It was clear in the 2024 season that the New Orleans Saints need more wide receiver depth. Entering the year, everyone knew the Saints didn’t have much to offer after Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and that was on full display when they both went down.
New Orleans must try to prevent ending up in the same predicament next season, and that could start with taking a familiar approach in the draft: selecting Senior Bowl MVP Jack Bech.
Saints could have their eyes on Jack Bech
Accolades: Senior Bowl MVP, 2nd team All Big 12
2024 stats: 62 receptions, 1,034 yards, 9 touchdowns, 13 contested catches
Size: 6”1’, 212 pounds
Projection: Day 2
Jack Bech is a reliable, versatile receiver who thrives in contested catch situations. Bech had a breakout 2024 season at TCU, not reaching 500 yards in a season prior to this year. He may not be the most explosive receiver but makes up for it with his route running and ability to bring in 1-on-1 balls.
Bech dominated in Mobile, winning the Senior Bowl MVP. He tallied six catches for 68 yards and a game winning touchdown. The game wasn’t the only thing he impressed in; opposing defensive backs couldn’t guard Bech in practices. On the rare occasion cornerbacks were able to stay with him, he was still able to make the catch in traffic.
Bech excels at reeling in contested catches. He isn’t afraid of contact, actually the contrary, he will force contact while going for the ball, warranting a defensive penalty. It doesn’t matter if he’s about to get hit, his eyes stay on the ball until he completes the process. Bech plays bigger than his frame. It’s common for him to sky over a defender to catch it. This ability isn’t limited down the field. He is incredibly efficient bringing in contested catches in short-yardage situations to move the chains.
Defenders struggle staying with Bech due to his physical route running. The former Horned Frog isn’t afraid to initiate contact, especially when being pressed. He’s not above using a slight push off to create separation. Bech is a precise route runner, staying low and making quick cuts. He sets up his routes well, forcing the defender to make a choice, then capitalizing if they chose wrong.
It’s rare for Bech to drop a ball, he had only one in 2024. He is a reliable target for a quarterback in short-yardage situations. TCU had him often run curl routes right at the first down and were able to consistently hit him. Bech is a high IQ player as well, especially in zone. He knows where the gaps are in a defense and maneuvers when the quarterback is in trouble to find one.
Bech can be lined up anywhere for an offense. He has experience playing the slot, X, and Z positions. This will create advantageous matchups on smaller or slower defenders. An offensive coordinator will enjoy drawing up different sets for Bech to succeed in.
The biggest problem with Bech as a prospect is his lack of breakaway speed. He lacks the explosiveness to burn a defender deep. There have been many receivers who have excelled in the NFL that are much slower than Bech so it shouldn’t be a major deal.
Jack Bech is a physical route runner who thrives in contested catches. His MVP performance at the Senior Bowl has raised him up teams draft boards. The Saints are undoubtedly interested. He fills a need for a receiver and it doesn’t hurt that he’s following in Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler’s footsteps as MVP’s in Mobile.