Chris Olave had the best season of his career — the second-team All-Pro came off a concussion-shortened 2024 season to post career highs in receptions (100), yards (1,163) and touchdowns (nine). But New Orleans’ projected second, third and fourth receivers — Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks and Devaughn Vele – were traded (Shaheed), released (Cooks) or injured (Vele) by the end of the year.
Also, the running back room was ravaged by injuries to Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and Devin Neal.
Adding skill position help for Shough may be a draft priority, Jeremiah said.
“I like the young tackles that they have,” Jeremiah said of the Saints. “That would be a great decision to have, if you have a guy like (USC receiver) Makai Lemon there and then (Notre Dame running back) Jeremiyah Love. (Lemon) would give you easy completions for a young quarterback, he can work in the middle of the field. He’s tough – he can help you out if you need him to dig out a linebacker in the run game as well. I don’t know that there’s a wrong answer. Jeremiyah Love is someone who can impact the passing game as well as a true home run hitter.”
“I’ve always said don’t take a running back in the first (round),” Kiper said. “But I keep screaming to people: You don’t grade a player based on a philosophy, you grade them on ability. Well, on ability, (Love) is the second-best player in this draft.
“He can do so many things — you could put him out in the slot, wide, great hands, great receiver. He’s kind of like (former Saints running back) Reggie Bush was, only bigger. You think about where we are right now in terms of a (Falcons running back) Bijan Robinson and that grade. Very similar. This kid can do so many things, he’s an explosive play waiting to happen.”