Saints New Draft Philosophies Could Lend Eye To Expanded Prototype At Wide Receiver
There were a lot of interesting talking points and takeaways from New Orleans Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen’s visit with NFL Report hosts Steve Wyche and James Palmer. Some of which were centered around the team’s new offensive coaching staff, others around the production of individual players like quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Cameron Jordan. However, one of the other intriguing points came from Palmer’s question regarding the Saints’ draft philosophy and how they may change with the addition of Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (17) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Chris Olave (12).
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (17) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Allen quickly compared where the team is now on the offensive side to where the team was a handful of years ago on the defensive side of the football. “It was really in (2016) where I kind of took over, ” Allen said. “I think we clearly identified what we wanted to do defensively. And exactly what we were looking for at each position. Therefore we were able to find those guys in the 2017 draft and on. I think we became a better defense because of that.”
That is where the team was before it added cornerback Marshon Lattimore and safety Marcus Williams who both helped the team revitalize itself on that side of the ball. A year later they added linebacker Demario Davis and since, they have been one of the best defenses in the league. Now the Saints will look to do the same thing on the offensive side of the ball. Starting here in 2024.
“I think that’s the process we’re going through right now,” Allen said of the offense. “We had a chance to get the offensive coaching staff (to the facility) over the weekend and really sit down with the scouts and the people in the draft room and go through, ‘This is what we’re looking for at the quarterback position. This is what we’re looking for in an offensive tackle. This is what we’re looking for at the receiver position.’ I think that’s been great for our group.”
One of the easiest-to-predict changes for a position’s draft philosophy would be at wideout. The Saints have had a clear and obvious prototype at receiver for almost two decades. They have always gravitated towards wide receivers that are either at least 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds or have world-class speed. When they have seldom strayed from that mold, the results have not been great (Adrian Arrington in 2008). If you look at the long list of receivers they have invested draft capital in over the recent past, that much is evident.
Drafted receivers that meet the size prototype:
- 2004 - Devery Henderson: 5-foot-11, 200 pounds
- 2005 - Chase Lyman: 6-foot-2, 217 pounds
- 2006 - Mike Hass: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Marques Colston: 6-foot-4, 225 pounds
- 2007 - Robert Meachem: 6-foot-2, 214 pounds
- 2012 - Nick Toon: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
- 2013 - Kenny Stills: 6-foot-1, 202 pounds
- 2016 - Michael Thomas: 6-foot-3, 212 pounds
- 2018 - Tre’Quan Smith: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds
- 2021 - Kawaan Baker: 6-foot-1, 215 pounds
- 2023 - A.T. Perry: 6-foot-5, 202 pounds
Drafted receivers that fit the speed profile:
- 2014 - Brandin Cooks: 5-foot-10, 189 pounds | 4.33 40-yard dash time
- 2021 - Chris Olave: 6-foot, 187 pounds | 4.39 40-yard dash time
Exception:
- 2008 - Adrian Arrington: 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
The world-class speed and size metrics apply to undrafted free agency from time to time as well considering names like Deonte Harty and Rashid Shaheed in the speed category and fan-favorite Emmanuel Butler when it comes to the size profile.
The potential expansion of this prototype in the team’s draft philosophy could be led by new wide receiver coach Keith Williams and assistant wide receiver coach DeNarius McGhee. Both have found success with two receivers very recently that would not have checked the size nor speed boxes as identified above. Williams saw great success with Baltimore Ravens wideout Day Flowers in his first year with the Ravens, and McGhee got a solid rookie season out of Houston Texans playmaker Tank Dell.
Flowers, who measures in at 5-foot-8 and 192 pounds was no slouch at last year’s scouting combine running a 4.42 40-yard dash. However, those size metrics do not match the team’s usual measureables. Despite that, Williams helped Flowers achieve an impressive rookie season in a crowded position group with 77 receptions, 858 receiving yards and 5 touchdown catches.
Meanwhile Dell, who battled injury his inaugural season, piled on 709 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns receptions on just 47 catches. Dell measures up at 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds while running a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash last year.
Both Flowers and Dell are proof positive that wide receiver production and playmaking ability can be found outside the bounds of the Saints’ current prototypes. Could those fits and molds be a part of the philosophy change? With a new offensive staff in place and coaching personnel with demonstrable knowledge and ability to thrive with players outside of the status quo, it would not be a surprise if the Saints took a chance to find out here in 2024.
Players like Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley (5-foot-10 and 215 pounds) and Virginia wideout Malik Washington (5-foot-8 and 194 pounds) could be solid mid-round options. Both of which have immense playmaking ability, are outstanding yards after catch receivers and can make tough catches working from outside and in the slot. If New Orleans is looking to challenges its draft fits, these are a couple of receivers that might make it worth their while.
