New Orleans Saints miss on Justin Jefferson is recent NFL Mock Draft

The New Orleans Saints may want hometown star Justin Jefferson, but it’s looking unlikely that he’ll fall to the 24th spot in the 2020 NFL Draft.

There aren’t many players that it feels like every New Orleans Saints’ fan would be happy with at No. 24. But, Justin Jefferson, a homegrown star from the national championship-winning LSU Tigers, would be the quintessential pick.

Sadly, in a recent mock draft by NFL.com’s Charles Davis, the Saints miss on Jefferson. It’s not that they don’t want the star receiver, but he’s drafted just a few spots ahead of their selection. Jefferson, in this mock, is the third receiver taken off the board.

However, Davis wouldn’t dare leave the Saints without another weapon for Brees in the first round. They just opted to head a different direction and choose from a different SEC powerhouse. Davis has them taking Henry Ruggs III from Alabama.

“If there is one thing the Saints’ offense needs, it’s a consistent outside threat to take pressure off All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas. Ruggs’ exceptional speed ( 4.27 40 at the combine) will scare all defenses and create space for other weapons in New Orleans’ arsenal,” Davis said of Ruggs and the Saints selection.

Ruggs is an excellent receiver that is extremely quick. Besides Michael Thomas, a receiver more known for his ability to finds gaps in the middle of the field, Ruggs III would help spread the field vertically for Brees and the Saints.

After Thomas put up an NFL record in receptions last season, it’s obvious that the team’s second and third-string receivers did not do their part. And, as it turns out, Thomas’ numbers proved that novel concept correct.

That’s why the Saints need some help, and while Jefferson, a player that racked up over 1,500 yards in 15 games this past season with superstar quarterback Joe Burrow as his signal-caller, is elite, he’ll be just one of several top-tier receivers in the draft.

This is a deep draft for threats on the edge. Although Jefferson may be the hopeful pick, he certainly isn’t the only option for the Saints in the first round.