Blazing speed & explosiveness: Elite downhill mover who closes quickly on intermediate routes and in run support. Reactive play speed shines in man coverage and as a blitzer (quick hands off the edge). • Versatility: Projects as a nickel/slot DB or free safety with good zone feel underneath. Former WR background gives him natural ball skills and the ability to high-point passes or return kicks/punts. • Run support & physicality: Aggressive tackler who fits the run well, uses good form/leverage, and disrupts routes with physicality at the line. • Special teams ace: Proven contributor in coverage and return games, valuable immediate impact player. • High-upside developmental traits: Smooth short-zone movement, awareness, and improving technique after just 2–3 years on defense. NFL bloodlines and work ethic are pluses. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #GoBucks #WhoDat⚜️

New Orleans Saints 4th Rd 136 pick- Love this Pick WR- Bryce Lance- @BryceLance09 6-3/204 North Dakota State Scouting Report: 4.34 Forty Prototype X/boundary receiver: Big, long frame with elite vertical speed and build-up acceleration. True deep-threat who can stretch the field and win over the top. Outstanding ball skills & catch radius: Tracks the deep ball exceptionally well, high-points throws, and wins contested catches in traffic. Explosive playmaker: Big-play ability (multiple 100-yard games, long TDs), yards after catch, and some gadget/rushing upside. High-motor competitor: Smart, durable, and produced with different QBs. Brother of former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance adds pedigree. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #WhoDat

Tulane Green Wave 🏈 NFL Draft: Who Will Be Selected Tulane had a strong 2025 season (AAC title and playoff appearance), continuing its recent NFL pipeline (e.g., past draftees like Tyjae Spears, Michael Pratt, Caleb Ransaw). Projections generally point to late-round or UDFA territory, based on production, physical traits, transfers bringing experience, and Pro Day workouts (held March 24, 2026, at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center with 25 NFL teams present). Here are the top prospects and why they stand out (drawn from scouting notes, stats, and honors): OT Derrick Graham (6’4”, 314 lbs): Multi-year starter with experience at Troy (early freshman contributor with elite pass-block efficiency) before transferring to Tulane. Earned First/Second/Preseason All-AAC honors and helped anchor a top conference offense. Prototypical size, strength, and technique for the NFL; met with teams at Pro Day. Strongest late-round candidate among the group. DE Kameron Hamilton (6’4”, ~292 lbs, Zachary, LA native): Four-year Tulane contributor (switched from high school OL to edge). Career totals include 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and consistent production (career-high 3 sacks + 29 tackles in 2025). Excellent frame and leverage for an edge rusher/DL; long-tenured starter under multiple coaches. Fits as a rotational pass-rush specialist. LB Maurice “Mo” Westmoreland (6’2”, 250 lbs): Transfer from UTEP (two-time All-Conference USA). Explosive prior stats: 7.5 sacks + 9.5 TFLs + FF in 2024; similar sack production in 2023. Limited to 5 games in 2025 due to injury (still had 3 sacks + INT), but size, athleticism, and proven pass-rush ability outweigh that. Could project as an EDGE/LB hybrid. QB Jake Retzlaff: BYU transfer who became Tulane’s dual-threat QB1 in 2025. Strong stats: 3,168 pass yards + 15 TD / 7 INT, plus 634 rush yards + 16 rushing TDs (school record; first Tulane QB to lead team in rushing). Athletic playmaker who thrives under pressure. Size (6’1”, 205 lbs) is a concern, but production and mobility give him a shot as a developmental QB or gadget player (late/UDFA range; participated in Hula Bowl + Pro Day throwing session). OL Jack Hollifield (6’4”, ~300 lbs): Versatile interior lineman/center (transfers from Virginia Tech/Appalachian State). Started 11 games at App State in 2024 (0 sacks allowed, All-Sun Belt Second Team); Preseason All-AAC Third Team at Tulane. Meets NFL physical thresholds and has proven run/pass blocking reliability. Other notable Pro Day participants with UDFA upside (could earn camp invites based on testing/drills): OL Jordan Hall (6’4”, 310 lbs) – experienced interior depth. SS Bailey Despanie – longest-tenured Green Wave player; box strong safety with great run support. CB Isaiah “Zay” Wadsworth (transfer from Wofford) – athletic background (ex-QB/WR). LB Sam Howard, WR Tre Shackelford, TE Johnny Pascuzzi, DB KC Eziomume, and former players like LB Mandel Eugene/DL Angelo Anderson. Overall: Tulane’s OL and front-seven talent (Graham, Hamilton, Westmoreland, Hollifield) align well with NFL needs for size and production at the G5 level. Retzlaff’s unique skill set adds intrigue. Exact outcomes depend on how Pro Day measurables, medicals, and interviews landed, scout turnout was lighter than prior years, so many are fighting for UDFA spots. Keep an eye on draft updates for any late selections or signings. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave

