NFL Draft 2019: New Orleans Saints full mock draft

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Stanford Cardinal wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) catches a 4-yard touchdown pass over Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Julian Love (27) during the college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Stanford Cardinals on September 29, 2018, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 2 – Pick 62

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford

This is the only Saints pick inside the top-100. In fact the next time the Saints pick is at the tail end of the fifth round with pick 168. That makes this a very crucial selection for this team. They are clearly in win-now mode and need to select someone that can help them.

There are a variety of directions they can go with this pick. New Orleans could opt for a corner to compliment Marshon Lattimore. However a mid-season trade for Eli Apple allows them to hold off on that as the former first round pick played well in his new home. The signing of Jared Cook took pressure off having to grab a tight end in this draft as well. Interior offensive line is another spot where they could look to upgrade. Nick Easton is good enough that they do not have to reach and their guards held up fine last season.

The biggest hole on the roster remaining is another receiver opposite star Michael Thomas. Stanford’s J.J. Arcega-Whiteside would be the perfect compliment. It has been impressive to see Drew Brees work with Thomas and the collection of other players at the receiver position. Ted Ginn, Tre’Quan Smith, Austin Carr and Cameron Meredith are the “others” on the roster. None are at the level that Arcega-Whiteside could hit if he reaches his potential.

Arcega-Whiteside is a type of player that Brees has thrived with in the past. He’s a big bodied receiver who runs nuanced routes. His strong hands and high point ability make him a nightmare when the field shrinks in the red zone. He’s also the type of receiver that is not going to let a defensive back body him, he will win at the catch point whether it is over or through a corner.

This pick is not just about a win-now mode, which it would benefit. Selecting another receiver allows whoever eventually takes over for Brees to have a better collection of talent around them and an easier transition. The Saints should have a good crop of receivers to choose from with this pick but Arcega-Whiteside would be the best of the bunch.

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