Ross Jackson · Jun 16, 2026
Ross Jackson ranks the 10 most important New Orleans Saints players entering 2026, with quarterback Tyler Shuck first, Chase Young second and Chris Olave third, plus honorable mentions. He also suggests safety Julian Blackmon is the logical candidate to become the first Saint since 2017 to top four interceptions in a season.
“The New Orleans Saints' most important player going into 2026 is Tyler Shuck.”
said on air, transcribed by us · Locked On Saints (podcast) · read the original →
4 checkable claims from this
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Top Player ListsJun 16, 2026
“Tyler Shuck, number one. Chase Young, number two. Chris Olave, number three. Calvin Banks junior. Carl Granderson, cornerback Kool Aid McKendree as well as safety. Julian Blackman give us four through seven. And then eight was Jawan Johnson. Nine, David Edwards. 10, Travis h Han junior.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Julian Blackmon to record 5 interceptions
“Saints have not had a player finish with more than four interceptions... since 2017 season... Julian Blackman's the guy that logically makes the most sense. It's the next New Orleans saint that could get that done.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Kool-Aid McKinstry to be 1st on the depth chart
“Now we're going to cornerback, and not just any cornerback. The number one cornerback on your team.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
- Depth Chart CallsDavid EdwardsNew Orleans SaintsJun 16, 2026
David Edwards to be 1st on the depth chart
“Number nine, we're gonna go with David Edwards... That, of course, being their new starting left guard”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.