Saints' Tyler Shough doesn't have same potential as Cam Ward, per ESPN analyst

The New Orleans Saints have found their new franchise quarterback in second-round draft pick from 2025, Tyler Shough. He's started just half of the season, but he's the guy for the Saints.

He's making a strong push for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, as he's playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL lately, especially amid the four-game winning streak.

But, for ESPN analyst Ben Solak, Shough isn't his best rookie quarterback this season. Instead, he believes Cam Ward is the best rookie quarterback, due in part to the greater potential of Ward compared to Shough.

Saints' Tyler Shough snubbed for top rookie QB by ESPN analyst

"... the Saints have won their past four games, and Shough has looked better with each passing week," Solak writes, "But while I see the quality play from Shough, I don't see the sort of jaw-dropping, math-changing potential I see in Ward."

Solak doesn't think Shough is bad, nor does he believe he is having one of the best seasons by a rookie in 2025. But, the potential he's seen from Ward has the Tennessee Titans QB placed as the First-Team rookie QB for 2025.

More: Tyler Shough has proven Saints didn't waste their 2025 2nd-round pick

Shough is also being impacted by his late-start to the year. Spencer Rattler started the first half of the season, where if Shough was the starter, the Saints' rookie quarterback might've been placed higher than Ward on Solak's list.

Both Ward and Shough have shown enough this season for their teams to be happy with their draft picks. But, in the Saints' case, they got their new franchise guy in the second round, while the Saints took Ward first overall.

While Ward has flashed more potential and eye-catching plays, Shough is the more NFL-ready quarterback. He's a clear draft day hit for the Saints, but for Solak, Ward's sky-high potential is enough to keep him ahead of Shough on his All-Rookie team for 2025.

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