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Christen Miller is latest step in Saints' much-needed youth movement
TL;DR
The New Orleans Saints selected Christen Miller in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their aging defensive line. Miller, a former Georgia Bulldogs player, is expected to contribute quickly as part of a necessary youth movement.
Key points
- Christen Miller was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Miller is expected to play a significant role in the Saints' defensive line.
- The Saints had one of the oldest defensive tackle rotations last season.
- Several older players have left, making room for younger talent.
- Miller may receive practice reps ahead of veteran players.
New Orleans SaintsGeorgia BulldogsChristen MillerNathan Shepherd
How does Christen Miller fit the New Orleans Saints defense? The former Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman can occupy blockers from all across the interior, and with the Saints picking him in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, he'll be on the field sooner rather than later.
He'll be part of a youth movement that's been badly needed. The Saints had one of the NFL's oldest rotations at defensive tackle last season, with four of their five interior linemen to play 200-plus snaps being on the wrong side of 30:
- Nathan Shepherd (32): 695 snaps across 16 games, 43.4 snaps per game. 43.6 run/56.4 pass split
- Bryan Bresee (24): 667 snaps across 15 games, 44.5 snaps per game. 44.1 run/55.9 pass split
- Davon Godchaux (31): 455 snaps across 17 games, 26.8 snaps per game. 61.1 run/38.9 pass split
- Jonathan Bullard (32): 326 snaps across 15 games, 21.7 snaps per game. 64.1 run/35.9 pass split
- Jonah Williams (30): 319 snaps across 15 games, 21.3 snaps per game. 48.9 run/51.1 pass split
Bullard and Williams both left in free agency, and now the Saints are replacing them with Broughton (25 in July) and Miller (22 in August), both of whom should climb the depth chart over the course of the season. Godchaux and Shepherd are both in the last year of their contracts and could be phased out if the youngsters get up to speed quickly. Don't be surprised if Miller gets practice reps ahead of Godchaux this summer to see if he can handle a starter's responsibility.
In the big picture, Bresee is set to play out the final two years of his contract across 2026 and 2027, and it's possible Broughton develops into his replacement in the starting lineup. He'll at least have ample opportunities to rotate into games and wreck havoc. That's true for Miller, too, but as a top-50 draft pick with a 31-year old starter in a contract year ahead of him, he's facing a significantly shorter runway.
Q&A
How does Christen Miller enhance the New Orleans Saints' defense?
Christen Miller enhances the Saints' defense by occupying blockers across the interior, providing much-needed youth to an aging defensive line.
What is the age profile of the Saints' defensive tackles from last season?
Last season, four of the five interior linemen who played over 200 snaps were over 30 years old, indicating a need for younger talent.
Who are the other young players joining Christen Miller on the Saints' defensive line?
Alongside Christen Miller, the Saints are also bringing in Broughton, who is 25, as part of their strategy to replace older players like Bullard and Williams.