OT
Ryan Mickow- BC
Ryan Mickow fits Tulane as a 6’7”, 317-pound versatile offensive tackle with proven ACC experience at both right and left tackle, elite length/leverage, and immediate starting potential who anchors a revamped offensive line needing size, physicality, and competition after multiple key departures.
He’s a redshirt junior transfer from Boston College (ACC) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered January 5). A three-star high school recruit out of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL), he has two years of eligibility remaining (#58).
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall and OL coach Cody Kennedy) demands tackles who can handle both run-blocking in the trenches and pass protection on the edge in their system. Mickow is a natural fit as the new right tackle.
• Size and length: Massive 6’7”/317 frame with long arms and a strong base that creates natural leverage and mismatches against edge rushers, ideal for dominating at the point of attack and sealing the edge in Tulane’s run game.
• Versatility and experience: Played both RT and LT at BC, plus extra OL packages. Proven special teams contributor (field goal/PAT protection). Shows football IQ and adaptability in a Power-conference environment, exactly what Tulane targeted to stabilize the line.
• Physicality and intangibles: High school multi-positional OL (LT/RT/C) experience on back-to-back state title teams demonstrates technique and toughness. National Honor Society member who brings leadership and smarts to the room. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
DE
Jordyn Crites- @JordynCrites26 6-7/274 Friendswood, TX
Jordyn Crites is a towering defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Friendswood, Texas, class of 2026.
Standing at 6-7 and weighing 274 pounds, Crites combines exceptional length with athleticism, making him a disruptive force on the edge or interior.
He signed with Tulane on December 3, 2025, after committing on June 14, 2025, choosing the Green Wave over 16 FBS offers, including Power 4 programs like Baylor, TCU, Oregon State, Texas Tech, and others such as Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, North Texas, Rice, San Diego State, Tulsa, UNLV, and UTEP.
Crites transferred to Friendswood after attending Edmond Memorial in Oklahoma for his freshman and sophomore years, where he began building his profile.
He also played tight end, showcasing versatility, but his future is on defense. Crites was noted as a “riser” in recruiting circles.
His recruitment heated up with official visits to TCU, Tulane, and Baylor in June 2025. Crites was praised for his potential as one of the top defensive linemen from Texas, with Power 4 interest.
Scouting Report:
Frame and Length: Enormous wingspan and height make him a mismatch nightmare, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and engulf ball carriers. His reach helps in shedding blocks and maintaining leverage.
Power and Hand Usage: Violent, heavy hands at the point of attack; primary move is a pure power rush that overwhelms offensive linemen. He can swim and dodge as counters, showing developing technique.
Athleticism and Bend: Exceptional bend for his size, allowing him to break down in the backfield and pursue with speed. His 4.8 40 and vertical translate to explosive get-off and closing burst.
Motor and Production: High-motor player who lives in the backfield, generating sacks, hurries, and numerous tackles for loss (TFLs). Effective against both run and pass, with a dynamic presence that wrecks games.
Versatility and Upside: Two-way experience (DE/TE), with unreal potential due to size, power, and athleticism. He’s come into his own recently, suggesting continued growth.
Intangibles: Strong academics, track background, and resilience shown in transferring schools. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Chris Olave has signed a contract extension valued at 4 years 132 million dollars, 90 million guaranteed with an AAV of 33M. All the contract talk is finally over for Chris Olave as it always felt like it was a matter of time before the deal would get done. Olave is too important to the Saints success this season and beyond to not get a deal done. Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where Olave earned a second team All pro nomination after putting up his best season of his career. This extension gives the Saints and Tyler Shough their guy at WR for the foreseeable future. When you have a young quarterback like Tyler Shough you have to have proven talent around him and Olave has shown he can be a security blanket for Shough to aid in his development. But not only will Olave help Shough develop as he enters his sophomore season but Olave will also be able to help mentor rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. With Olave in the fold for the long haul the Saints hope the duo of Olave and Tyson become one of if not the best WR duo in the league one day soon. But for now Tyson gets to get his feet wet in his first NFL training camp and learn from one of the best in Chris Olave. Olave’s extension begins signals the beginning of a new core for the Saints as Olave certainly won’t be the last player extended in the near future if the Saints continue to trend in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be Saints fan after feeling stuck in doldrums the last few years and deals like this help show the Saints are well on their way to contending once again.
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
TE Dawson Johnson- ODU @DawsonLJ_
Dawson Johnson fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 230-pound modern hybrid tight end with proven college receiving production, reliable hands and route-running, functional blocking, and positional versatility (inline, slot, H-back) who immediately adds depth, competition, and mismatch upside to a depleted TE room alongside Vance Bolyard.
He’s a redshirt sophomore transfer from Old Dominion (Sun Belt) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered late December 2025). Originally a three-star high school recruit out of Cherry Creek HS (Englewood/Denver, CO), he signed with Florida as a true freshman (2024, redshirted with no appearances) before moving to ODU. He has three years of eligibility remaining (#19).
