New Orleans Saints mock draft after massive trade with Eagles
By Najy Masri
812. . Wide Receiver. Buckeyes . Chris Olave. 18. player
Round1: Pick 19 – Chris Olave, WR (Ohio State)
After striking out in free agency to address the wide receiver position opposite Michael Thomas, the Saints capitalize on the Ohio State connection once more to select Chris Olave. The Buckeye product caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns this season alone and set the all-time record for career touchdown passes in Ohio State history.
The selection of Olave would resonate with Michael Thomas, whom Olave refers to as a mentor during his college playing days at OSU.
Here’s Ohio State WR Chris Olave on his relationship with #Saints WR Michael Thomas, his meeting with the organization this week, and what it would be like to play in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/argAet6eHj
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) March 2, 2022
Olave would finally settle the WR2 position in New Orleans for years to come.
49. player. 403. . Offensive Tackle. Chippewas . Bernard Raimann
Round 2: Pick 49 – Bernard Raimann, OT (Central Michigan)
The loss of Terron Armstead in free agency to the Dolphins left a huge void both on the offensive line and in the locker room. In the second round, the Saints could nab his heir apparent in Bernard Raimann out of Central Michigan.
Raimann posted an incredible Relative Athletic Score of 9.87, mirroring the athleticism displayed by Armstead in his impressive 2013 NFL draft and pushing Raimann up draft boards. The Saints have had success in past drafts selecting offensive lineman from non-Power 5 schools, such as Armstead, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod.
In addition, Raimann’s selection would ultimately allow James Hurst to resume his swing tackle role as well as be an option as an interior lineman replacement if Cesar Ruiz continues to fail to live up to draft expectations.