2014 NFL Draft: Day 2 Players the New Orleans Saints Should Target on Offense

Derick E. Hingle- USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL Draft is just on the horizon and the New Orleans Saints can always use some weapons to spice up that high-powered offense.  Let’s take a look at some potential prospects that the Black and Gold should consider selecting in day two of the 2014 NFL Draft…

Dri Archer, RB/WR, Kent State

Archer made his name know at the NFL scouting combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.26 seconds, falling short of Chris Johnson’s record.  In 2013, he led Kent State with 982 total yards and 11 touchdowns.  Archer stands at 5’8” and has many similar characteristics to that of former Saints’ RB Darren Sproles.  Could he be that speedy replacement in the backfield that New Orleans is looking for?

De’Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon

Thomas is another guy that could be of assistance to the Saints with the departure of Darren Sproles.  During his time at Oregon, he showed excellent ball-vision and cutback ability.  Thomas is a guy who has down-field speed making him a dangerous option, not only in the backfield, but in the return game as well.  During his junior season last year, he rushed for 594 yards on only 96 carries (6.2 avg) and had 22 grabs for 246 yards (11.2 avg).  Thomas also managed to find the end zone 10 times (8 rush, 2 receiving and 1 punt return) in 2013.  Due to his size at 5’9”, De’Anthony may slide down the draft board and be available to New Orleans on day two.

Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU

I am not quite sure if Landry will fall to the third round, but some project he may.  Jarvis was part of the top receiving duo in the country at LSU in 2013 alongside Odell Beckham Jr.  He put up ridiculous numbers in 2013; Landry pulled in 77 catches for 1193 yards and 10 scores.  While he may not have the height and bulk (which is why he may slide down the draft board), Landry possesses the hands and ups to make the spectacular catch.  He could be an excellent slot receiver and has the potential to be a zone coverage nightmare.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Standing at 6’3″, Jordan Matthews leaves Vanderbilt as the SEC’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards (112 receptions, 1477 yards and 7 touchdowns last season).  He is a big target for quarterbacks, a good route runner and competes with toughness.  Matthews would be a nice compliment to the height that TE Jimmy Graham and WR Marques Colston bring to the table.  He is another guy the Saints should could keep an eye on, if he falls to day two of the draft.

Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger brings size and phenomenal arm strength to the draft. He is a little heavy-footed and takes a while to get rid of the ball, but as a pure pocket passer, learning and molding behind Drew Brees would be ideal for the LSU Tiger and for the Saints. Mettenberger finished the 2013 season off completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,082 yards (third in LSU history to pass for 3,000 yards), 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. After going out with a bang at today’s pro day, Mettenberger should rise up the draft board. Grabbing him in the third round is still a possibility for the Saints.

Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis have a lot to decide on come draft day.  It will be exciting to see what they have up their sleeves.