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New Orleans Saints: Way too early roster projection on offense for 2021

By Darral Nail

Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) gestures with offensive guard Cesar Ruiz (51) after scoring his fourth touchdown of the game in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) gestures with offensive guard Cesar Ruiz (51) after scoring his fourth touchdown of the game in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints (Photo Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints (Photo Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints Wide Receivers (6):

  • Michael Thomas
  • Tre’Quan Smith
  • Marquez Callaway
  • Deonte Harris
  • Juwan Johnson
  • Kawaan Baker

In the wake of Michael Thomas’ injury-plagued 2020, one could almost forget the extent to which his presence fuels the Saints’ entire offensive approach. Having led the NFL in receptions in 2018, and receptions and receiving yards alike in the 2019 season, a return to form from Thomas in the upcoming season would be quite a boon for whoever emerges as the Saints quarterback.

While perhaps a bit miscast as a true number two receiver, Tre’Quan Smith has emerged as a reliable presence out wide and in the slot, and his continued development is likely also atop the wish list of team coaches.

Last year’s UDFA gem Marquez Callaway will look to build off of an impressive rookie campaign heading into 2021, and All-Pro return specialist Deonte Harris has proven his worth as a game-changer in the passing game as well, despite missing several contests in 2020 due to injury.

If the top four roster spots at receiver are mostly static, the final one(s) are anything but. In this scenario, I am giving the nod to Juwan Johnson over Lil’ Jordan Humphrey based primarily on his run blocking, although Humphrey offers more versatility at the position with his work in the slot.

Depending on how many pass-catchers the Saints choose to carry into the season, Johnson and/or Humphrey’s spot on the team could depend on the performance of 2020 seventh-round pick Kawaan Baker.

A sudden, explosive athlete with premium physical traits, Baker’s value as a kick returner could help tip the roster scales in his favor.