What should the Saints expect from rookie wide receiver Bub Means?

All offseason, it’s been clear that the New Orleans Saints needed to add to the wide receiver room. They did in free agency with the signing of Cedrick Wilson, but the team was still expected to go after top receiver prospects in the draft. Ultimately, the Saints finished the 2024 NFL Draft with just one receiver selected.

In the fifth round, with the 170th pick, New Orleans selected Bub Means out of Pittsburgh. Means also attended Louisiana Tech and Tennessee. Now with the Saints, Means will fight for a roster spot, and probably will be asked to contribute as a rookie.

Will Bub Means be able to help the Saints as a rookie?

Bub Means finished his college career with 90 catches for 1,552 yards and 10 touchdowns in 36 games. His best season was last year, catching 41 receptions for 721 yards and six touchdowns. In addition to his college production, he had a solid day at the scouting combine, measuring in at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, while running a 4.43 40-yard dash, with a 39.5” vertical. Means also jumped 10’2” in the broad jump and benched pressed 225 pounds 19 times.

His strength, speed, and explosiveness were no surprise, as he is considered a physical receiver that can make big plays. However, he was a fifth-round pick for a reason, meaning he has a lot to work on. The question, though, is if he’ll be able to contribute early while working on those things.

With a wide receiver room that is looking for playmakers after Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the Saints need someone who can come in and consistently contribute. Second-year receiver A.T. Perry could end up being the third guy or it could be Means. Simply put, it’s too early to know for sure. However, just last season, Puka Nacua once again showcased that a late-round receiver could immediately be a star.

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