2021 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints 7-round mock

The Saints did not get the Michael Thomas they needed this season.

Thomas was injured for almost all of the season, and when he finally came back for the playoffs it was clear he was not right. The Saints signed Emmanuel Sanders to fill the void they had behind Thomas, but it didn’t work out. He only put up 726 yards despite being the top target in the Saints’ offense for most of the season.

It’s clear the Saints need another receiving option. Kamara ended up leading the team in receiving yards. Jared Cook was demonstrably bad, yet he was still third on the team. As far as receivers, after Thomas and Sanders, it’s Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway. They drafted Smith three years ago, but he hasn’t developed like they would have hoped. It’s time to make a big move at receiver.

Terrace Marshall is not the highest-rated receiver in the draft. However, he’s someone with one of the best skill sets in the country and had to play on what was left of a National Championship team one year later. Ja’Marr Chase opted out of the season. His quarterback Joe Burrow was on the Cincinnati Bengals. Justin Jefferson was also in the NFL. The offense was a mess.

The Saints will see what Marshall really is. He’s a hidden gem in this draft. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kadarius Toney, and Tylan Wallace might go before him, but getting Marshall here is still going to be worth it in the long run. This is a “reach” but based on his skill set and what he will show in pro days, Marshall is going to drive up draft boards.