New Orleans has drafted an SEC wide receiver in the 1st round just four times in franchise history. Will they bypass defensive needs to add this explosive offensive threat with an early-round choice this year?
By Bob Rose | SI
Since being selected in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft out of Ohio State, New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas has established himself as the NFL's best receiver. Thomas set league records for his productivity over his first four seasons with at least 92 receptions and 1,100 receiving yards each year. His 149 receptions in 2019 were an NFL record, and he led the league in both catches and receiving yards in 2018 and 2019.
Thomas sustained a severe ankle injury during the 2020 season opener against Tampa Bay. The injury caused him to miss nine games, and he was limited during the games he did play. Without their star receiver, an offensive deficiency that the Saints had over the previous few seasons was further exposed: the lack of wideout depth to complement Thomas.
Veteran Pro Bowler Emmanuel Sanders took over as the top receiver in Thomas' absence, but has always been more effective as a number 2 receiver. Sanders was released this offseason. The Saints expect big steps up from young wideouts Deonte Harris and Marquez Callaway, who have each shown great promise. They also hope to get some production from disappointing 2018 draft choice Tre'Quan Smith or former UDFAs Lil'Jordan Humphrey or Juwan Johnson.
Full Story - SI
