5 bold predictions for New Orleans Saints in 2021

4. The Saints will draft a No. 2 wide receiver

Thomas is firmly entrenched as the Saints’ No. 1 wide receiver, but the depth chart behind him isn’t blessed with overwhelming talent. That’s why New Orleans is going to use their first round pick on a new No. 2 wide receiver to help balance out their aerial attack.

Plenty of mocks believe New Orleans will go for a small, quick wideout capable of turning short throws into big games. Names like Elijah Moore and Kadarius Toney will be strongly linked with New Orleans right up until they make their selection.

The slightly more nuanced take is that New Orleans needs a bigger body capable of turning less accurate throws into completions. That’s why Rashod Bateman should be very high on the team’s draft-day wish list. His combination of size, speed, and body control gives him a chance to be a very productive rookie in New Orleans.

The Saints front office will have an opportunity to select any number of talented receivers when they go on the clock at No. 28. It’s imperative they land a guy who can help them right away and grow into an above-average starter in relatively short order.