He just wanted his spot back.
The 2026 NFL Draft has wrapped up, with 257 college football players learning which NFL them they’ll be playing for next season.
But it wasn’t a player who stole the show and gave us one of the best moments of the draft: It was a dog.
One of my favorite parts of watching the draft is seeing the reactions of the players and their families as they hear their name called. While some players made the trip to Pittsburgh, most (including #1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza) watched from home surrounded by their families, friends, agents, and most importantly, their animals.
University of Georgia tight end Oscar Delp had his chocolate lab sitting at his feet while watching the draft, with the dog seemingly as anxious as everybody in the room as Delp waited for his name to be called. And his moment finally came on Friday night when the New Orleans Saints took the Georgia Bulldog in the third round with the 73rd overall draft pick.
Nobody was as relieved as the dog to hear Delp’s name called though, because as his owner stood up to celebrate, the dog stealthily worked his way in and promptly stole his spot on the couch.
What a good boy. He’s just keeping it warm for Delp while he’s celebrating.
As for Delp himself, he’s poised to be a major contributor for a Saints team that was clearly focused on strengthening their offense during the draft. New Orleans took Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in the first round before drafting Delp’s Georgia teammate, defensive tackle Christen Miller, in the second round.
The Saints currently have three tight ends on their roster, but none who caught more than 2 passes during the 2025 season. The role was primarily filled by veteran playmaker Taysom Hill, who also took snaps at QB. But with Hill’s contract expiring, and the Saints so far declining to bring him back, Delp could have an opportunity to step in and make an immediate impact for New Orleans and second year quarterback Tyler Shough.
During his senior season at Georgia, Delp had 20 receptions for 261 yards and a touchdown while splitting time with fellow tight end Lawson Luckie.
Delp spent four seasons in Athens (which is a rarity these days with NIL and the transfer portal, when players seemingly transfer schools nearly every year), and during his career had 70 receptions for 854 yards and 9 touchdowns.
It’s yet to be seen whether the dog will be accompanying Delp to the Big Easy, but if he does there are plenty of bars and restaurants that are pet-friendly so I have a feeling the pup will do just fine in his new home. There’s even a Mardi Gras parade for dogs, so maybe this good boy will be the King of Barkus one day.
Then again, it seems like he’d rather just stay in his spot on the couch anyway.
