The New Orleans Saints didn't rush to get in on the TE run in the 2026 draft, but they did land the player who might have the biggest chip on his shoulder in Georgia's Oscar Delp.
Hear WWL Radio's exclusive interview with Oscar Delp in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
Brought to you by TRANESOUTH: It's hard to stop a Tranewww.audacy.comThat's because Delp's draft wait was a bit longer than he expected as he watched six other TEs go off the board before him. He always knew the Saints would be an option and even received a text from a Saints coach the morning of the draft telling him "today is the day." The draft wait was more fuel than frustration, Delp told WWL Radio's Draft Fest after he was selected.
"I wouldn’t say I was worried. It was more pissed off. … The Saints got a steal and I’m excited and there’s no place I’d rather be than there," Delp told WWL. "I think a lot of people are going to learn that and I just can't wait to get down there and get to work."
Delp considers himself a well-rounded tight end who can do everything asked from his position on the football field. That includes hard-nosed blocking, route-running, pass-catching. You name it, he can do it -- and there's plenty of evidence on tape. Still, what likely led to his draft slide was limited production due to a limited role in Georgia's passing attack. Over 4 years with Georgia Delp totaled just 70 catches for 854 yards and 9 touchdowns, while never catching more than 24 balls in any season.
His situation isn't dissimilar to the one Foster Moreau faced coming out of LSU. Moreau had similar overall numbers but athleticism that told a different story and ended up being drafted in the 4th round by the Raiders in 2019. Fittingly it's the departed Moreau's role that Delp will have a hand in filling, alongside the newly signed Noah Fant. Delp just wants to do whatever helps the team win games, as he always has.
The Call: @DelpOscar #Saints | @GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/Vn84GeshS7
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 25, 2026
"If you’re a dude that’s one-dimensional, the team already knows what’s going on and that’s where all the value comes from," Delp said. "You know, I grew up watching guys like [Rob Gronkowski], you know, [George Kittle] and all those dudes who, they’re blocking, they’re mauling dudes and they’re getting open and making plays down the field and that’s the kind of player I like to think I am.”
Delp grew up in Georgia, but said he was never much of a Falcons fan. That's a good start as he makes the transition. He'll also have a familiar face in DT Christen Miller, the Saints' selection at No. 42 overall. The pair has known each other through various camps since they were in 8th grade and Miller was the first FaceTime Delp received after the pick was made. It's the second consecutive season the Saints have double-dipped from the same program, having done it twice in 2025 with a pair of Texas Longhorns (Kelvin Banks and Vernon Broughton) and Louisville Cardinals (Tyler Shough and Quincy Riley).
“Man, that dude is a baller. He’s a character. He’s everything you want in a locker room and a teammate," Delp said. "I mean, there’s no dude that I wouldn’t want running out of the tunnel and playing on the other side of me than Christen Miller. ... I’m just so excited to get to go through this process with him.”
They'll join No. 8 overall pick Jordyn Tyson, and whomever the Saints add with their five selection on Day 3. The expectations are high and for good reason.
“I’m fired up. I can’t wait," Delp told WWL. "I promise you, seeing the dudes that we’ve got in this class so far. I feel like it’s the best rookie class by far. I’m excited to get out there and get to work.”