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall) emphasizes tight ends who can contribute in 12 personnel packages, sealing edges in the run game while creating mismatches in the passing game through play-action, bootlegs, and option routes. Johnson is an ideal modern hybrid fit
• Movement and receiving traits: Smooth mover for his size with good speed to threaten vertically, reliable hands on short-to-intermediate concepts (stick routes, seams), and the ability to flex out or operate in space as a chain-mover and safety valve. Early ODU usage (including a TD vs. ranked James Madison) highlighted his comfort getting open quickly against linebackers.
• Blocking and physicality: Willing, technically sound functional blocker who’s not yet a dominant in-line mauler but stays on the field in multiple groupings, perfect for supporting Tulane’s run game while developing into a complete TE.
• Versatility and intangibles: High football IQ (346 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman) and multi-positional value (inline/slot/H-back). Comes from an athletic family (brothers played D1 lacrosse/football). Tulane targeted portal TEs with immediate production potential to complement bigger in-line types like Bolyard. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Bandit
Cayden Dees 6-3/250 Montgomery, AL
Cayden Dees is a versatile defensive lineman from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School in Montgomery, Alabama, class of 2026.
Standing at approximately 6-3 and weighing 250 pounds, Dees brings a blend of size, strength, and explosiveness to the defensive front. He committed to Tulane on November 17, 2025, after initially pledging to Miami (OH) in June and decommitting on October 30.
Dees was a key contributor to Montgomery Catholic’s back-to-back state championships in 2023 (4A) and 2024 (5A), serving as a two-time team captain. He transitioned from primarily playing offensive tackle during his first three high school seasons to focusing on defense as a senior, where he excelled at both defensive tackle and end positions.
Dees also competes in track and field, maintaining a 4.1 GPA, which highlights his discipline and work ethic off the field.
His recruitment drew interest from programs like Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Liberty, Troy, UAB, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, South Alabama, Alabama State, Dartmouth, and Jacksonville State.
Dees earned recognition as the 2025 Capitol City Player of the Year and was named Defensive Line MVP at the Under Armour Next Football Camp in Nashville. He was also honored as the Ken Bishop - State Farm Player of the Week in Game 7 of his senior season, posting the highest-grade percentage at offensive line while recording 2 sacks on defense.
Scouting Report:
Explosiveness and Get-Off: Dees fires off the ball with impressive quickness, using his first step burst to disrupt plays in the backfield. This trait pairs well with his strength, allowing him to collapse pockets and pursue ball carriers effectively.
Power and Run Defense: He demands double teams due to his ability to anchor against the run. His bench and squat numbers translate to on-field leverage, where he can stonewall offensive linemen and shed blocks. In drills and games, he’s shown the ability to immobilize opponents, rarely losing ground.
Versatility: Capable of lining up at defensive tackle or end, Dees also brings offensive line experience, which enhances his understanding of blocking schemes. This two-way background makes him a smart, instinctive player who can read and react quickly.
Motor and Pursuit: High-effort player with good pursuit speed for his size. He chases plays sideline-to-sideline and maintains intensity through the whistle.
Intangibles: Leadership as a captain, academic excellence (4.1 GPA), and multi-sport athlete (track/field) suggest strong character and athleticism. He’s praised for setting “the standard” at his high school program. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
How X Games Found Its Perfect Match in New Orleans
Well the changing of the guard has begun on defense. With Demario Davis leaving in free agency a big leadership void was left in the locker room where someone else will have to take the torch. Whom remains to be seen but all eyes are on what Kaden Ellis brings in his return to the Saints. The Saints signed Ellis to bring back someone with familiarity with the organization and the talents he was better able to showcase after leaving the team. Kaden Ellis in his time with the Atlanta Falcons was able to show he can do whatever you need of him from the linebacker position. He can play off ball in space showing good awareness in coverage but can also play well on the ball when asked to rush the passer from a variety of situations. With Ellis in the fold I expect the defense to be more effective in keeping the offense guessing on what the linebackers will be doing on a down to down basis. Next up is Pete Werner who has had a up and down career thus far with the Saints but overall has been a solid starter since he was drafted. Werner’s coming off a down year in terms of on field production in 2025 where he was routinely taken off the field in favor of getting the young linebackers on the roster snaps on defense to give them some opportunity and experience. If Werner wants to keep his starting role on defense he is going to have to show more impact on defense this season beginning in training camp. With Demario gone and Pete Werner the only returning starting at linebacker on defense the door of opportunity has fully opened for the young linebackers on the roster. who have been patiently waiting for their chance to make a name for themselves. Isiah Stalbird, Jaylan Ford, Danny Stutsman fit into this category as young guys earning their stripes through special teams and limited snaps on defense thus far. This will be one of the more fascinating, fun training camp battles to see if any can overtake Werner on the depth chart and carve out a more meaningful role on defense. After them is the roster hopefuls in Anfernee Jennings and Jackson Sirmon. These two will look to show they belong in the league and will do whatever it takes to prove it. Whether they make the 53 man roster with the Saints or not the goal is to help bring more competition to the room and see who can do enough to latch on somewhere in the NFL. Opportunity is the key word I would use for this group. From Kaden Ellis getting a chance to really star on defense to Pete Werner getting an opportunity to keep young guys from taking his snaps again to the young guys like Danny Stutsman overtaking Werner on the depth chart. The linebacker unit has plenty of opportunities ahead of them, let’s see what they can make with them.
