Fansided

3 sleepers Saints drafted who could become stars

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish takes the snap over the defense of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish takes the snap over the defense of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 29: Kawaan Baker #15 of the South Alabama Jaguars is brought down in the fourth quarter by Zyon McGee #21 of the Georgia Southern Eagles on October 29, 2020 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 29: Kawaan Baker #15 of the South Alabama Jaguars is brought down in the fourth quarter by Zyon McGee #21 of the Georgia Southern Eagles on October 29, 2020 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

2. WR Kawaan Baker (South Alabama)

One year after setting a new NFL record with 149 receptions in a season, it was an 2020 for wide receiver Michael Thomas. The 2016 second-round pick from Ohio State was off the charts his first four seasons, snaring a combined 470 passes for 5,512 yards and 32 scores. He earned three Pro Bowl invitations and two All-Pro nods.

After missing just one game in during his first four years in the league, the 6-foot-3, 212-pound target – who restructured his contract this offseason (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com) – played in only five contests and caught 40 passes for 438 yards and zero TDs. He caught a touchdown pass in the playoff win over the Bears but was targeted four times and failed to come up with a reception in the divisional round loss to the Bucs.

Running back Alvin Kamara led the Saints with 83 catches. Emmanuel Sanders was second with 61 grabs but he was released and inked a deal with the Buffalo Bills. Tight end Jared Cook led the club with seven TD grabs but he was cut loose and is now with the Chargers.

Shades of Marques Colston. He was the 252nd overall pick in the 2006 draft and is the franchise’s all-time reception leader. That’s not necessarily a prediction when it comes to South Alabama’s Kawaan Baker, the 255th selection this year. But a combined 26 rushing and receiving touchdowns certainly bears a look.

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