Fansided

2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Saints could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Drew Brees #9 speaks with head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Drew Brees #9 speaks with head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
K.J. Hamler, Penn State Nittany Lions
K.J. Hamler, Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. K.J. Hamler

Hamler doesn’t have the size to be a consistent outside wideout in the NFL, but his game is tailor-made to produce yards in the slot. That’s just where he could blossom in Payton’s offense.

He may not have the world-class speed that Ruggs does, but he can still burn opposing defenders with his foot speed. He arguably has more wiggle in terms of his route running and ability to create space after the catch. The key to unlocking Hamler’s potential is to create plays where he’s presented with single coverage.

Whoever plays in the slot for New Orleans next season is going to see a ton of single coverage. In fact, they will see a ton of single coverage from safeties and linebackers. Hamler has the athleticism to torch that sort of mismatch.

It’s possible that Hamler will fall out of Round 1 entirely, but he’d be a really productive player right away for the Saints. He’s not their deal choice at No. 24, but he’s a terrific fallback option for Payton and his staff.

Home/New Orleans Saints