New Orleans Saints: 3 Wide receiver additions to pair with Michael Thomas

Trade up to draft Henry Ruggs III

If there is one thing the Saints need desperately on offense, it is a viable deep threat. Ted Ginn Jr. had been playing the role as the Saints’ speedy downfield receiver for the past few years, but it appears he is past his prime. Ginn ranked 24th in deep targets and 60th in completed air yards among NFL wide receivers.

Rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs could be the perfect fit for New Orleans and revitalize a part of their deep passing game that has been missing since Brandin Cooks was shipped off to New England. Ruggs ran a 4.27-second 40 at the NFL Combine and placed above the 90th percentile in speed score and burst score. He is a versatile receiver who can create yards after catch and break tackles with ease.

While there are obvious downsides to Ruggs as a prospect, such as his injury history and lack of college production, he is likely one of the best compliments to Thomas’ all-around skillset. He would force opposing safeties to play deep and allow Thomas to take advantage of the open space in the middle of the field.

I would understand if the Saints want to wait for a comparable player like Jalen Reagor to fall to them, but Ruggs’ potential production and game-breaking ability is too enticing to pass up. If the Saints want to go all-in for one more season with Drew Brees under center, the rookie out of Alabama could help this offense shatter records.

Potential Trade: The Saints trade the 24th overall, 88th overall and a 2021 third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 14th overall pick (Henry Ruggs III)