Saints' Chris Olave Compares Rookie Barion Brown to Rashid Shaheed

The comparison stems from both players' elite speed, with Brown running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and Shaheed reaching in-game speeds of up to 21.7 mph, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Brown, a Nashville, Tennessee native, played college football at Kentucky (2022-24) and LSU (2025), recording 175 catches for 2,060 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also returned 66 kickoffs for 1,910 yards and six touchdowns during his collegiate career.

Despite the hype, it remains unclear what role Brown will have in the Saints' crowded offense, which already features Olave, first-round rookie Jordyn Tyson, Devaughn Vele, Travis Etienne Jr., Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson. However, Brown could contribute as a rookie on special teams—the same path Shaheed took early in his career. Shaheed has four career return touchdowns and continues that role in Seattle. If Brown can make splash plays on special teams, the Saints will likely give him more opportunities on offense as the season progresses.