The New Orleans Saints entered the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear mission: to add immediate impact talent and build for sustained success. Mission accomplished. In a bold and decisive move, the Saints selected not one, but two players from the University of Georgia's powerhouse program, using their second- and third-round picks to land defensive tackle Christen Miller at No. 42 overall and tight end Oscar Delp at No. 73 overall.
The picks represent more than just adding bodies to the roster--they signal a deliberate philosophy shift. The Saints are banking on the culture, development, and proven production of Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs, a program that has produced an avalanche of NFL talent over the past half-decade. And for New Orleans, a team in transition but not in rebuild, the appeal is obvious.
Christen Miller: A Wrecking Ball in the Middle
With the 42nd overall pick in the second round, the Saints selected Christen Miller, a redshirt junior defensive tackle from Georgia. The announcement, made official by the team via NewOrleansSaints.com, confirmed what many draft analysts had speculated: Miller's blend of size, power, and motor was too good to pass up at this spot.
At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Miller is built in the classic mold of a 3-technique penetrator. He played a key rotational role for the Bulldogs, showcasing explosive first-step quickness, violent hands, and the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior. Miller's production at Georgia wasn't always loud on the stat sheet--he was often part of a deep rotation that included future first-rounders--but his impact was unmistakable when watching the tape. He consistently commanded double teams, freed up linebackers to run clean, and flashed the kind of disruptive play that defensive coordinators dream about.
For the Saints, the fit is immediate and natural. New Orleans has invested heavily in its defensive front in recent years, but there was a clear need for a young, ascending player at the interior defensive tackle spot. Miller brings the kind of penetrating ability that can complement the Saints' edge rushers and create havoc in opposing backfields. He's not just a space-eater; he's a pass-rush asset from the inside, something that can elevate an entire defensive unit.
"The energy he plays with is contagious," one Saints personnel evaluator said during pre-draft meetings. "He doesn't take plays off. He's got that dawg in him."
Miller joins a defensive line room that includes veteran leadership and ascending talent. His ability to step in and contribute immediately as part of a rotation--and potentially grow into a starter--makes this pick a home run for a team that values trench play above all else.
Oscar Delp: The Complete Tight End Arrives
Just a few hours later, the Saints went back to the Georgia well. With the 73rd overall pick in the third round, they selected tight end Oscar Delp, uniting him with his former Bulldogs teammate Miller in New Orleans.
Delp is a versatile, athletic tight end who flourished in Georgia's pro-style offense. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he offers a rare combination of size, route-running nuance, and receiving ability. While he was often overshadowed by Brock Bowers during his early years at Georgia, Delp became the primary tight end target in 2025, showcasing his ability to stretch the seam, win contested catches, and serve as a reliable safety valve.
The Saints' tight end room has been a topic of conversation for several offseasons. While the team has talent and experience at the position, they lacked a dynamic, young receiving threat who could create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Delp fills that void perfectly. He's not just a pass-catching specialist either--Delp is a willing and capable blocker, making him a three-down option in an offense that values balance.
The addition of Delp gives Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier a versatile chess piece. He can line up inline, in the slot, or even split out wide, forcing defenses to account for him in coverage. With the Saints looking to modernize their offensive approach and create more explosive plays, Delp's skill set is a welcome addition.
"Oscar is just a football player," one NFC scout told me. "He does everything well. He blocks, he catches, he runs good routes. He's got that Georgia tight end polish. He's going to be a really good pro."
The Georgia Connection: Why It Matters
Pairing two Georgia teammates is more than a feel-good story--it's a strategic move with tangible benefits. Both Miller and Delp come from a program that has become a de facto NFL development pipeline. They've been battle-tested in the SEC, practiced against elite talent daily, and played in national championship games. That experience matters when transitioning to the pro level.
Moreover, having a familiar face in the locker room can ease the transition for both players. They already know each other's habits, personalities, and work ethic. That chemistry can accelerate their development and help them acclimate to the Saints' culture faster than typical rookies.
For general manager Mickey Loomis and the front office, the Georgia pipeline is a deliberate strategy. The Saints have long valued players from winning programs with strong developmental infrastructures. Georgia, under Kirby Smart, has become the gold standard in college football. By tapping into that talent stream, the Saints are betting on proven winners.
What This Means for the Saints' Roster
The Saints entered the 2026 draft with clear needs on both sides of the ball. The defensive line needed a young, penetrating interior presence. The tight end room needed a dynamic receiving option to pair with existing veterans. In just one day, the Saints addressed both positions with players who have high ceilings and ready-made traits.
It's also worth noting that the Saints did not trade up or reach for need. They stayed patient at No. 42 and No. 73, letting the board come to them, and landed two players who were widely regarded as excellent value at those slots. That's a sign of a disciplined front office that trusts its evaluations.
Looking ahead, the Saints will still need to address other positions--offensive line depth, cornerback, and possibly wide receiver remain areas to watch. But with two solid picks in the books, the foundation of this draft class is strong.
The energy in the building is palpable. The Saints have added two Georgia Bulldogs who play with an edge, have championship pedigree, and fill critical needs. For a team looking to reassert itself in the NFC South, this is exactly the kind of day that can shift the trajectory of a franchise.
The 2026 NFL Draft is far from over, but for the New Orleans Saints, Day 2 was a resounding success. Christen Miller and Oscar Delp are now part of the family, and the future looks a little brighter because of it.