The New Orleans Saints made it clear during the 2026 NFL Draft: they want to get tougher in the trenches. After using a second-round pick on Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Christen Miller, the team didn't stop there. They added three undrafted interior linemen, including former USC Trojans standout Keeshawn Silver, signaling a serious commitment to fortifying the middle of their defense.
While Mississippi's Zxavian Harris grabbed headlines among the undrafted group, Silver brings his own intriguing mix of size and speed. A former five-star high school recruit, he started his college career at North Carolina before transferring to Kentucky, where he found more playing time in 2023 and 2024. He finished his collegiate journey at USC. Silver has the frame and agility to disrupt plays, but consistency has been his biggest hurdle. What stands out is his ability to close quickly and pursue ball carriers with surprising burst for a big man.
The Saints have struggled in the interior for years, and this offseason's moves show they're serious about change. Christen Miller is expected to lead the charge, and Zxavian Harris could contribute if he resolves off-field issues. But don't count out Silver. With a need for a reliable rotation, his versatility to line up at multiple spots along the defensive front could earn him a roster spot—especially if he improves his leverage and fully harnesses his strength.
