Saints' Joel Wilson Could Steal Spot at Thin TE Position
New Orleans Saints tight ends were thought to be the weakest position on the team heading into the 2022 season. Juwan Johnson, a converted wideout, was a much-needed surprise with 42 catches for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns. Still, the position lacked depth and productivity behind him.
Adam Trautman, a third-round choice in 2020, was an adequate blocker but provided no receiving threat. Taysom Hill was a tight end in name only, as the bulk of his snaps came out of the backfield. Veteran Nick Vannett was released at mid-season and undrafted rookie Lucas Krull was a practice squad player.
New Orleans showed little interest in any tight ends on the free-agent market aside from Foster Moreau, who they still may sign. They also bypassed the opportunity to draft one out of what was considered a deep class. Despite that, Trautman was still traded to the Denver Broncos.
The depth chart is thin, even with a possible Moreau signing. This leaves the door is open for this undrafted rookie to grab a roster spot.
TE - Joel Wilson
Central Michigan
6'3" 242-Lbs.
Central Michigan Chippewas tight end Joel Wilson (83) makes a catch against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY
A high school quarterback, Wilson converted to tight end once reaching Central Michigan but played sparingly over his first three seasons. He'd appear in eight games through 2018, 2019, and a Covid-shortened 2020 and caught seven balls for 62 yards.
Wilson took on a more prominent role in the Central Michigan attack in 2021, catching 31 passes for 367 yards and six touchdowns. He'd lead the Chippewas with six touchdown receptions in 2022 and was second on the team with 44 receptions for 445 yards despite missing the last three games with an ankle injury.
A willing blocker, Wilson is also a lanky athlete. He'll need to add bulk and upper-body strength to be a factor as an in-line blocker. He was unable to sustain blocks through college and needs to show better angles in assignments on the move.
Wilson's build also works against him on contested throws as a receiver. He can get knocked off his route by a physical press, throwing off the timing of a play. His average speed limits him as a downfield threat.
A natural receiver, Wilson has terrific hands and is a reliable target. He shows a nice variation in his patterns and should be able to handle an expanded route tree. Wilson disguises his breaks well, allowing him to get separation, and shows strong awareness of zone concepts. After the catch, he is an elusive open field runner capable of picking up extra yardage.
As a blocker, Wilson shows excellent technique. His positioning is sound as a run blocker, giving him an excellent upside once he adds power. He also showed himself capable in pass protection and has the awareness to identify and pick up blitzing defenders. He'll release decisively off blocks to give his quarterback a quick secondary target.
Central Michigan Chippewas tight end Joel Wilson (83) makes a catch against Oklahoma State Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Joel Wilson has some intriguing tools as a pass catcher that make him a developmental prospect. However, he'll need to shine as a blocker to earn a roster spot in New Orleans.
Wilson's technique, if carried over from college, gives him a solid shot if he can add some power to his game. The potential as a two-way threat as an in-line tight end would give the Saints something they don't currently have at the position.
