Tyler Shough is already pushing for the Saints to draft his former teammate in the 2026 NFL Draft

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has taken on an unexpected role ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft: unofficial recruiter. According to Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell, Shough has spent the pre-draft process lobbying the Saints’ brass to reunite him with his former collegiate teammate.

“He said he’s been telling the Saints about me… he said they need a guy like me,” Bell told Arye Pulli of Saints on SI, adding that Shough has been in constant contact since the evaluation cycle began. “It would be great to reunite with Tyler Shough.”

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound pass-catcher backed up the endorsement with production, posting nine receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns in his most recent outing. Bell’s 4.4-second 40-yard dash at his weight has drawn comparisons to A.J. Brown’s blend of size and acceleration, and draft analysts project him as a potential day-two selection.

NFL Draft Buzz praised Bell as a prototypical X-receiver who can win vertically against top corners and dominate at the catch point, a skill set New Orleans could use to complement its young quarterback. While mock drafts currently link the Saints to running back Jeremiyah Love or a defensive impact player in round one, selecting Bell on the draft’s second day would address an immediate need for perimeter playmaking.

Shough’s advocacy adds a layer of familiarity that could sway the front office. Bell confirmed he has already met with New Orleans’ staff and left impressed, increasing the likelihood that the Saints will give the receiver strong consideration once the first round is complete.

Whether the organization heeds its quarterback’s advice remains to be seen, but Shough has made his preference clear: bring Chris Bell to the Big Easy and let the reunion ignite the offense.