Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The 2026 NFL Draft presents the best opportunity for the New Orleans Saints to get another pair of hands involved at wide receiver. The position got a boost last year with the preseason trade acquisition of wideout Devaughn Vele along with the stellar play of Chris Olave.
Despite the combination of Olave and Vele paying dividends in 2025, there is still a perceived need at the position going into the offseason.
New Orleans could benefit from adding more talent to the room regardless of archetype. The NFL Draft crop offers physical X-receiver options, yards after catch threats, speedy field-stretcher and sure-handed safety blankets. The Saints would have no shortage of routes to add talent to the position.
X-Receiver Options
These options include first-round wideouts like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. Another option could be found in Day Two with a pass-catcher like Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II.
These players are trusted to line up as a split end on the weakside with no slot receiver by their side with a route tree that spans all three levels. Each of these players also has the ability to move inside and run routes from the slot.
Yards After Catch
While Tyson checks this box, as well, from a north and south standpoint, Georgia’s Zachariah Branch and UConn’s Skyler Bell present the most dynamic yards after catch receivers because of their elusiveness and speed.
Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
6’ , 185 lbs• 101 catches (2nd among ‘26 WR class)
• 1,278 receiving (1st)
• 12.7 YPC
• 13 TDs (T-3rd)
• 835 YAC yards (1st)
• 50 1st down catches (T-1st)
• 15 Forced missed tackles
⭐️ ‘25 All American+ Smooth YAC Demon. Solid football build
+… pic.twitter.com/hCgO5PjcEQ— 4MR Fetti 🫡💙🖤 (@trappanthers) February 13, 2026
Were he to fall into the second round, Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion would be a home run addition for the team.
Field Stretchers
New Orleans traded away one of its best downfield challengers, Rashid Shaheed, at the trade deadline. While Olave stepped into that role valiantly, adding another option wouldn’t be a bad practice. Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson’s speed is undeniable. USC’s Makai Lemon is another that could be a major addition in this category as a first-round selection. Lemon checks other boxes, as well.
Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson is one of the fastest player in the 2026 Draft and he’ll need to be at only 5’9 170 lbs
A true vertical threat who, despite his size, can beat press with his quickness and agility. When he was asked to run short/intermediate routes he showed… pic.twitter.com/557JcsvWyc
— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) February 8, 2026
Sure-Handed Safety Blankets
Every young quarterback could use multiple sure-handed options, especially those with an impressive catch radius. This is exactly what made Vele such a strong addition last year.
Indiana wideouts Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt both fit the bill. Sarratt has a mean-spirited playing demeanor that makes him a consideration for an X-receiver role at the next level. He’ll need to make strides as a separator, but his physicality at the catch point makes up for it. Underrated John Carroll University wideout Tyron Montgomery stands in this class, as well, while his draft stock continues to rise.
Regardless of the style of wideout the Saints choose to pursue, a pursuit worth their time, the team shouldn’t have much trouble finding talent to add in this year’s draft.
