2017 New Orleans Saints Draft Targets: Chris Godwin

Although the Saints traded away Brandin Cooks, they still have a very solid wide receiver corps. They very well could look to add another one to the mix in the upcoming draft. A guy that could fit the team really well is Penn State’s Chris Godwin, and today we take a look at what he could bring.

Measurables and Combine Results

• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 209 LBS
• Arm Length: 31 5/8”
• Hands: 9 1/8”
• 40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds
• Vertical: 36 inches
• Bench Press: 19 reps
• Broad Jump: 126.0 inches
• 3-cone Drill: 7.01 seconds
• 20-yard Shuttle: 4.00 seconds
• 60-yard Shuttle: 11.21 seconds

Analysis

Chris Godwin is one of the fastest rising prospects in the 2017 NFL draft, and for good reason. He has the speed you look for (4.42), and he understands how to use his size and athleticism to his advantage when going up against defensive backs.

While many see Godwin as a deep threat, he actually showed the ability to run a different variety of routes in college, both on the outside but also across the middle where he was used frequently at Penn State.

Another part of Godwin's game that really stands out when you turn on the film is his aggressiveness in the run game. He fights on every play to hold his man, and he makes sure to avoid holding calls despite being aggressive.

What Godwin struggles with is his catching. Yes, he makes some great contested catches, but he also fails to make the easy ones. That can't happen in the NFL, especially with Drew Brees throwing to you, and Godwin will have to work hard to correct those issues.

Underneath, you’ll see the tape that has Godwin rising on the draft boards.

How he fits with the Saints

The Saints traded Brandin Cooks, and while they went out and signed the speedster Ted Ginn, he is hardly a long-term solution. Brandon Coleman has potential to be a solid player, but has yet to show he can fill out a bigger role.

Drafting another young receiver would make sense for the Saints, and Godwin could be just the guy. With his speed, they could insert the shot-plays into the offense Sean Payton loved to run with Cooks or even use him in a "Colston" role playing across the middle of the field.

He could also be a valuable piece in the running game. The Saints already have two above average blockers in Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman. Adding another guy like Godwin could make the offense less predictable and make them even stronger when it comes to blocking for Mark Ingram.

Wide receiver might not the biggest need for the team, but we all know Payton loves to add weapons to his offensive system. Godwin gives the team a rare blend of speed and size, and he could help out a lot in the running game. At most, they would have to spend a 2nd round pick on him, but it could very well be worth it.