Saints Draft Outlook: Wide Receiver

The wide receiver spot isn't completely set in stone for the Saints, which could make way to draft one at the end of April.

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Apr 17, 2023 8:45 AM EDT

In this story:

New Orleans Saints

The Saints will soon answer some lingering questions we have regarding the NFL Draft. This year seems a little more straightforward with how they could approach things, but New Orleans can always present some shock and awe when it comes to their aggressive nature. We're continuing to look at each position group in the draft to make cases for and against taking them. Today's focus is on the wide receiver group.

Current Depth Chart: Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Tre'Quan Smith, Keith Kirkwood, Kirk Merritt, Bryan Edwards, Kawaan Baker

Saints Draft Outlooks: Quarterback | Running Back

Draft Prospect Outlook

Day 1 Options: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State), Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), Zay Flowers (Boston College), Quentin Johnston (TCU)
Day 2 Options: Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss), Cedric Tillman (Tennessee), Josh Downs (UNC), Rashee Rice (SMU), Marvin Mims Jr. (Oklahoma), Parker Washington (Penn State), Kayshon Boutte (LSU), Tank Dell (Houston)
Day 3 Options: A.T. Perry (Wake Forest), Jayden Reed (Michigan State), Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa State), Tyler Scott (Cincinnati)
Priority UDFAs: Justin Shorter (Florida), Mitchell Tinsley (Penn State), J.J. Hollomon (Tennessee State), Xavier Smith (Florida A&M), Jacory Rankin (Mississippi Valley State)

THE CASE FOR DRAFTING: Putting all the eggs into the Michael Thomas basket doesn't seem too wise. Yes, there is a tremendous reward for getting a healthy Thomas back in the mix, but the reality is that it's been a few years since he has been considered a stable option. Last year showed a ton of promise. The training camp hype wasn't exaggerated, and he was incredible in the regular season opener against the Falcons. He just has to focus on getting and staying healthy, and letting the rest take care of itself.

With Derek Carr at the helm, you can't have too many weapons. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are expected to take even bigger leaps in their second seasons, and the depth behind the top guys has some opportunity, but could also get upgraded some to provide competition. Let's also not overlook the fact that along with Thomas, all of the receivers besides Olave and Shaheed will be a free agent in some capacity.

When you look at the team's history drafting a receiver in the past 10 years, most of the picks were used on Days 1 and 2.

2022 - Chris Olave (1st Round)
2021 - Kawaan Baker (7th Round)
2018 - Tre'Quan Smith (3rd Round)
2016 - Michael Thomas (2nd Round)
2014 - Brandin Cooks (1st Round)
2013 - Kenny Stills (5th Round)

If you're going to get another stud in the offense, that feels like that area to address it. You can get a quality guy on Day 3, but again, most of the impact over the past several years have come from undrafted players and free agents aside Olave.

THE CASE FOR NOT DRAFTING: Perhaps there's an alternate school of thought here regarding how New Orleans would address the position. There's been some outside chatter around Hunter Renfrow reuniting with Carr. That would have to come via a trade, and it certainly would make a lot of sense if the price is right. They'd also have to fit him in with the cap, which offers some unique challenges in itself. However, it's not impossible.

It will drive people crazy to hear the Saints 'feeling good about the receiver room' this season, but that might be where they're at. It would also not be surprising to see the receiver spot get addressed after the draft with a veteran free agent that's still unsigned. There's not an overwhelming list of options, but they exist. Plus, don't forget about the XFL and USFL talent that will be available.

The team's track history for finding undrafted talent at the position has been pretty astonishing, and it could happen again. It's not that you go into this season saying you'll address the spot that way intentionally, but it could make sense with some of the other depth expected to grow and contribute more. Still, competition at the spot is always something you want to have.

Overall, there's plenty of appealing options for the Saints to look at when it comes to the receiver spot. It's an area where they could and should add more, especially with Michael Thomas' timetable to return to the field being very much in question. Where and how they ultimately address that remains a mystery, but we'll know how they do it sooner rather than later.