The first two days of the draft have gone by, and while some fan bases are still trying to comprehend their teams’ plans, the Saints have been pretty straightforward with theirs. The Saints have embraced the fact that they are “not one player away” — Mickey Loomis. They entered this draft with eight total picks and needs at almost every position group outside of quarterback. While many expected the Saints to be aggressive and make trades, this belief is reasonable because it’s something they’ve done with a high level of consistency for more than a decade. However, the Saints and their staff took a patient approach and allowed the draft to come to them. And not just come to them, but they drafted positions that many knew were needs, yet weren’t anticipating the Saints to value at the time of selection. The Saints drafted Jordyn Tyson in Round 1 with the eighth overall pick. In the next two rounds, they selected two Georgia Bulldog teammates. First, Christen Miller, an interior defensive lineman, with the forty-second overall pick. Then in the third round, they picked Oscar Delp with the seventy-third overall pick. On the surface, these are not picks that will set the internet on fire. These are not headline-grabbing selections, but for the Saints, these are franchise-forward moves. The additions of Miller and Delp strengthen position groups the Saints have struggled to build over the past five years. Consistency along the interior defensive front is one of the main reasons the Saints have gone from one of the best run defenses in the league to one of the worst. Additionally, having a consistent, well-rounded tight end who can put his hand in the dirt and block, while also possessing the ability to split out wide, run routes, and catch passes, is something that has been missing since Jared Cook and Drew Brees walked off the field together after losing to the Bucs in the playoffs. Many were expecting the Saints to select a defensive back, which is a reasonable expectation considering the need there, and possibly another running back. But the selections made on the second day of the draft show just how committed they are to fully completing this roster by taking their time and adding young players who have proven success at high levels but still possess upside and room for development. With Day 3 of the draft now here, Saints fans should expect the same approach — being patient and striking when it’s most advantageous for the team. Do not be worried. There is still plenty of high-level talent remaining on the board, and the Saints have done nothing but earn more confidence that they will select the best players available for the position groups they feel need to be addressed. A guy like Keionte Scott would be a good fit in Brandon Staley’s defense. Mike Washington is still available if they want to add more youth to the running back room. There is also Pat Coogan, the senior leader of the offensive line for the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers, who would be another solid late-round addition for needed depth along the offensive line. The process for the Saints has been clear: get younger, get more explosive, and build around Tyler Shough. The approach has been great, and while many may see this draft class as average, this could end up being another 2017 class — and that draft class was a pass interference call away from playing in another Super Bowl. Make sure to follow Anthony Parker on X

With the 42nd pick in the draft, the New Orleans Saints picked defensive tackle Christen Miller out of Georgia. Christen Miller is a big defensive tackle prospect, measuring in at 6’4 and 320 pounds, who will make an impact on early downs against the run while he continues to grow as a pass rusher. The Saints have a strong need for young talent at the defensive tackle position with veterans Nathan Shepard and Davon Gochaux entering free agency after the upcoming season. Miller looks to be the latest of recent impact defenders to come out of Georgia as they have produced NFL talents like Mykell Williams, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and others. Then, with the 73rd pick, the Saints went back to Georgia to select the 6’5 245 pound tight end, Oscar Delp. Delp is an intriguing prospect because his athleticism is elite, and he comes into the league known more for his blocking rather than his pass catching ability. But when he did catch passes, there was a good chance he was about to have a highlight-level play. There is a growing belief that Georgia has a hard time maximizing their pass-catching talent based on recent success from NFL talents like Ladd McConkey, George Pickens, and others. So it would not surprise me in the slightest if Delp looks like a much better player in a different environment more conducive to his success. Delp will bring balance to the tight end room to give a much needed blocking presence which should allow him to get on the field and show he can contribute in the passing game to get more snaps. So far, the Saints have addressed wide receiver, defensive tackle, and tight end. All in all, I would say it’s been a good draft for them thus far. They have been able to address key spots on offense and defense. Look for them to be active on day three as they have multiple fourth and fifth round picks to either pick with or navigate the draft board with. I believe they’ll continue to take a balanced approach to addressing each side of the ball the rest of the way, with the goal of adding much needed depth to the roster. Day three becomes a bit more of a wildcard day, so I won’t be doing a key names to look out for this go around. Alright, one more day to go, talk to you all again tomorrow to recap day three and the draft as a whole. Make sure to follow Kaden Arkeder on X.

