Saints Draft Prospect: A.T. Perry

This ACC star could give New Orleans another physical pass catcher and insurance for Michael Thomas.

Author:
Bob Rose
Publish date:
Apr 14, 2023 12:42 PM EDT

In this story:

New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas has missed 40 of the last 50 games with lower leg injuries. This includes the last 14 contests of 2022 after a strong start to the year.

Thomas had 16 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games of 2022, showing that he's still one of the NFL's best wideouts when healthy. The Saints attack has struggled without his physicality, route precision, and sure-handed abilities when he's been out.

The Saints got great performances from rookie receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed last year. They also added physical wideout Bryan Edwards in free agency this offseason. However, neither Olave or Shaheed can excel in the intermediate areas like Thomas and Edwards is just not the same caliber of player.

New Orleans may bolster the physicality of their receiving corps through the draft. This year’s draft class doesn't possess many blue-chippers at the top, but looks like it has solid depth.

WR - A.T. Perry

Wake Forest (Sr.)

6'4" 200-Lbs.

Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (20) defends as Wake Forest Demon Deacons receiver A.T. Perry (9) catches a pass. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY

After redshirting as a freshman, Perry had a combined 19 catches for 273 yards over 10 games in 2019 and 2020. He then erupted for the Demon Deacons in 2021 with 71 receptions for 1,293 yards and a school-record 15 touchdowns while earning 1st Team All-ACC honors. In 2022, Perry led the ACC in receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,096) while scoring 11 times.

Perry has a long frame and doesn't shy away from physical play, but he's lean and will need to add more upper-body bulk against NFL corners. He's also a long-strider that doesn't explode off the line or out of his breaks, giving opportunity for defensive backs to close on his routes.

Perry has great hands, but doesn't always extend to snatch a throw and will let it get to his body. This has led to a number of drops in key situations, but can be fixed with coaching. He has a tremendous wingspan, but doesn't always adjust well to off-target throws.

Ideally built as an X-receiver, Perry also has the speed to beat corners deep. His long stride eats up a cushion quickly, allowing him to get coverage turned around on a break. He uses his body well to shield defenders and battles press coverage through the entire play.

Perry's excellent leaping ability further extends his already formidable catch radius. He has excellent tracking skills on deep balls and outstanding concentration in traffic on slants and routes over the middle.

Accustomed to a high volume of targets, Perry is used to working against double-teams and bracketed coverage. He showed the ability to be a consistent playmaker at all three levels of a defense.

Dec 4, 2021; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver A.T. Perry (9) makes a catch as Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Damarri Mathis (21) defends in the the ACC championship game. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

A.T. Perry will likely be a Day 2 pick, but his lean frame and lack of elite quickness could cause some teams to pass on him early. Doing so would probably be a mistake.

Perry's ability to run a full route tree and natural receiving skills should make him an immediate contributor and gives him the upside of at least a Number 2 receiver. With Thomas' recent injury history and potentially being a free agent at seasons end, a player like Perry would give the Saints another much-needed physical weapon in the intermediate zones.