The New Orleans Saints have now signed their entire rookie class from the 2026 NFL Draft. Going into the first day of rookie minicamp, the team saw 7 of the 8 draft picks put pen to paper. Second round pick Christen Miller was the odd man out. Just a day later, he and the Saints agreed to terms on a deal.
The second round picks taking longer than other selections is becoming an increasingly more common theme. Miller's one day wait is nothing compared to Tyler Shough signing two months later. We don't have contract details yet, but there's signs that Miller will get a fully guaranteed contract.
Second round picks have been fighting for more guaranteed money recently. The Saints guaranteed every dollar of Shough's deal a year ago. Miller was the 42nd pick this year, and last year the 41st pick received a fully guaranteed deal. As this process continues to spread, Miller receiving the same treatment just makes sense. It won't be long until the entire second round is fully guaranteed.
Christen MIller is quietly a huge factor of Saints defensive growth
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It's uncommon to refer to a second round pick as a quiet pick. Miller was picked inside the top-50 and he still feels under the radar. That's because the Saints' offseason has been highlighted by offense. Shough's new targets are drawing all the attention.
On top of that, Miller is a defensive tackle. It's arguably the leat discussed defensive position. He's specifically a run stopping DT, which gets even less attention. It's a thankless job, but it's exactly what the Saints need. The team was poor against the run too often, even if the stats suggest an average ranking. The front line often struggled to establish control at the line of scrimmage or, even better, push the offensive line back.
Adding Miller should go a long way in fixing that flaw, and he's part of the reason defensive tackle could be the most improved position on the team. In addition to Miller, Vernon Broughton is coming back from injury. He only saw the field for one game before suffering a season ending injury.
The Saints have invested in the position, and there's potential for a front line of Miller, Broughton and Bryan Bresee to give the Saints the mix of penetration in the run and passing game they've been searching for.
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