The 2021 NFL Draft is only two weeks away. For the New Orleans Saints, you will not hear anything coming out of the mouths of Sean Payton or Mickey Loomis. They have attended numerous pro days to examine prospects, but no statements have been made about who they genuinely have an interest in selecting.
However, all signs have projected that the Saints will select players for the defensive side of the football in the first two rounds of the draft. In the third round of the draft is where things could get interesting for New Orleans. The Saints have two compensatory picks in the third round of the draft and could go in various routes with these selections.
The third round of the draft could be perfect for New Orleans to select a wide receiver that can provide a boost to their offense. One particular receiver can be the severe threat that the Saints have lacked over the years. The wide receiver that Saints Discussions are referring to is Clemson University’s, Amari Rodgers. As they currently stand, the Saints wide receiver group consists of Michael Thomas, Tre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway, and Deonte Harris.
While the thought of having the receivers listed looks good on paper, they do not scare defensive coordinators at the moment. All four players spent some time on the injury report last season. Along with the numerous injuries, Drew Brees was not at his best for most of the season.
With a new season on the horizon and a new face at QB, the Saints wide receiver core could be rejuvenated along with the addition of Rodgers. Let’s take a look at the scouting report courtesy of Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline.
Amari Rodgers Scouting Report
Positives: “Slightly undersized receiver who also doubles as a return specialist. Quickly releases off the line, fires into routes, and stays low on exit. Displays terrific quickness in and out of breaks and positions himself to make the reception. Extends his hands to snatch the ball out of the air and lays out to make the difficult catch.”
“Reliable, possesses terrific eye/hand coordination, and nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Follows the quarterback across the field and finds the soft spot in the defense. Plays bigger than his size and fights to come away with the difficult grab in a crowd. Effective returning punts.”
Negatives: “Easily taken down in the open field by a single defender. Lack of height is a hindrance, especially trying to grab high throws. Plays to one speed and lacks a deep burst.”
Saints Discussions Analysts
While Rodgers is not the biggest among the wide receivers coming out of this year’s draft, there’s still a role for him to fulfill at the professional level. His attributes at the slot position are traits that the Saints have not seen since Lance Moore was in those duties.
With the presence of Rodgers on the field, Deonte Harris can remain in his kick/punt returner duties for the Saints. Harris has shown flashes here and there on what he can do as a wide receiver but seems to get injured whenever he is placed in that role. Also, if Harris had to miss games due to another injury, Rodgers can step in and continue to contribute. Rodgers is a type of player that Head Coach Sean Payton can utilize in a multitude of ways.
He can take the top off of defenses and possibly be another version of Alvin Kamara in certain situations. The many possibilities of what Rodgers can accomplish in the Saints offense are endless. For those that may have never heard of Amari Rodgers, the video below shows what type of player he is and how he contributed to Clemson’s success.
Photo courtesy of USA Today.
