There aren’t many teams that act less predictably than the New Orleans Saints when it comes to the NFL draft, but some consensus on what the Saints are planning could be building among those in the know. ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Jordan Reid recently published 2022 mock drafts keying in on New Orleans. While they disagreed on which prospect the Saints will spend their first draft pick on at No. 16 (Kiper likes Northern Iowa left tackle Trevor Penning, whereas Reid sees Mississippi State blindside blocker Charles Cross making it to New Orleans), both analysts are predicting that the Saints choose Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 19.
It’s easy to like that matchup. Williams broke out in a huge way for the Crimson Tide in 2021, dominating every opponent he lined up against while facing some of the toughest coverage assignments in the nation. He’s a big-play threat on every down and would add a couple of different new dimensions to the Saints offense – once he’s healthy. Williams is also recovering from ACL surgery in January and hopes to be cleared to play early as a rookie, maybe even getting some reps in training camp. And the Saints have an inside scoop on his recovery after hiring Alabama’s sports science director Matt Rhea, though by now every team should have a good idea of Williams’ medicals.
But what do these analysts have to say about Williams’ fit in New Orleans? Here’s what Kiper had to say about the match:
“Even if Michael Thomas comes back healthy, the Saints should address wide receiver with one of their two first-round picks. Williams would have been in the discussion to be the No. 1 wideout in this class, but he tore the ACL in his left knee in the national title game in January and could miss a little time in 2022. He could be a superstar once he’s healthy; he has explosive speed and was uncoverable for the Crimson Tide last season. ACL injuries aren’t even close to career-ending anymore, so I don’t see this as a risky pick. Williams is worth it.”
And here is the view on Williams joining the Saints from Reid:
“Williams would have been in contention to be the top wide receiver before he tore his ACL in the national title game in January. He has tremendous vertical speed that places stress on defenses. In need of a wide receiver, the Saints could bet on him overcoming the injury as he said at the combine that the injury will take “five to seven months” to overcome. Pairing Williams with Michael Thomas gives the team a dynamic outside duo.”
So what’s the deal here – is the Saints’ interest in Williams that obvious? Or is this just a coincidence? It’s clear that New Orleans needs an upgrade at receiver, and while the first round is flush with options this injury to Williams could push him down to their pick at No. 19. It’s probably just happenstance that both of these mock drafts from ESPN have the Saints picking Williams there, but if that helps speak it into existence you won’t hear me complaining about it.
