By Ross Jackso
We’ve looked at several possibilities as to how the New Orleans Saints could address adding a big-bodied, physical wide receiver to their room. From the draft, which came up short at the position, despite having targets, to the free agent market.
What if the answer for a team loaded with speed at receiver is that its physical pass catcher is already on the roster? That’s the potential that comes with second-year pass-catcher Bub Means.
Rattler to Bub Means. Both of their first TD’s pic.twitter.com/MqVkjiur7c
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) October 13, 2024
Means was drafted last year out of Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Means is one of the biggest receivers in his position group, arguably the biggest. Only Kevin Austin Jr. (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) compare, each weighing less.
While the former Pitt wideout wasn’t the contested catch machine one might assume a big-bodied presence needs to be during his college days, he reeled in 47.9% of his contested opportunities, catching 19 of 40 such targets. You could compare that to former Saints wideout Michael Thomas (6-foot-3, 212 pounds.) who caught 60.4% (99/164) of his contested opportunities, per Pro Football Focus.
For what it’s worth, though, after working with wide receivers coach Keith Williams in 2024, Means could make strides there. He dealt with injury throughout his rookie season last year, but brought in a pair of contested targets against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week six. He charted a stat line of five receptions, 45 receiving yards, and a touchdown catch in that contest.
Continuing to improve in those kinds of areas has been exactly Means’ focus this offseason. During Super Bowl week, he spoke on the Saints’ podcast about his desire to prove he can play more than the one role he was often asked to play in college.
“I want to be able to show y’all (that) not only am I a deep threat,” he said. “But I can take screens and short routes to the crib too.”
Means has already been working hard this offseason. He was among the pass-catchers that met with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough for a throwing session at Tulane University not too long ago.
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As he builds chemistry with his passers and develops his own game further, he could end up being the solution to the Saints’ big-man problem, if they can’t solve it on the open market. Means has all the talent, confidence and positivity that’s necessary. How he just has to funnel that into taking advantage of what could be a career-changing opportunity.
