How the Saints can address their receiving corps to help Jameis Winston
Late-Round Draft Options
Dwayne Eskridge, Western Michigan: It came as a fifth-year senior, but Eskridge averaged 23.3 yards per reception this season, which was similar to his production in his third year. Age is something that teams will likely look at with him, as he’ll be almost 25 as a rookie, but he is a true deep threat and has shown the ability to succeed in that role.
Marquez Stevenson, Houston: Another Senior Bowl participant, Stevenson combined for about 2000 receiving yards in his sophomore and junior seasons, and also had added value as a rusher. We know how Payton loves offensive versatility, and out of the slot, Stevenson’s playmaking ability could make him a definite late-round target.
Tamorrion Terry, Florida State: Terry struggled last season, but he was playing injured and in a poor situation. Despite never having strong quarterback play, he posted 1188 receiving yards as a sophomore last year, and strictly runs a vertical route tree. At 6’4″ and sub 4.50 40-yard dash speed, he’s a strong fit with Winston.
Nico Collins, Michigan: Collins didn’t play this season, and is similar to Terry; he was used as a deep threat and profiles like that at the next level with his 6’4″ frame and contested-catch skills.
Anthony Schwartz, Auburn: Schwartz is a legitimate track star, which explains his 4.26 40-yard dash at his pro day. His production wasn’t great in college, but he was a true weapon after the catch.
Trevon Grimes, Florida: Grimes is a big-body (6’4″, 218 pounds) threat with noticeable abilities after the catch. That in it of itself should be appealing.
Jalen Virgil, App State: Virgil didn’t ever have a major role at App State, but has played multiple roles within their offense and offers value with the ball in his hands. He definitely fits as a big-play threat.
Marlon Williams, UCF: The fact that it took Williams until his senior year to produce is concerning, but he did post 1039 yards. At 6’0″, 215 pounds, he uses his physicality to break tackles, as his clear with his scouting report and production, and profiles as a bigger slot option.
Simi Fehoko, Stanford: Fehoko didn’t play much at Stanford, but averaged 18.5 yards per reception and is an absolute physical freak: 6’4″, 227 pounds, and a 4.37 40-yard dash. Whether it’s working down the field or making plays with the ball in his hands, there is a lot he can offer and projects to be a strong complementary option in the right situation.
Michael Starchan, Charleston: Starchan is an unknown coming out of Charleston, but he is 6’5″, 227 pounds, and ran a 4.46 40-yard dash. He’s as much of a blind low-risk bet as there is.
Other slot weapons: Cade Johnson Jr., JD Speilman, and Jaelon Darden are all slot players who have performed well after the catch. If the goal with Winston is to get him to throw more high-percentage passes, their separation skills would certainly help.