2022 NFL Team Draft Page

Saints WRs floundered this past season. Their production was the worst in the Sean Payton Era. Marquez Callaway led the team with a mere 698 Yds and 6 TDs. The squad ranked 29th in the NFL in passing yards per game (197.9) and last in completion percentage (58 %). Plus, the receiving squad owns a distant last place in the NFL for combined receptions by receivers and TEs (11.875 per game).

Late in the season, our DraftTek Big Board analysts fell into a debate over which Ohio State receiver was better, Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson? It was a close call... Wilson's reception % is 69.8, with 15.7 ypc and 11 TDs. Olave owns a 65.2 reception %, 14.6 ypc, and 13 TD. Contested catch rate: Olave (8 of 13) 65.1% betters Wilson's (4 of 7) 57.1%. However, when it comes to Missed Tackles forced, Wilson (17), the heavier WR, broke more tackles and won the battle over Olave (4). But, Olave is a smooth criminal. The Saints were smart to trade up to steal him.

Grade: A-

~DatBudMan, Saints Analyst

Northern Iowa's Trevor Penning is a massive and physical run-blocker who is not afraid to get nasty. He will He dominated his MVFC opposing competition with regularity. PFF graded him a 99.9 run-blocking grade. Click here to check him out at the NFL combine, where he scored the fifth-fastest 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash among linemen (1.65), despite weighing in at 325 pounds. Players his size should not move the way Penning can. He has an excellent pre-snap bend to set up his initial poo on contact to win leverage. At this stage, fleur-de-lis fans should not expect Penning to be the next Terron Armstead. He needs to work on his technique and reduce his holding penalties. But, with the all QBs on the draft board, the Saints - and let's face it, a Drew Brees replacement would be nice - were excited to grab the OT.

Grade: C

~DatBudMan, Saints Analyst

Alontae Taylor is a versatile player who can play both CB and Safety. He has fluid hips, good vision, and can beat the receiver to the catch point.

At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.36 in the 40 and at his Pro Day scored a 39 VJ & 11-1 BJ. That combination typically proves burst that bodes well for his career. He was also a special teams standout for the Volunteers.

Grade: B