The New Orleans Saints have drafted Georgia tight end Oscar Delp with the 73rd pick of the NFL Draft in the third round. With Taysom Hill likely gone from the Saints, tight end has been a need for the Saints this offseason. However, the team still has Juwan Johnson and they did sign Noah Fant to a one year deal. Johnson still has one more year after this upcoming season on his contract.
Delp was a three year starter at the University of Georgia. Coincidentally, he’s also the second player the Saint have drafted this year from Georgia after taking Christen Miller in round two. Over four years at Georgia, Delp produced 854 yards and 9 touchdowns. He mainly played as a Y-tight end and was mainly a blocker especially when Brock Bowers was at Georgia dominating targets in the offense.
Oscar Delp has Divided Draft Analysts
GettyDelp has varying grades from draft analysts this offseason.
Delp divided draft analysts this offseason because of his lack of production in college. However, depending on who you ask, the selection in the third round could be a fair especially with how many tight ends have been taken in day two of this year’s NFL Draft.
Dan Brugler of the Athletic gave Delp a third round grade and ranked him as the fourth best tight end in the class. Brugler acknowledges the lack of production Delp had in college but praises his intangible abilities and athleticism
Brugler said, “Delp has an underwhelming college resume, but grading to the flashes shows an NFL player who can impact games as a receiver and blocker. He is a prime candidate to be a better pro than he was a college player.”
On the other side, PFF ranked Delp as their 215th prospect in the draft. They graded him as an average college tight end, with a 60.3 receiving grade and a 59.4 run blocking grade.
PFF said, “Delp is an intriguing athlete with a high-effort play style that should get him drafted. However, his limited receiving impact and lack of feel in that area project him as a TE3 or TE4 option.”
Oscar Delp Athletic Profile
GettyDelp grades out as an elite tight end in terms of athleticism.
Oscar Delp rates out as an elite athlete at the tight end position. He scored a RAS Score of 9.82, making him the 26th most athletic tight end since 1987. While his composite weight (245 lbs) and height (just below 6’5”) are not too impressive, he did post 23 bench presses, which is excellent. He has elite speed, running a 4.49 40 yard dash, 2.59 20 yard split, and 1.61 10 yard split. His explosion drills also grade out in the upper tier of tight ends. He had a 38” vertical jump and a 10’5” broad jump.
It’s totally possible the Saints have found a diamond in the rough here at tight end. With how many tight ends have gone in day two, the Saints should hang their hat on that he’s one of the better athletes in the class, and he could develop into a capable receiver with a few years behind Johnson.
New Orleans Saints Draft Oscar Delp with the 73rd Pick