Diving deeper into the Saints’ 2021 NFL Draft class
Saints Draft: Round 7, Pick 255 – WR Kawaan Baker, South Alabama
Finally, the Saints selected a receiver! It might have taken until their last pick to dose, but at least they didn’t come away empty-handed! Coming out of South Alabama, Kawaan Baker wasn’t a very well-known prospect, but he did demonstrate production from the slot.
New #Saints WR Kawaan Baker gives the team a new option in the slot.
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) May 1, 2021
Baker spent 78.0% of his WR snaps lined up inside.
He also presents a threat after the catch, averaging 7.1 YAC per reception for his college career.
Baker forced 16 missed tackles on 51 catches in 2020. pic.twitter.com/vHMiHDAtCL
Forcing missed tackles and creating yardage after the catch are two statistical indicators of future success, so perhaps Baker can exceed his draft position in New Orleans. For the most part, he appears to be limited to the slot and doesn’t have a strong track record of dominant production, which you’d hope at a small conference, but he’s a classic Sean Payton receiver; productiveness front he slot and the versatility to be utilized on screens and as a runner (251 rushing yards as a sophomore).
I know he’s a seventh-round pick, but, hey, his model projection is similar to Darnell Mooney’s as a prospect, and the former fifth-round pick was a very productive player for the Bears last year. Perhaps Baker can follow a similar path!
Grade: B
Model Rank: 304 (+49)