Should the Saints go wide receiver in the 1st round of the NFL draft? Here are some options.

Currently, the Saints are scheduled to have five draft picks in 2020, selecting in the first round, third round, fourth round, fifth round, and sixth round. They pick 24th in the first round, 88th, in the third round, 120th in the fourth round, 152nd in the fifth round, and 184th in the sixth round. They gave up their second round pick to grab C Erik McCoy. They lost the seventh round pick in the trade for Eli Apple.

So here are some of our 1st round options at wide receiver.

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I’ll put Justin Jefferson in here because he’s the home town favorite and probably the best match to go along with our own Michael Thomas. It is maybe unlikely Jefferson would fall to the 24th pick so could the Saints trade up for him? They wouldn’t do that surely, yes I jest. Justin Jefferson ran a respectable 4.43, 40 yard dash, but lets be serious. His speed is not the biggest concern with Drew Brees expected to come back at QB. His physicality, and ability to gain yards after the catch are what we desperately need. He would be the perfect compliment to Thomas. Jefferson also posted a 37.5 vertical. Draft scout has him as the 4th ranked WR.

Chase Claypool would be a monster get with the 24th pick. His combine numbers were very good. He is 6’4”, 238 lbs, and still managed to run a 4.42. He benched 225, 19 times, and the big man had an impressive 40.5 vertical. He would also complement Thomas nicely.

Many of you want Henry Ruggs III. I don’t have a problem with his 5’11” height, I mean after all he had a 42 inch vertical. I am concerned with his 188 lb weight, playing and contesting balls for us in the NFL. He is a burner posting a 4.27 40 yard dash, but I’m personally not looking for a speed guy. I put him in here for those of you who voiced their opinions, but this one isn’t my guy.

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Most likely to be available with the 24th pick is USC wide receiver Michael Pittman. He is 6’4”, and 223 lbs. Ran a 4.52, 40, plenty fast enough for Drew Brees, and had a 36.5 vertical. Pittman finished his Senior season with 95 receptions for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Saints have other needs which they may choose to address with the 24th pick, but I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if they went with one of these candidates in the 1st round. They could trade back for more picks but know the Saints, history plainly says this is unlikely. You’ll notice a trend here. I’m after a guy to be the prefect companion to Michael Thomas, who Drew Brees could still actually manage to get the ball to. I’ll do other options in later rounds later.