2026 NFL Draft: 7 things to know about Saints DT Christen Miller

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Welcome to the New Orleans Saints, Christen Miller. The former Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman was picked by the Saints in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he's going to bring a ton of personality to the locker room -- and a big boost to the defensive line. Here's seven things you need to know about Miller now that he'll be wearing bllack and gold.

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Miller's family were Falcons fans, but no more

The NFL's greatest rivalry still lies between New Orleans and Atlanta, and Miller's family is very familiar with it. But from now on they've got to learn how the other half lives. "They gotta convert. They're dirty birds. Saints now," Miller told reporters after being drafted. He said his uncle responded to the picking by telling him “I guess I’ve got to be a Saints fan now, huh?” to which Miller responded, "You ain't got no choice. Let's go!"

Miller's high school team was named the Saints

Maybe it was meant to be. Miller broke out as a high school recruit with Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia, which nicknamed its football team the Saints. Their colors are blue and grey, not black and gold, but it's a really cool full-circle moment for Miller's football life.

A freak accident nearly ended his career as an athlete

Miller wanted to play pro basketball in his youth, and continued to shoot hoops with friends after practice once he turned his attention to football full-time. But an awkward landing after dunking the ball resulted in a badly broken leg during his freshman year of high school. He had to have three screws embedded in the broken bone and was even warned that he may not be able to play football anymore. But he persevered, stuck to his recovery regimen, and started multiple seasons in the SEC without a hitch.

He's already a big fan of Bryan Bresee

It won't take long for Miller to get up to speed with his new teammates; he's been watching Bresee's highlights "since high school. Us two together, it's going to be a move." With the Saints reducing Davon Godchaux's role late last season and letting both Jonathan Bullard and Jonah Williams walk in free agency, Miller should rise up the depth chart rapidly.

And he's no stranger to the Saints' third-round pick

The Saints also drafted tight end Oscar Delp, Miller's college teammate, in Round 3 -- and Miller was the first to call and congratulate him. The two friends had known each other since middle school and had a strong bond at Georgia.

Miller didn't have much contact with the Saints before the draft

While he was one of their 20-minute formal interviews at the NFL Combine back in February, Miller didn't hear from the Saints until defensive line coach Bo Davis touched base with him just before the draft. He was a little caught off guard when New Orleans called him up on Friday night.

But he's eager to embrace his new home

On the one hand, Miller knows he enjoys glazed beignets too much to indulge too often. On the other, he's fired up to experience the New Orleans music scene and get to know his new community: "It's a city of camaraderie ... the culture is special." He's a drummer and singer in his spare time. He'll fit in just fine.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 7 things to know about Saints DT Christen Miller

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