The New Orleans Saints selected Jordyn Tyson with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, creating a promising duo with Chris Olave for quarterback Tyler Shough. Yet, it is sixth-round pick Barion Brown who has captured attention at training camp.
Recently, head coach Kellen Moore lauded Brown, and soon after, Brown delivered an impressive 46-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Spencer Rattler during a two-minute drill. Starting the camp on the second team, Brown’s performance has earned him more first-team snaps, indicating his potential for a significant role in the 2026 season.
Background
In 2023, while at Kentucky, Brown received first-team All-American and second-team All-SEC honors. That season, he amassed 539 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 43 catches. Additionally, he achieved 576 kickoff return yards and three return touchdowns. The following year, he repeated first-team All-SEC honors and transferred to LSU for his senior season. There, Brown recorded 532 receiving yards and a touchdown on 53 catches, with 445 kickoff return yards and another return touchdown. Over his college career—three years at Kentucky and one at LSU—Brown totaled 2,060 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, 1,910 kickoff return yards, and six return scores.
Initially expected to contribute significantly to special teams, Brown is quickly making a case for an expanded offensive role.
Coach’s Praise and Future Prospects
Coach Moore commented on the connection between Rattler and Brown, stating, “Barion did a great job adjusting to that ball, tracking it. Deep balls usually tail because of the QB’s movement, so it was an awesome job making a play.”
As the regular season approaches, Brown has a genuine opportunity to secure the No. 3 receiver position, facing competition from Devaughn Vele and fourth-round rookie Bryce Lance.