The New Orleans weren't dissuaded. They picked Shough with the 40th pick of the NFL Draft. Notably, they passed on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders to take Shough.

According to many, after sliding out of the top 10, the best chance for him to land in the first round was with the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21. However, the Steelers elected to go in another direction as well, picking defensive tackle Derrick Harmon out of Oregon.