Saints’ wide receivers key to young QB’s success

By Ross Jackson

With a young quarterback leading the way for the New Orleans Saints, success will be partly defined by the impact of the wide receiver room. 

As the quarterback looks to deliver, the receivers’ ability to create separation, showcase speed, and make plays will be just as crucial, if not more.

Thankfully for the Saints, they’ve succeeded in building quite a fast wide receiver room this offseason. Each receiver possesses the speed necessary to get open and make plays deep or in the open field. This position will be closely tied to the quarterback’s success and, in turn, the overall performance of the team.

Active Roster

• Chris Olave
• Rashid Shaheed
• Brandin Cooks
• Mason Tipton
• Trey Palmer
• Devaughn Vele

Practice Squad

• Cedrick Wilson Jr. 
• Kevin Austin Jr. 

After an injury-riddled season at the position, the Saints are hoping that their top talent stays healthy and available this year. Olave and Shaheed are poised for big years and the team did bolster its depth. 

Tipton shined all through training camp and the preseason, Cooks’ veteran experience and savvy is of solid value and the new additions in Palmer and Vele currently lift the tide at the position. 

New Orleans is reportedly set to host former USC star wideout Brenden Rice, son of NFL Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, for a workout. Adding him to the practice squad or active roster would be a smart move that provides another physical tone-setter for the roster.