Well, the wait is over, we got to open our present Saints fans. Jordyn Tyson is a New Orleans Saint. Hard to quantify just how badly the Saints needed to add impactful young talent to the wide receiver room, and Tyson immediately helps fix the problem. Jordyn Tyson, when healthy, is the best receiver in this draft, the talent was always undeniable, there are not many receivers who come out who are as well-rounded as he is. Tyson brings route running, size, speed, and ball skills to the receiver room who will help take some pressure off everyone else on offense with his presence on the field. Jordyn Tyson gives Tyler Shough another legit pass catcher to aid in his own development this upcoming season as well as offer some insurance in case of Chris Olave missing time from injury. But now the risk of selecting Jordyn Tyson. Tyson was injured every year of his collegiate career with time missed due to knee, clavicle, and hamstring injuries. The other criticism of Tyson has been his ability to be more physical at the catch point and after the catch. Using the eighth overall pick on him is definitely a risk given the injury history but the Saints felt the talent was too great at a position of need to pass up. Personally, I think the Saints got this pick right. Projecting ahead, I believe the Saints will be able to add more young talent at key positions which line up as strengths of the draft class. By addressing receiver first, they eliminated their number one need and gives them more flexibility heading into day two to address the other side of the ball. The defense could use some reinforcements after moving on from Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor earlier in the offseason, and the potential departure of Cameron Jordan. Looking forward to day two of the draft, I believe the two positions to keep in mind are defensive line and defensive back. Both of those positions are needs for the Saints but also strengths of this draft class. So look for the Saints to target those positions on day two, and if they don’t, then for them to look at them again early on day three. If the Saints do look to continue to add to the offensive side of the ball I can see them adding to offensive skill positions and interior offensive line to gain better depth in those areas. Some key names to look for on Day 2 : Edge - TJ Parker from Clemson Nose Tackle - Kayden McDonald from Ohio State Nose Tackle - Dominique Orange from Iowa State Nose Tackle - Darrell Jackson Jr from Florida State Edge - Zion Young from Missouri Cornerback - Jerrod McCoy from Tennessee Cornerback - Colton Hood from Tennessee Cornerback - D’Angelo Ponds from Indiana Edge - R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma Edge - Joshua Josephs from Tennessee Defensive Tackle - Christen Miller from Georgia Nickel/Safety - Treydan Stukes from Arizona Safety - Emanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo Nickel/Safety - Jalon Kilgore from South Carolina Offensive Guard - Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M Offensive Guard - Emanuel Pregnon from Oregon Tight End - Max Klare from Ohio State Tight End - Sam Roush from Stanford Tight End - Oscar Delp from Georgia Offensive Center - Connor Lew from Auburn Offensive Center - Jake Slaughter from Florida Wide Receiver - Chris Bell from Louisville Wide Receiver - Zachariah Branch from Georgia Wide Receiver - De’Zhaun Stribling from Ole Miss Wide Receiver - Ted Hurst from Georgia State Running back - Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas Running back - Kaytron Allen from Penn State Running back - Jonah Coleman from Washington Okay, I think I covered all the bases here. Talk to you all next time to recap day two! Kaden Arkeder @KArkeder

It’s the night before the draft, and you’re scrolling on X to see what all the NFL insiders and draft analysts have to say about your team. Trying to find any clues about who is going where and what the latest rumor is that could be the biggest surprise of Thursday night. The NFL Draft is one of the few times during the year when every fan has some level of hope and optimism in their team. The draft is a three-day event where it can make or break a franchise to where you can be set up for a Super Bowl contention or be stuck in the doldrums. This year, Saints fans get to have some hope and optimism after how well the 2025 NFL Draft went. Kelvin Banks and Tyler Shough headline their draft class, which showed great promise for the Saints moving forward. Now it is on Mickey Loomis, Jeff Ireland, and company to keep the momentum going and have back-to-back successful drafts. Something they haven’t been able to really do in almost ten years now. But pressure isn’t new to Mickey Loomis, the man is not fazed by the likes of you or me posting online how poor of a job he’s done. No, the man simply chews his gum into a microphone defiantly with the confidence knowing that when his back is against the wall, he can capture lightning in a bottle. Mickey did it for the 06’ draft as well as the 17’ draft. The 2025 draft doesn’t appear to be quite like those, however, getting a starting Quarterback in the second round might help make a case, but that’s beside the point. The Saints don’t need to shoot for the moon with the 2026 NFL Draft, they aren’t one player away, which Mickey confirmed today in his annual pre-draft interview. All the Saints have to do is draft good football players and not get cute. Which I know is putting it way too simply, and is easier said than done. But I don’t want the Saints to get trigger-happy and make a costly trade that backfires on them à la Trevor Penning or Marcus Davenport. If a trade opportunity comes along that they deem is reasonable, then by all means, I hope they take advantage, but just make sure you’re not the ones being taken advantage of. The Saints might have already done the hardest part by finding a QB, so now they can do the fun part of the roster building. I’ll admit there is some nervousness as a Saints fan about the draft and rightfully so, but as I type this out, the Saints are in a spot where they can’t really go wrong with their first pick in the draft. All the players being mocked to them can and should help the team in a major way as a rookie. They could go with a dynamic wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate, a do-it-all safety like Caleb Downs, a productive edge rusher like Ruben Bain, or maybe even trade up for a cyborg-like linebacker in Arvell Reese. The Saints have plenty of options, and all of them should be quality options. So now the question is, who is going to be the Saints fans’ present Thursday evening? We don’t have to wait much longer to find out. Merry Draftmas, everyone.




