With the draft coming up, Kevin Patra of NFL Network went through all the teams in the NFC and suggested one move for each to make. For the New Orleans Saints, Patra said that they need to add another offensive playmaker.
Patra actually distances himself from the idea of the Saints drafting a running back. It would help the offense, he said, "but for Shough to take the next step, the Saints should acquire another wideout." He also noted that Chris Olave was all by himself after the Rashid Shaheed trade, with the closest receiver to him in terms of stats being Devaughn Vele, who was 870 passing yards behind Olave.
He ends it by saying that the Saints should get another speedy receiver. However, it might actually benefit the team more if they draft or sign someone who is more of a contested-catch kind of guy, something New Orleans hasn't really seen since Michael Thomas.
Tyler Shough reuniting with Chris Bell could be the magic pairing the Saints need
The Saints might not be so quick to jump on a receiver in the first round because of other talent that may or may not be available, but thankfully, they don't need to be. There are plenty of wide receivers for the Saints to choose from this April. One of them is Louisville's Chris Bell, who is projected to go in the second round in 2026. Described as "punishing" specifically in a contested catch situation in his scouting report, Bell could be the exact type of receiver the team needs.
Bell is also familiar with Tyler Shough, with the two having connected during Shough's senior year at Louisville back in 2024. Those two would probably need less time to get some chemistry going than if the Saints drafted a receiver from another school.
Bell's improved year after year during his four years in college. He finished with only seven receptions for 105 yards as a freshman. The next year, he jumped to 29 receptions for 407 yards and two touchdowns.
His Junior year is where Bell began to truly ascend. He recorded 43 receptions for 737 yards and four touchdowns. Bell would put the cherry on top during his senior year this year, gathering 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns before his season was cut short due to a knee injury.
Even with the recent knee injury, the reasons for the Saints to not draft Bell are few and far between. He's improved each year, he has chemistry with Shough, and he could very well be available by the time the Saints' second pick, the 42nd overall, rolls around.