The New Orleans Saints entered the offseason with a clear priority, surround second year quarterback Tyler Shough with more talent to accelerate his development. They've added Travis Etienne and David Edwards but no receiver yet. Shough has already built strong chemistry with All Pro receiver Chris Olave. The two are beginning to look like a quarterback-receiver tandem the franchise can build around for years to come, but it's not enough.
“While Chris Olave is a solid WR1, this team has no real depth behind him. After all, they traded Rasheed Shaheed just a few months ago and parted ways with Brandin Cooks midway through the 2025 season. While Devaughn Vele had his moments last year, this team could use another set of hands.” David Latham stated.
This years NFL Draft class features a deep and talented wide receiver class and with the New Orleans Saints clearly needing to upgrade the position, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them target a playmaker in the early rounds. Adding a young dynamic receiver could provide an immediate boost to the offense and give their passing attack much needed depth.
Wide receiver feels like the obvious first move for the New Orleans Saints in the draft
The New Orleans Saints have also shown that they want to improve key pass catching spot at tight end. The team signed Noah Fant to a two year $8.75 million deal to strengthen the room. He provides Tyler Shough with a dependable security blanket and pairs nicely with Juwan Johnson, who is coming off a career high in receiving yards. Together the duo gives the Saints more balance and versatility in the passing game.
“As far as tight ends go, Juwan Johnson has quietly established himself as one of the game’s better receiving tight ends. While nobody will confuse him with prime Travis Kelce or Rob Gronkowski, the former undrafted free agent has emerged as a solid threat in the receiving game. Johnson finished the 2025 campaign with 77 receptions for 889 yards and three touchdowns while catching passes from Shough and Spencer Rattler.”
Drafting a tight end early isn’t necessarily out of the question, but with a solid group already in place the Saints appear to have more pressing needs elsewhere. Given the lack of proven depth at wide receiver behind Chris Olave, the smarter investment would likely be adding another dynamic pass catcher on the outside.
Players like Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon are popular receivers at the top of the draft. Everyone has an opinion on each prospect, but it may be the smartest move if the Saints like one of them.
If New Orleans wants to fully support their young quarterback and elevate the passing attack, prioritizing a wide receiver early in the draft feels the more logical decision.