Michael Thomas 2022 NFL Draft replacement options for the Saints
New Orleans Saints replacement options for Michael Thomas in 2022
3. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Michael Thomas was a stud wideout for Urban Mayer at Ohio State. Dipping into the Buckeye well again is a possibility for the Saints. It would be nice if the Saints could take Chris Olave, but the Saints are too good of a team to nail the unquestioned WR1. Garrett Wilson, who played alongside Olave, isn’t a consolation prize.
The junior wideout dominated the 2021 College Football season with 1,058 yards, 12 touchdowns, averaging 15 yards per catch. Wilson’s best trait is his ability to separate at every level. He does a great job selling fakes and sudden moves at the line of scrimmage. When given a cushion, he eats up space with ease. Once he’s hip-to-hip with a defensive back, he’s gone.
He’s a plug-and-play slot who makes does his best work underneath. Wilson runs crisp, quick route stems, showcasing his burst even on rounded routes. He understands how to set defenders up and stack them before stemming his routes. On screens and bubbles, he makes defenders miss in a phonebooth or open space.
Wilson fits ideally in an RPO-based offense where he can make plays on quick throws. He offers versatility as a boundary wideout, who can excel on deep especially with his insane leaping ability on 50/50 balls. Wilson has big-time potential with a skill-set and playstyle that resembles Chris Godwin (Buccaneers).
The Buckeyes wideout will hear his name called on Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft — let’s hope it’s by the Saints.