The Who Dat Nation knows it, the New Orleans Saints know it, and the national media knows it. The team needs a reliable option opposite Michael Thomas at the wide receiver position. Unfortunately, they have ignored the void for the past three NFL drafts.
After what occurred last season with the offense, the Saints find themselves back in a familiar situation. The past couple of drafts have featured many talents that could have easily fit in with the Saints’ offense. Recently, the Saints traded spots with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire picks no.16 and no.19 in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia received the Saints’ first-round round pick in this year’s draft (18) and next year’s first-round selection. Also included in the Eagles compensation was obtaining the Saints 2024 second-round pick, plus 2022 third-round (No. 101) and seventh-round selections (No. 237).
With the extra first-round choice, the Saints have positioned themselves to select the very best at the receiver position. Today, we examine four of the best receiver prospects in the 2022 draft and how they could mesh with the Saints’ offense.
1. Garrett Wilson: Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is the type of wide receiver that you can line up in the slot or on the outside. He uses his long arms to his advantage when dealing with difficult situations catching the football. In the Saints’ offense, he could easily take over and become the primary target offense if Michael Thomas suffers another injury. I don’t usually make comparisons for rookies, but Wilson’s skill set reminds me of DeAndre Hopkins if I had to. He is not good at one thing, it’s a multitude of areas that makes him so special.
2. Jameson Williams: Alabama
Photo courtesy of Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports.
Without question, Alabama wideout Jameson Williams has NFL game changing speed. If he gets past a defender, he’s liable to hit pay dirt. Williams made the most out of his opportunity with the Alabama Crimson Tide after spending three seasons buried on Ohio State’s depth chart.
In his first and only season with Alabama, Williams became the first player in school history to reach 1,500 yards in a season. If it weren’t for a torn ACL injury that he suffered in the national championship game against Georgia, Williams would easily be a top-five pick in this year’s NFL Draft. When Williams is healthy enough to play, he will be able to stretch the field and can put more stress on an opposing defense. The Alabama standout would bring an element that has not been seen with the Saints passing attack in a long time.
3. Chris Olave: Ohio State
Chris Olave was a touchdown machine with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He closed out his career as the schools’ all-time leader in touchdown catches (35). According to draft scouts, Olave’s ceiling at the professional level is that he’s capable of becoming a team’s WR2. Not having a reliable second option over the years is one of the reasons why the Saints’ offense has stalled in the playoffs. However, Olave is a solid route runner that can win one on one matchups as a severe threat.
4. Treylon Burks: Arkansas
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Athletics.
When I watch footage of Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, one former player that comes to mind is the great Terrell Owens. Like Owens, Burks is the type of wide receiver that can turn five-yard pass plays into 80-yard touchdown receptions. His production single-handedly kept the Razorbacks alive in their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Listed at 6’3 225 pounds, Burks is a player that has the potential to become a team’s WR1. He utilizes his large frame to his advantage, which led to his stock rising in the 2022 draft. In addition, Burks can outrebound defenders and can draw defensive penalties because of his physicality.
Overall, the Saints need to address the void missing at WR2. Rounds 1 through 4 would be the ideal timeframe to select a wideout capable of filling a significant hole within the Saints’ offense. Regardless of the approach they take at quarterback, the wide receiver position will play a massive part in their long-term success or failure.
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